Tri Waco 2011

Sunday, July 24, I completed (heck yea!) the TriWaco. This was my second triathlon but first Olympic distance one. That is a 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike and 6 mile run. It all started for me at 4:45 when I got up and got ready. Little nervous.

My #1 fan

I got all set up at my transition station around 5:30 and then we had our race meeting at 6:30. I got a quick kiss from Matthew and David before I started at 7:20. I totally underestimated the swim distance...it wasn't hard but I just felt like I was swimming FOREVER AND FOREVER. So I got behind on my time there but caught up on the bike portion.

The bike was flat and quick but the wind caused me some problems at times. Mother Nature is a tough competitor.

When I got back from my bike, David and my Dad were there cheering me on. I was talking to them and said, "The next time I say to you I want to do one of these...please give me a drug test to see what I'm high on."

Off to the run.

The run was through Cameron Park and the hills are TOUGH. They will make any level of athelete breath a little harder and hurt a little more. I ran up one hill, because I told myself I would, and then walked uphill and ran the downhills and flats. I actually was stronger on the run that I thought I would be. It's hard to think you are doing well when you know your feet are moving but you're not sure you are going anywhere.

Once I saw the suspension bridge, aka Finish Line, in sight, I was giving it all just to get done.

And....I had this guy waiting for me at the finish line. Well worth it.

He got the best deal, got to wear the medal but didn't have to do a thing.

Official Time: 3 hours, 36 minutes.

And, yes, I do plan on doing it again next year. I also plan to do some Sprint distance ones throughout the year in order to keep in triathlon shape. I feel challenged, accomplished and healthy. Several people have asked what my motivation would be for something like this. Two things: 1) I love my family, David and Matthew, more than anything and I want to be around for them as long as possible. I want Matthew to have an example of "You can do whatever you put your mind to." And for him to know its good to push yourself more than you think possible.

2) At any moment I could have my physical abilities taken away from me and I want to be able to use this body I've been blessed with. I'm in good health and do not have any conditions that keep me from being active so I want to take advantage of that and keep as active as possible until I'm no longer able.

It was fun. It's over. I'm sore but I'll be back out there again. Thanks for all the texts, calls and coming out to support me. It meant alot to have people rooting me on.