The swim was 350 meters in a 50m pool (I thought that was a good place to start as opposed to a lake), then a 12 mile bike ride and a 5k run...easy, right? I got transition set up and then headed over to the pool. This would be my first time in a 50 meter pool....boy did it look huge. We were starting based on our expected swim time, so I had some time to wait until it was my turn, that didn't really help my nerves. I ran into someone I knew from barre3 in the final stages of the line, that helped calm me slightly for a few moments...but then it was my turn!
I was right about that pool being long, I didn't think I would ever make it to the other side. But on the second length, I got into my rhythm and it was much better. Until a little past halfway when I hit some traffic. Two guys were swimming side by side, neither one moving ahead of the other. I couldn't get past (well, didn't know how to get past). Then someone came up behind me, I felt trapped. I was scared. I wanted to give up. I ended up moving to the breaststroke and finishing the race that way, it helped calm my nerves and got me through it.
The bike was a blast, so much more fun than I expected it to be. And then the run...it was hard. The day was getting pretty warm by the time I was on the run course. But I had a strong run, taking advantage of my stronger discipline.
I finished in 1:15, much better than I thought I would. I was 4th place in my age group, just 30 seconds behind 3rd. I know I have a lot of areas I can improve on, but I enjoyed the experience and am glad that I did it!
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| All set up and ready to go! |
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| I look as frightened as I felt |
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| Worst race picture ever...wow |
