Moe's Triathlon... 2 down, 2 to go

After a nasty flu virus-type week, I was thrilled on Sunday to feel well enough to participate in my second triathlon.

I was more nervous this time... partly due to the fact that I was less familiar with the scenery and didn't really know what to expect.  I wasn't really sure of the course, I had only swum in this pool once and I wasn't sure how I'd do with the added pressure of being timed.

I arrived at 7:30 to register, get my number and set up my transition area... and then I waited!  and waited!   My swim time wasn't until 10:30.   I was feeling anxious too because during my timed swim the previous week, I had swam 300m in 6min 35sec.   After 3 days in bed with not much to eat, I was pretty sure that I wouldn't be able to make that pace but we had already been assigned to groups based on our speed.  I was pretty sure I was going to get mowed over.  Also, I was the first heat in my lane.  Knowing that 3 other people would be hot on my heels didn't ease my anxiety.

Fortunately, I ran into a bunch of other Just Tri It women who were expressing equal thoughts and feelings.  This definitely reassured me.   After an hour or so of watching others swim and make the mad dash for their bikes, I was feeling ready.   Sort of.

I also gave myself a little talking to.   Firstly, to calm my spirit.  I said all the right stuff "it's only important that you do your best".. "if you feel like you're going to puke, it's okay to stop".. "remember to breathe and you'll be fine".  

And then there was the more stern talking to.  My number one goal in my life is to cultivate compassion, love and generosity towards others.  I reallllly want to be THAT person... the one who is selfless, kind and deeply respectful of humankind.   And I think I can be that... except that I am also fiercely competitive.   Sometimes I get hit by the competitive bug and become quite the opposite of who I want to be.   It's a struggle.  So my other talking to sounded a little like this "okay... if you are speeding along on your bike and someone in front of you wipes out, you WILL STOP and help them.  You WILL NOT keep going.  That would be WRONG and UNKIND."   I am SO glad that I didn't have to put that to the test.  I'm going to say that I have no doubt I would have stopped...

Anyway... about half way through the first length I started to panic and was pretty sure I was going to vomit.  I felt the woman behind me tap my foot (which indicates she wants to get by).  I paused at the end of the length to let her pass and then I was off again.  I felt completely uneasy.  I felt like I couldn't breathe.  I thought I was going to drown.  The voice in my head was shouting "oh no oh no oh no oh no".  I did the only thing I could think of to do... I started reciting from memory the 5th chapter of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (cuz after 21 years sobriety I've got that baby memorized).  By the time I reached the 12th step, my heart had stopped racing, I'd found my breathing rhythm and I was feeling like everything would be okay after all.   I finished my swim in 7min 23sec.  About 55 seconds slower than my practice but I was okay with that.

My transition to bike went much smoother this time.  I didn't get caught in my pant leg cuz I'd chosen different pants this time... ones that were a little more loose fitting and easier to pull on over wetness.   The bike part is my favorite.  I love my antique roadbike... it is super fast.  I would love love love to get the clip shoes and pedals but I've already spent more on this obsession that I should.  I just think.. I'm so super fast with my regular shoes/pedals... imagine how fast I'd be with THOSE.   Then, of course that leads me down the path of "if only I had a NEW roadbike... just imagine.."   That's a dangerous (and expensive) path to journey on.   Anyway, I completed the bike without any trouble.

The transition from bike to running is so amusing to me.   Honestly, my legs feel like a combination of jello and led.  It is ridiculous.  I pushed through it though and soon found my pace and ran at a reasonable pace (for me).

I completed the whole thing in 43min 53sec.

I placed 8th overall (out of 26).

I placed 1st out of 8 in my age group (40-49).

I was feeling pretty proud.

And then, I went home and slept for 2 solid hours.  It was a very satisfying day.

I learned a couple of very important things:
1.  When I have an in-water panic attack... I can handle it.  That's a relief.
2.  While looser fitting pants are easier for the swim/bike transition... they also lose their shape and fall off during the run.  That's awkward.  I had to stop several times to pull them up.  I find the fashion aspect of triathlons the most challenging.  Considering buying an actual triathlon outfit... but there's that dangerous path again.

I blame YOU Just Tri It

... and I also want to thank YOU.

First.. the blame!   You have turned me into a complete fanatic.  What did I think about before this program?  Cuz now my thoughts are mostly this:  "when can I work in my next run/bike/swim?" "what piece of clothing/bike equipment/other do I need to buy to make me faster?" "how many races/triathlons can I afford to register in?". 

But mostly.. THANK YOU.   This program has given me so much:  new friends, practical tips (bike safety, running form, core workouts), and a motivation and passion for fitness.   I am so so grateful to our fantastic leaders Michelle and Maryann... to all of the volunteers... and, of course, to the other participants.  It was so very awesome to watch you offer each other support and encouragement throughout.

I can't say how disappointed I was to have to miss the last run.  Sadly, I was struck by a horrible flu virus on Wednesday which kept me in bed until Friday morning.   It is my deep hope that there will be continued opportunities for some of us to gather to run/bike/swim together.   I'm still planning to participate in Moe's Triathlon tomorrow so hope to see some of the Just Tri It ladies there as well.

ALSO... I am still looking for women to join my Dirty Donkey team.   Please please let me know if you are interested and I'll send you the team name and password so you can enter.  It'll be SO SO SO much fun.

Feeling so excited (and a bit apprehensive) about tomorrow.  I shall post when I'm finished (if I finish).

might need help...

wondering if someone can come to my house and help me get out of bed this morning?

Last night was bike training.  I biked to the German club to meet the group (10k from my house) and my group then biked on the highway 13k (one way).  A round trip bike of 50km. 

Did I mention that 13km of that highway biking was uphill against gale force winds?  (sadly, it was on the return trip too).

I arrived at home, in my backyard, at about 8:30pm and it took me a good 2 minutes before I could walk from the bike rack to the house. 

15 minutes later I was in a hot lavender epsom salt bath, sipping peppermint tea and feeling REALLY PROUD of myself.

I woke up at 3am to use the bathroom and took 2 Advil.

This morning my legs are a little on the stiff side... and so are my shoulders.  I kept reminding myself to keep my shoulders down and back but clearly they were up in my ears for part of the time.

AND, on another note, I have signed up for 2 more triathlons and am considering a 3rd.  

Yup... TOTALLY ADDICTED!!!

Gratitude and stuff

After a surprisingly good night sleep, my favorite healthy breakfast (oatmeal, berries, greek yogurt & vanilla protein powder), I loaded my backpack and headed off to my first triathlon at Lakewood Civic Centre.   I had to make a quick stop at my office (which is right by the civic centre) to pick up my contact lenses as I'd forgotten them there on Friday.

My office.. my church... is a place of great peace and solace for me.  I took advantage of that and spent a few moments sitting in silent gratitude for the amazing day.   I'm so glad I did.  I felt the anxiety knot loosen and my nervousness shrink. 

Contacts in and spirit renewed, I went to Lakewood to register and prepare.  There was so much excited energy... it was awesome.  Chatting with others as I was preparing my bike and transition area was helpful.  There were many who were participating in their very first triathlon.  There really is comfort in numbers.

My number was 59.   This is me & my friend Holly just before start.

After a brief pre-event gathering, we went into the pool area for the swim.  I was in the 3rd heat starting at 8:45 (there were 5 heats in total... starting every 15 minutes... 4 lanes... about 6 or 7 people per lane). 

Watching the other heats go was very exciting and heartwarming.  There was lots of cheering and encouragement.  Many of us were standing along the sidelines in tears as we loudly cheered on two women who were the last out of the water in the first heat.  Both of them were older women who were clearly not comfortable in the water but pushed through and made it through to the end.  A HUGE accomplishment.  One women had another younger woman in the water with her (her daughter, I think)... right by her side.. encouraging her the entire way.   They got out of the water to many high fives and hugs.   A beautiful moment to witness.

Soon, it was my turn.  I was the first to go in my heat.  My fear was that I would get caught up in the adrenaline and take off too quickly and tire out before it was over.  It wasn't a long swim (200m) though so I was feeling pretty confident as I'd been swimming much further than that during practice. 

I was the first out of the pool.  That was unexpected.

I was not, however, the first out of the swim-bike transition area.

Running out of the pool and into the cold (-1) air was not pleasant but, surprisingly, not as awful as I thought it was going to be.   The first gasp of ice cold air might even have felt refreshing.

So I was the first into the transition area.  I found my bike and stuff and started to dry off.  It was in the putting on of my shorts that things got tricky.  I couldn't seem to get my right leg through the leg hole and almost toppled over... twice.  Eventually I figured it out... got my helmet on, my bike off the rack and I was on my way.

As I was running my bike to the mounting area I looked to my left and sitting there was the greatest blessing of all... my daughter Hope.   For those of you who don't know Hope... she is 16 and really likes to sleep in on Sundays.   I had invited her to come and cheer me on but, to be honest, I really didn't expect her to be there.  In fact, I worked hard at letting go of that expectation so I wouldn't be disappointed when she didn't show up.  And there she was.   Hearing her shout "go Mom" was better than an energy bar.   My heart swelled and my body came alive. 

3 loops around the bike track to complete the 6km.   Throughout the track there were many volunteers pointing us in the right direction, warning us about loose gravel and sharp turns and enthusiastically cheering us on.  The volunteers for this event were AMAZING. 

I finished my bike, took off of my helmet, had a sip of water and was off on the run.  Oddly, my legs felt fine this time around.  Must have been adrenaline.

Running was the part that I was the most nervous about... mostly because I have the least amount of experience.  One of the highlights for me was running by McClure United Church and seeing my colleague Debra's car parked with it's rear bumper to the road with a big sign in the back window that read "Go Laura Go".  Again.. heart swelled and energy perked in gratitude for the love and support.   I thought of my faith family who were, at that very moment, gathering to begin worship together.

Twice around the running route to complete 2km.   I came around the corner to that finish line and Michelle and MaryAnn... our amazing Just Tri It leaders... and I wanted to explode with happiness.  Not because it was finally over but because I was feeling so proud of myself (1) for trying something new (2) for blowing my expectations for myself out of the water and (3) for discovering Just Tri It and this amazingly supportive and caring group of women.

After 38 minutes of swimming, biking and running....I approached the finish line.   Michelle was there to greet me with a medal and a hug... followed closely by hugs from MaryAnn and Hope. 

By 10:00 I was at the church changing in to my church clothes and preparing for the second service at 11.   As folks were leaving the first service many of them admired my medal (which I was still wearing) and congratulated me on my accomplishment.  I TOTALLY soaked it in.   I was still completely pumped and excited and bursting with energy.

I felt the energy flee my body at around 1:00 as I shared a Mother's Day meal with my wife and daughter.  Fortunately, I had nothing else to do that day but rest and bask in gratitude for all of the blessings of this amazing day.

I can't WAIT until the next triathlon... June 1st at the Shaw Centre. 

the time has come...

and I'm ready to roll.

Bike is ready.   Swimsuit ready.  Running shoes ready.

Feeling ridiculously nervous and excited.  And a little apprehensive about the cold.  The Weather Network tells me that it's currently -4.   Geez.  Running outside in my wet swimsuit is going to be deeply unpleasant.  I'm hoping that my adrenaline will keep me warm.

My swim time start is 8:45.  If you could think warm thoughts and send them my way, I would be very grateful.

I'll post photos and an update later today (if I survive that is).

Til then...

a bad omen?

So yesterday my tire blew on my bike.  (took me 45 minutes to figure out how to get it off... couldn't figure out how to get the tube out so took to Bike Doctor... and another 1/2 hour to get it back on!  I'm thinking if I blow a tire during the triathlon everyone will be finished and cleared out by the time I get it fixed).

Today I went for one last practice swim and my bathing suit bottoms fell apart.   Yup.. got out of the pool and walked to the change room when I realized that they were drooping to my knees and completely see through.  I suppose I could be grateful that the flat tire and faulty bathing suit appeared BEFORE the triathlon and not during (oh my gawd that would completely suck).

They say bad things come in 3s.  If my running shoes blow a hole tonight, I'm calling it quits.

The good news is that the lovely guy at Bike Doctor filled my tire with "magic speed air".  So as long as it doesn't blow again...

Onward and upward.

so close...

... aackkk...  triathlon in 3 days.

This Sunday I will be joining the other Just Tri It ladies for our first triathlon (although I know some have done it before, I think most of us are newbies).   This is a shorter version of a triathlon (200m swim, 6k bike, 2k run).

A few things to report today...  it is ridiculously hard to go from a hard bike to a run.  I tried it on Tuesday.  After biking the 6k my legs felt like they were made of iron.  I think I looked ridiculous.  I started running with my arms swinging madly at my sides to try to pick up some momentum but it felt like my legs were about 10 paces behind.  (sort of reminded me of when I would jump on a trampoline and then try to jump on the solid ground)   Fortunately, after about a block the sensation started to wear off and I was able to run better.  I managed to complete the 2k run.  It wasn't easy (although I didn't really anticipate that it would be). On Sunday we will begin with a swim in the Lakewood Civic Centre pool and then run out onto the grass in our wet bathings suits (in the freezing cold morning air) and prepare for our bike ride.  That is going to be so very very unpleasant... riding in a wet bathing suit in the cold.  Tonight I'm going to practice putting my biking/running pants on over damp legs and wet bathing suit.. just to see if it's even possible.

I'm very excited.   I'm also very nervous.  Haha.. and the funniest part is that I will be running right by my church DURING WORSHIP on Sunday morning.  I took the morning off to participate.   Maybe they can be saying a prayer for me and the rest of the gang on our way by.  I'm hoping to be finished the triathlon and at church for the 11am service.

The other thing that I'd like to report is that I have no idea how to change a bike tire, despite the very informative lesson at the beginning of the program.  I set out on my bike this morning only to discover a very flat tire.  I did figure out how to get the tire off (its an old bike and doesn't have quick release tires) and I got the first little thingamajig in the tire to try to get it off the rim but that's as far as I got.   The tire also looks like it might have a more serious issue than I can deal with.  I'm heading to the Bike Doctor later today.  I was disappointed because I really wanted to do another practice run this morning but I would have been wayyyyy more disappointed if this had happened Sunday morning before the triathlon.  

Tonight is our pep rally where we'll receive more detailed info about Sunday.  So much fun.

And that's it for now...

(I still haven't actually worn my bike shorts)