Yesterday I completed my first tri. It was a sprint so I don't know if it counts as a "real tri" but nonetheless, it was exhausting, anxiety ridden, hard, and so much fun! The See Jane Tri is a 400 yard swim, 11 mile bike, and 3 mile run. I finished at 1:06:37. We rose at the obscene time of 5am and got ready in a flurry. Then Matt drove to Pleasanton while I freaked out in the passenger seat. The entire ride Matt made me verbally practice my transition and I found myself chanting "out of the water, quick dry, pants over suit, tank, socks, shoes, helmet, go!"
Upon arriving at the park I was blown away at how many women were there. I've gotten used to trail races where there are a couple hundred people maybe. There were nearly 1,000 women setting up bikes, painting numbers on, stretching, and meeting with their training groups.
About an hour later and more anxiety, we made our way to the start line - the waters edge. I didn't have a wetsuit and wasn't quite sure what to expect in the lake so I was prepared for a shocking chill. To the contrary - walking in the water felt pretty warm. It was nasty swampy, but warm. The countdown, and the start ...
The swim: I haven't practiced swimming much. I've never been a swimmer in fact and, to be honest, am a bit scared of murky waters. I started out near the front of the pack doing the freestyle - after a minute or so I was feeling pretty battered getting kicked left and right and I was nervous to kick anyone so I switched to breaststroke. I finished the swim almost last - 111 our of 135. The funny thing is I wasn't tired, I just didn't (still don't) know how to go any faster.
The bike: After a smooth transition (thanks Matt for making me practice) I hopped on my bike and made it to the road. The bike leg was beautiful - through vineyards and around the lake. I made up a lot of time on the bike.
The run: By far the leg I was most looking forward to. Getting back into the transition area I dropped my bike and started running - it's a weird feeling running after biking - a bit like moving through jello. The run was only 3 miles and there were hardly any hills so I felt like the run portion finished just as I was warming up.
I wound up coming in 21 (out of 135 (only 134 finished)) and 61 overall (out of roughly 800). I guess what they say about the tortoise is true - steady work will get you through.
Now I'm hooked and looking for my next tri ...
