I did it! I posted earlier questioning whether I should go for it and I'm glad I showed up! Please excuse me if this is long.....I'm just excited! :p It was a sprint tri at Lake Lanier Islands north of Atlanta with a quarter mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and three mile run. I don't have my official times yet, but will post them when I get them. Overall I think I finished in a little over 2 hours. Pics are posted below report!
Pre-race
Made a list and got everything ready last night. Only purchases were a new sports bra and energy food. I got up at 4:30 AM this morning because we (DH and I) had an hour and a half drive up there and I was going to have to do late registration because I was chicken to sign up! Ate cereal and headed out. We arrived at about 6:45 AM and I got registered and went to the transition area to get set up. I can't tell you how much information from here and other areas on the internet helped to avoid major faux pas! Setting up was quick and I got a nice spot on the end. I had a Gu 15 minutes prior to start.
At about 8:00 AM it was time to get ready for the swim so I donned my race issued bright green swim cap and headed to the beach.
The Swim
I haven't mentioned yet that it was 56 degrees F, misting rain and a bit windy :eek: . There were little skinny people shivering in thier suits. Thanks goodness for my extra insulation :D . Prior to the start I checked the water out up to knee deep and was a bit concerned. Along with me most competitors did not have a wetsuit as this is touted to be a beginners triathlon. I was in the last wave to hit the water which I didn't mind!
At chest deep I immediately lost breath due to the cold water. It was f-f-f-frigid! All form, dignity, or plans went out the window. Putting my face in the water was almost impossible because instead of breathing out at that time, the cold water automatically made me want to gasp! I did some breast stroke, back stroke, and any stroke that could get me to the end. I wasn't last out of the water! Projected time: 20 minutes.
T1
Uneventful, got all my bike gear on and took off.
The Bike
The course was advertised to be "pancake flat". Those are mighty bumpy pancakes! There were some hills I had to stand and pedal! The downhills were awesome though. Max was 32 mph with the average being 12 (ick). I think I was a little conservative on the bike in anticipation of the run and not being too tired. A couple of people had wiped out on the course because the roads were wet. I felt really sorry for them! Overall the bike was good, just too slow. Estimated time: 1 hour
T2
This is where things got interesting! As I rolled across the mat a lady was screaming at everyone, DISMOUNT!!!!! Well (not that it was her fault) but I did try to dismount without quite stopping! I got my left foot out and leaned the bike which, with the wet pavement, caused the bike to slip right out from under me. BAM! I hit the ground. Thanks goodness for adrenaline! I popped back up like nothing happened and went to my area. My DH pointed out that my knee was bleeding, swell. I ate another Gu and used my inhaler. I got into my running shoes, grabbed a paper towel to wipe blood and took off for the run.
The Run
Well, mostly for me it was "the walk". I jogged about 1/3 of the course and walked the other 2/3. People were very supportive and cheered each other on. I felt I should have pushed harder on the run and could greatly improve my time here. Coming up to the finish line was awesome! My DH and others were there cheering for every finisher. I got a cool T-shirt and a finishers medal. Estimated time: 45 minutes.
Overall I can totally see how tris are addictive! Such a rush. My next is planned for June 24th and I am really looking forward to it! Thanks for the support!
Below are pics. I am wearing a white shirt and black shorts with a white helmet in the bike/run.
