Success!!!! It is no small secret that I have been freaking out a little bit about today’s race–you may know the drill–self-doubt, I didn’t train hard enough, what if I am terrible, I haven’t looked at my training schedule since week four, etc. etc. etc. I’m sure that my husband is happier that the race is over than I am.
I am here to report that I woke up this morning and finally convinced myself that I was going to have fun. I enjoy swimming and biking. I’ve done a fair amount of running, my husband and kids were at the race by 6:30am to cheer us on (if that isn’t love, I’m not sure what is), J went to Radio Shack’s in three states (well, two states and a hopeful state) to find the right battery for my bike computer (again, feeling the love), I slept well, etc.
Surprise, surprise, deciding to have fun and enjoy the race was actually a good thing– I (barely) placed in the top third of the women’s field and I was within five minutes of my pie-in-the-sky time goal, which was pretty great. Even better, I was able to train and race with a fabulous training partner and friend (Tricia is finally on flickr! Check out her latest quilt here). Thanks family, thanks T & family!
I learned a few things this time around:
- practice really does help–it is much easier to “sight” in the swim if you have done it a few times
- a good cyclist will beat a good swimmer every time
- even if you are a “good swimmer,” you will have an off day (that was me today, in case you wondered…I’m not sure if it was because of the crazy current/waves or what)
- it is hard to walk on the run when an older triathlete comes up behind you and says, “You can’t stop now. Start running. Run with me.” So, I did. And I was grateful.
- having a speedometer on your bike makes a huge difference
- you have to race your own race, and not panic when lots of people pass you on the bike
- we always run into someone we know at these races–today we ran into two people!
- Driving in crazy rain/thunderstorms with little kids is not very much fun, your little one may or may not eat her weight in smarties
- Finally, the hardest part of the day was carrying my little one right after the race–she thought she needed to be glued to me immediately, and I was tired!
Who is in next time? 
17 Comments
Way to go Kate! You rock finishing the race. Now its ready set go for the Summer Sampler QAL. Can’t wait to start on Monday.
So happy for you- congrats. Way to go.
Great job! That’s awesome
Sounds like you had a fulfilling day.
Wow!! You are AWESOME!! Swim, Bike and impress your followers
Congrats on a fantastic race!!!
Great job! Glad you had a good time, well done!
Congratulations!
We did a family triathalon one time for a family reunion, but we cheated and everyone did one leg. I can’t imagine doing all three–bravo for you!!
Elizabeth E.
http://occasionalpiece.wordpress.com
Good for you! What an inspiration! You must feel terrific that you finished, and finished well!
Congrats! Glad it went well, all things considered!
I’ve been waiting for your tri post
Congrats on the race! So many of your lessons learned are mine too, but the best one is just to go out and have fun.
Great job!
Congratulations girl!! That is wonderful! I am training for one next spring (I had an epic fail this spring. It was sad…) and you are a true inspiration!
Congrats!!! That is awesome! And having fun with it sounds like the best part of all. : ) You rock!
Oh pls don;t tell me a good cyclist beats a good swimmer every time! Swimming is harder!!
Congrats! I’m glad you were able to enjoy it!
ha ha, I love it when an “old fogey” has to cheer you on. Sometimes I pick an old person in front of me and just make it my goal to not let them get away from me even when I just want to stop and sit down on the side of the road! Maybe I’ll be able to do some races next year after this baby comes (3 more weeks!)
I am SO impressed! Way to go (especially the kid-holding part at the end). Are you going to The Sewing Summit? I’ve got to meet a woman who can do this!
good job. I am so excited that you did the race. I am so going to try and work on my running. Good tip about the speedometer on the bike. i never thought of that.
Good job! Kudos on coming so close to your time goal! You’re helping keep me enthused for the day when I have time to get back to du’s…and you know how valuable that motivation is.