It wasn't pretty but I did it

[Crash]

Hi all,
Did my first Duathlon yesterday. It was cold and windy so not very smooth transitions with clothes coming off and on. I started out last on the run and managed to maintain my position for about half the 5k. Nothing like feeling you're holding up the sweep wagon. I managed to pass one runner. Ahhh the bike portion. I made up great time on the bike passing about 10 cyclists and no one caught me. But that was short lived because I had to finish with a run. Of course I couldn't find where my stuff was in the transition then I headed out with my helmet on luckly some guys pointed it out too me. I almost resumed my position of last place as the those cyclist I passed were now in their glory on the run and passing me like I was walking (well, I was walking).
What did I learn... sign up for another one!!!!!

[skibum]

Hey, it doesn't matter where you finished... the big thing is that you finished!! The fact that you got out there and did it is an amazing accomplishment. I'm glad you still want to do another one. It's all about getting out and having some fun and getting some exercise in while you're at it.

[CorsairMac]

WTG Crash - you did it!......who cares where you placed or what went wrong (cept to change it next time!). The point is you didn't give up or give in and you finished it! You ROCKKKKKKK

I'm thinking the She-Ra Tiara needs to go to Crash next!!!

[ccnyc]

Congratulations!
I did the same thing about 20 years ago (YIKES!) and had a similar experience... ran poorly, rode well and FINISHED! The sense of accomplishment and achievement was wonderful.
You should feel very proud of yourself.

Carol

[Jones]

congratulations-
The first time is always the hardest. About getting lost in transition, I mark my spot with a very bright towell. I have seen people use a balloon tied unto the bike rack above thier bike to mark their spot, also colored chalk with your name and an arrow at your rack is always good. The next one should be all fun cause the first time jitters are gone.

Jones

[trigurl]

HURRAY, you did it!!! wasn't it fun? I just did my second one last month and can't wait for another!

They get easier just keep doing them. Maybe practice running some after you bike, I have been doing that and found it helps. CONGRATS.