Tinsel Triathlon...my version!

Let me start off by saying that it was FREEZING Sunday morning in Hemet….literally.  We woke up around 5:45 a.m. to 28 degree weather.  It had rained the night before and everything was covered in ice.  I woke up with a bad headache and popped some Aleve on the way to the race.  We arrived and got all marked up….and after a few hugs, we were off and running. 

The run went great…..I finshed the 5k in 35 minutes…my fastest run yet.  I was so surprised at my time….there were no mile markers on the race course so I didn’t have a clue where I was or how fast I was running.  I quickly ran through the transition area and hopped on my bike.  The last thing I heard was Kevin yelling to “hurry up”….and off I went.  The first mile was tough.  My legs started to feel so tired, and I was dreading the next 11 miles.  I just kept pedaling, and the legs didn’t fail me.  I completed the 12 mile ride in 52 minutes.  I am not a fast biker, so I was very happy with the time.  Coming into the transition area, my legs felt like jelly….so week and wobbly.  I was afraid to stop and put my foot down….I didn’t know if my legs would hold me up.  I grabbed onto the fence and slowly got off the bike.  I put my bike away….stripped down…and headed towards the pool.  The ground was cold on my bare feet (lesson #1….wear shoes) and I couldn’t feel my legs.  I tried to run, but I was afraid I’d fall so I walked to the pool. 

The swim was a DISASTER!!!  We were given strict instructions not to dive in the pool…we had to jump feet first.  I assumed that this was because it wasn’t deep.  I put my goggles on my forehead and jumped in.  I went down…and down…and down.  The pool was 13 ft. deep and I wasn’t prepared to go under water.  As soon as I hit the warm water, my calf cramped up.  I finally made it to the surface, but I was so scared.  I caught my breath and stretched out my calf.  I reached up for my goggles and they were gone! (Lesson #2…don’t jump in the pool with your goggles on!).  I looked down and couldn’t find them.  I ended up having to swim without the goggles…which meant I couldn’t tell where I was or who was around me.  I ended up dog paddling and side stroking most of the way…not because I was too tired to swim…just so I could see.  I finally zig zagged my way across the pool, and out I climbed.  What an amazing feeling!  It hit me…..I AM A TRIATHLETE!!!  My goal was to finish in under 1:50.  Final time….. 1:42:05!!!!!!!!  Needless to say, there were many tears at the end. 

I honestly had so much fun out there….and I can’t wait till February to do my second one.  This time I will take my lessons learned, as well as Monica’s (always carry a tire repair kit and KNOW how to use it), and I will show that pool I can conquer it.

WOW February huh...you go girl...

Yep....and it's local.  You should do it with Monica and I.  :-)

http://www.ci.los-alamitos.ca.us/racepage.html