She Swims, She Bikes, She Runs...

She finishes her very first triathlon!!!

Sunday, July 25th I completed my first triathlon in Waco...the Tri Waco. The distances were a 1/4 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike, and 3.45 mile run. I completed it in 1 hour, 35 minutes. And you know what, it was a blast. I really felt like for the first time I took the training seriously and I did it and I didn't really feel tired afterwards (though I didn't have trouble taking a nap, or falling asleep on the couch at 9pm last night). But I felt physically able to do the race...that made me proud.

Let me first say thanks to God for giving me my physical abilities. I see alot of people who are in a wheelchair or because of an illness they become impaired in some way. I was grateful yesterday for my abilities and being able to use them because that is something I really enjoy.

Second, my husband has been so gracious and encouraging through this endeavor. He has let me exercise on nights, he has waited for me to get done before we go somewhere, he has pushed me when I didn't want to do anything, and he has reminded me that I want to continue to be healthy to spend forever with him and Matthew. What a feeling when I heard him everytime I came back to the transition station and heard him yelling for me and encouraging me. Plus, he took pictures, encouraged me, and entertained Matthew while I did it. You rock babe!

Thirdly, I'll thank Team McKown. These are various people along the way that have been instrumental in my training and encouraging me along the way. My parents...from when I was a kid they have ALWAYS!! been at any event I've competed in, and I didn't realize until I was older how important that was for me. Yesterday was no exception as I saw them walking in at 6:45am!! to watch me do this. Thanks!!    Karen...your experience with triathlons is immense and I thank you for imparting that wisdom on to me. From gear, to transition setup, to just go get 'em attitude. Thank you also for taking the time to kayak while I swam in the Brazos, that truly took the anxiety out for yesterday. Jenny, thanks for your encouragement and wisdom. I also appreciate your time in allowing me to swim with you at the lake. What a relief on Sunday when you are parked right in front of me at transition, I knew I'd be alright then. And for many others that have said encouraging words, sent messages and just pushed me through..thanks!!  It takes more than just one person to do it.

And lastly, Matthew has been my inspiration all along for this event. I want to be a healthy mom for him and to be able to be active with him. He may be faster than his mommy, but at least I'll be out there with him. When you think about it Matthew was 3 days shy of being 9 months old on Sunday...meaning, I was big ol' preggo 9 months ago...and yesterday I completed a triathlon. That just shows you can committ something and if you have the right motivation, like a supportive hubby and stinkin' cute kid that you want to be around for, you can make it happen.

Let me share the day in pictures.
It started at 4:15 when I woke up...before the alarm went off.
I got to the race site about 5:45 and got my transition station all set up. I was pretty proud of that. They also marked my leg and arm with my number. I found myself proud of those. After that I wandered around and looked at the swim route and just anxiously awaited the race.
At 6:40 there was a race meeting explaining all the routes and rules, and David and Matthew showed up then as well.

Mommy, I'll just sit here and wait for you.

After the meeting, we promptly lined up for the swim to start the race. My heat was the second one and left at 7:03am. Here I am in my nice head gear.

And they're off....the swim begins...
I'm somewhere in there.  I found myself swimming more on the outside because I wasn't familiar. But then, I realized I was adding more distance and I gained confidence and moved in with everyone else. Good thing I shaved my legs because people were grabbing them, I got a few peoples feet as well.

1st Transition from swimming to biking. Putting my biking shoes on, helmet....

Getting my bike off the rack...

and we're off for the second leg...

Daddy, where did Mommy go???

Coming back in from the bike to the transition area...

Putting on my running shoes. I found that I was better prepared in transition than I thought I would be because after I got my shoes on I looked around like "There must be something I'm missing."

Headed out for the final leg...

and, SHE'S DONE!!!!

with the Finisher Medal.

What a day. And I will be doing one again. Now that I know what it looks like and feels like I think I could do better and be faster. I could have run a little faster this time but wasn't sure how much energy I needed to conserve. I'm glad I did it. Ironman maybe?!?!? No way! But maybe we'll do a longer length.