I had been interested in doing a triathlon for a few years, but the local YMCA event always fell on a weekend when we had a conflict. When it came time to send in my entry form, I was nervous about signing up. It would require me to add swimming into my workout routine, and I've never had proper training in swimming technique. But I felt that if I didn't do it, I would be a quitter. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
Luckily, our local High School has an awesome new pool which is run in conjuction with Newburgh Sea Creatures - a youth swimming league. They also happen to have an adult Master's Swimming Program that has a coach. The coach really helped me with my strokes, and taught me proper alignment, kicking, and arm position.
While I probably didn't follow the most strict training plan, I did manage to feel that I was ready for all three components of the race. My goal was to finish in under 2 hours, and complete the swim in under 25 minutes, the bike under an hour, and the run in 1/2 hour. I got a brief look at my results after the race, and I know I finished in about 1 hour 46 minutes. The swim took me around 22 minutes, bike was 54 minutes and the run was around 30 minutes. So I was pleased with how I did, and glad that I had the courage to try.
UPDATE: I just found out I finished 4th in my age group! Not bad for a 1st timer!
For my next triathlon, I now know what to expect. Swimming in lake water is not like swimming in a pool. I need to do more open water swim training to feel more comfortable. It is a little disconcerting to not be able to see well in lake water. I also need to do more bike to run training. I also learned that I should not drink so much before a race. Due to the excessive heat we have been having, I was worried about getting dehydrated. But these are things you don't know about until you experience them.
Jeremy and the boys were there to root me on, and greet me at the finish. Afterwards, we spent some time playing on a nearby playground. At 10:30 am, they had a kid's race, and Trevor ran in his 1st race! He was particularly excited to get a medal and his own race number. Afterwards, he wanted to have numbers on his legs and arms like Mommy!
For my next triathlon, I now know what to expect. Swimming in lake water is not like swimming in a pool. I need to do more open water swim training to feel more comfortable. It is a little disconcerting to not be able to see well in lake water. I also need to do more bike to run training. I also learned that I should not drink so much before a race. Due to the excessive heat we have been having, I was worried about getting dehydrated. But these are things you don't know about until you experience them.
Jeremy and the boys were there to root me on, and greet me at the finish. Afterwards, we spent some time playing on a nearby playground. At 10:30 am, they had a kid's race, and Trevor ran in his 1st race! He was particularly excited to get a medal and his own race number. Afterwards, he wanted to have numbers on his legs and arms like Mommy!
Trevor showing some good running form!
There they go!
"I got a gold medal!"
Showing off our medals!My mom has mentioned that she wants to come and do this triathlon with me next year! I hope this post has inspired her, and we can do it together!!!
Pictures from the playground:
Evan LOVED the swing and made so many funny faces!
Gosh Evan's getting big!!! Wasn't it just a year ago that I saw him at Sande's?? And Trevor running in his first race!?! That's so awesome....congrats to you too Erin!!
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