Number 326

In an effort to update my blog, I will tell you about something crazy I did on August 24th:


I completed my first triathlon ever just 7 days after my 40th birthday. I didn't want to blog about it when I was training for this triathlon last summer, because honestly I wasn't quite sure I could finish. I can't believe I am posting this picture either, however, you have to remember that was taken after 3 hours and 55 minutes, some of which was in the lake, and the latter of which was spent running in sweltering heat. So, I'll give myself a break on the 'au natural' look.

Last summer, my younger brother (by 8 years) started his first triathlons. He did a few in spring, and I'll admit that I got a little jealous. I wasn't necessarily jealous of 'him' I will just say that I was inspired by what he was doing, and I wanted some of the thunder. (Plus, my parents were giving him a lot of attention.) I had an generally adequate base for everything and just went with the attitude that the worst thing that could happen would be that I would have to quit somewhere along the race. It seemed like the worst case scenario of not being able to finish, wasn't that bad, and I went with the goal of wanting to finish with integrity and not be completely wiped out in the end.

I wish I had written about it a little sooner than this point (Feb 2014), as it would have been fresh in my mind. This triathlon was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, besides of course delivering two babies.

My foot gives me trouble, but it held out all summer up until the race and I hope I can be this blessed in 2014 because I want to do it again. I'm addicted now.

I ended up finishing most definitely in the latter part of the race, however, I was really proud that I did something so magnanimous. I felt like afterwards I could do pretty much anything.

The stats:

Long Course Distance (Olympic Distance Triathlon): .93 mile swim/ 24 mile bike/ 6.2 mile run

Number of Finishers : 315
Number of Females: 83
Number of Males: 227
Average time: 3:03:47

11/13 in my age group and total time: 3:55:53


Then, I did the Rec-Plex Triathlon the next month which I will tell you was about 1000x easier.

The stats:
The course: 500 meter swim/ 21 mile bike/ 5 mile run
Number of finishers: 236

12/16 in my age group and Finishing time: 2:45


* I am really hoping and praying that my foot holds out for next season as right now it is really hurting through the long, cold winter.