Glutton for Punishment!

Sorry about the long post, there's a lot to tell about. When I told my mother I was going to do a Triathlon those were her exact words, "what are you glutton for punishment?" Well, although it all seems like a distant memory I did finish my first Triathlon last weekend! To be honest I never thought I'd be able to do one because it seemed as though history was going to repeat itself like it did after I had Claire. I was going to compete in one 2 years ago, but go the stomach flu the night before the race. This year, I got the stomach flu AGAIN, but luckily it was 5 days before the race, but it still made me think, "is this a sign or what!" The morning of the race was just beautiful. We were at White Sands Missile Range just below the Organ Mountains on the east side. It was a nice crisp morning, calm, perfect for a race. At least, until I got on the bike.

Starting off on the run....I told myself that I would be happy if I ran 29 min for my 3.1 mile. Well, I was able to make just below that at 28:37. The run was fairly tough, it felt like half of it was at a constant uphill climb. I can remember coming into the transition where my bike was and seeing my dad, Jesse and the kids all lined up cheering for me. It made me choke up (but I had no oxygen to cry). :) Then, there was Karen with little Bella and Greg waiting for me at the bike with some water. I passed on the water and got on my bike as fast as I could so that I could make up some time.

My front gears were broken so while going downhill I couldn't get into the gear to go super fast so that's when a bunch of people passed me. The bike....was very tough! At first I was really enjoying it (except for the pain of being in constant motion) and finally made it to the turnaround point at about 15 K. Well, the wind started to pick up big time! There was nothing I could do! I was so far away and felt like I was never going to get to where I needed to be. My legs, back and neck seemed like they were on fire, I had emptied my water bottle and just felt at times like this race was never going to end! But, you find the strength to push through it all and little by little the buildings got closer and I finally made it back to the transition point after what seemed like forever.

Ahhh, water.... I cannot tell you how good the water felt when I got into that pool! It was warm (almost too warm) and I could start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. From then on it's all pretty much a blur. Finally the race was finished! What a relief! I just remember being really out of breath, but so happy that I completed it! I will so do this again as horrible as it was at times. I enjoyed the challenge. Preparing for this race has helped me in so many ways in my life. It's helped me be more disciplined, it's given me an outlet from the daily grind and it's just been nice having that butterfly feeling I used to get while competing that I haven't had since College. I missed that excitement. So, I finished 1st in my weight class and 2nd in my age group. ( I think there were only 4 people in my age group.) :) ha ha. The lady who got the fastest time was in the 50-54age group. Amazing what some people can do.

To Jesse, thanks so much for encouraging me and making me feel like I could do this. Plus, for getting up with Bella the morning of the race even though I know she wasn't a happy girl. Karen & Greg, I appreciate you giving the older kids a fun slumber party at your house the night before and making the trek out there that morning. I know it wasn't easy "waiting" 2 1/2 hours for me to finish. I asked Claire if she enjoyed the race and she said, "yes, but no more mommy. Never again!" She was bored I guess. :) Dad, thanks for supporting me in all that I do. You left your house at 3:30am to help cheer me on and that means so much to me. And last but not least, June & Janet, thanks for paving the way. It was nice to call up someone who has completed one of these killer races and get advice. Love ya'll. Life is good.