In January my trainer at the gym convinced me and about 12 other women to sign up for the
Irongirl Triathlon. In January I looked at the website when I signed up and saw that I would be expected to swim 600 meters in open water, bike 18 miles on the road and run a 5K on the road. Even as I payed my entrance fee the idea of any of those 3 things was absolutely terrifying to me.
I started training, running every day and spin classes 2 days a week. I swam laps at the local pool feeling good about my progress. I trained inside in the safety and comfort of the gym and the pool! As the snow melted the realization that I would have to venture outside started to creep into my consciousness. I bought a bike, a helmet, a great pair of running shoes and a new iPod. I was prepared for the real world. Of course my real world consisted of bike rides on the canal or the lake, 2 places restricting cars. Just the idea of riding on the road was freaking me out.
My friend Mandy, who I talked into doing the triathlon, has been training like a mad woman. She has been running in the morning outside she has been swimming at the lake and going on crazy bike rides with her husband. To be honest if it wasn’t for Mandy I would have given up, I am really glad that I talked her into this! A few weeks ago Mandy called me on the verge of tears at 8:30PM. She had joined the CNY Triathlon Club and she had just completed a practice triathlon. I was so proud of her but completely intimidated especially since I was literally sitting on the couch with my feet up eating something I shouldn’t be eating. She spent 2 weeks talking me into joining the club.
Last night was my first practice triathlon. I picked up Mandy and we drove out to Oneida Lake. I was terrified. The thought of swimming in open water was terrifying to me. I have been biking in the mornings so I wasn’t too worried about the bike ride especially since it was only going to be 8 or 12 miles. I have completed a few 5K’s and although they were stand alone and not following swimming and biking I know I can run them. We got to the Lake!!!! There were at least 100 people there mostly women. A very wide range of body types and levels of abilities which was comforting and scary at the same time. I set up my transition area and listened to everyone around me hoping to soak up whatever knowledge would get me through this practice. We covered our feet with duck tape to protect them from the sharp rocks and zebra mussels at the bottom of the lake. I will not lie when I tell you looking out at the buoys that I was suppose to swim around was frightening. We lined up along the shore and listened to the instructions and then it was time to get into the water. I took 2 steps in and almost gave up. I looked at Mandy and said “OMG I can’t do this! This water is so disgusting!” There was seaweed everywhere the bottom was so slimy and gross I honestly was not sure I could get into the water. My entire body was skeeved out. Mandy just looked at me and laughed. When they yelled GO I went but I wasn’t happy about it. I have to be honest I don’t know how I did it but I swam 600 meters in 15 minutes. I think I just wanted to get out of the water. I didn’t drown but I also could not put my face in the water I was just too grossed out. But I made it!!! On to the bike.
I dried off and put on my socks, shoes and helmet and started peddling. The course was 8 or 12 miles and when I started out my plan was the 12 miles. Well, I know I have mentioned before that I am cheap or frugal however you want to look at it. When I started this training and found out how expensive bikes were I gagged. Since I wasn’t planning on winning anything or even making triathlons an everyday affair I went with a Hybrid Bike instead of a Road Bike. Now I love my bike, it is great for riding with my kids and my husband but it clearly is the wrong bike for this race. I was like a grandma out there. All I heard for 40 minutes was “Passing on the left.” I finished the first loop and headed back. I was very frustrated I feel like I am putting out so much effort and going nowhere. It feels like I am riding through molasses. I came down the hill to the transition area completing my 8 miles and I honestly felt like I was done. I got off the bike and my legs really were fatigued I wanted to quit. I took off my helmet took a drink of water and started walking up the hill again. I got to the top and just said to myself just try run as far as you can. I reminded myself this was a practice.
I started my run slow and stead. It was a beautiful night and we were running right along the lake. It was about 7:30 and the sky was amazing. There was a slight breeze and the temperature was perfect. I found that unlike the bike I was the one passing during the run. I started to get my confidence back. I made it to the turn around and I was still feeling good. I even greeted several residences as I ran. As I looked out over the lake the sun was low in the sky and the view was breathtaking. I had about a mile left and I found myself sending up a prayer of thanks. I was praying out loud thanking God for the strength of my body and spirit, for the beautiful night and the supportive people around me. I prayed and prayed thank you for helping me through this thank you for keeping me on this track even though I wanted to give up. As I prayed I started to cry I was almost done with something I never thought I would do. I am 38 years old and as a kid I couldn’t even run the mile at school, I never played sports and the thought of sweating too much annoyed me. Yet here I was completing what to me was my first triathlon. I ran all the way to the end and I felt great! Yes I was covered in lake slim and sweat I had cuts all over my feet and I smelled bad. But I did it! I have a long way to go to get to the actual race the bike ride is by far the hardest thing I have ever done. But I know I can do it. I just wish they would bring in a pool cause honestly that lake is nasty!
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