Finished my first triathlon this morning... and I kicked butt on the bike!

[KSH]

Triathlon: 4th Annual PowerMadien. All women triathlon.
300 yard swim, 13 mile bike, 5K run.

So, we went to Athen's, Tx on Friday... because it is 90 miles from Dallas, and I wasn't going to start driving early in the morning before the event!

We chilled in this very small town... found some pasta to eat... and went to bed at a decent hour.

I could barely sleep! I was so nervous/anxious/excited! I even had *nightmares* that I didn't get there in time to set up my gear perfectly before the tri started.

So... I get up at 5:00 AM (on Sat. June 18th)... and kind of mull about eating and drinking. We pack up and leave at 5:45 AM.

Once there I unpack all my gear, set it all up just perfect for a quick transition time... and then I did some running and swimming to warm up.

I have to say that I was a little intimidated which I saw some of the competitors... I didn't see cellulite on any thighs at first... I figured I was going to be the *fatty* on the course! These ladies (most were older than me) were in amazing shape! But...as more people showed up... I started to see more ladies without perfect bodies... and I felt much better about my tiny outfit!

Then comes the pre-race meeting... that lasts around 15 minutes or so.

Finally... it is time to start!

Due to the fact that my swim time is pretty good... I was in the first group to be lined up for the pool. I was #17 in the line!

The swim was 300 yards in this very murky pool. It kind of sucked, because I had to go to my right to change lanes and make my turns. So, doing *perfect* flip turns were out of the question.

The swim portion in one word: CHAOS! At one point I had someone going slow in front of me... two people passing on my left... and someone in the left lane trying to pass those people. At that point I just stood up. Then I got back to it... and I had to breaststroke... because the girl in front me.. her freestyle was a fast my my breaststroke! I finally found a place to pass her and took off.

Out of the water, I ran over to the bikes. YEA for getting to run through gravel barefooted. I was so happy that I had an extra hand towel at my spot... the gravel/dirt had turned to nast mud and I was able to quickly clean my feet.

My transition time from swim to bike was around 1 minute! *Smile*

Then I hit the bike. I knew going into this that the running portion was going to be my weak spot, so I focused on hauling butt on the bike!

I kept my speed around 18-22 MPH the whole way... with some exceptions. I was SHOCKED! I never ride that fast! WOW!

The 13 miles just flew by... I had it over in around 40 minutes! I was truly in *awe* of myself!

The only bad thing is that I got caught behind this lady... and I didn't have the power to pass her... and some other lady was caught behind me. We were clumped up too close and I got a 2 minute penalty for drafting! I knew it was going to happen... but oh well??? I kept trying to fall behind, but I didn't want to go under 18 MPH.

Towards the end of the bike portion I started to get a stitch in my side... not good.

Off the bike and on to the running... my transition time there was very quick... under a minute.

Once running I realized that the stitch in my side was not going away... and was going to cause an issue. The 3 miles I had to run started to seem VERY FAR! I tried walking... stretching... breathing deep... rubbing on it... and the stitch was there to stay.

So I ran hunched over on the side with the stitch... and I just kept going... walking/running... I must have looked a little pathetic... because the ladies who passed by would say, "You can do it"... etc. Which was very nice as well!

I made sure that I stood up straight at the end for the pictures and to make the spectators (when they could see me) think I was in great shape! I smiled and waved!

My time overall was 1:28. I wanted 1:20... but that was darn good considering my run was really bad. I am just happy that I finished in the upper part of the pack... and that my bike portion ROCKED!!! I truly couldn't believe how good of a cyclist I was out there!

So, it was fun... and my boyfriend Jonny was kind and generous for going and supporting! I will post a link to pictures later!

Thanks for reading!