I Did My First Tri!!!! Calaway Gardens

[Shaula]

Ok - here it is. Nothing spectacular. I basically went into it because my husband wanted to do it and I wanted to say I did....so.....To be honest, I didn't train like I should have and kind of went into the race rather flippant. I learned my lesson. We got to Callaway Gardens the day before. For those of you who are not familiar with Callaway - it is near the Alabama line in Georgia - soft rolling hills - beautiful. Anyway, back to the story..... We got to the place on Saturday, a good 4 1/2 hours away from our home. Checked into our hotel and immediately went to a first timers clinic. After that, we rode our bikes to the lake where the tri would begin. It was incredibly hot - around 99 degrees!!!!! Ate a good supper and went to bed fairly early. The next morning, hubby took all the stuff to the staging area. I got there and walked to the lake, a good 1/4 mile with no shoes!!! The pavement was scorching - next time water shoes! Got ready with my age group - I'm 48. Talked to some women who had never done it before. Time for the swim and OMG!!!! I wanted to kick myself for not training harder. The swim KICKED MY BUTT!!!! Came into the finish (1/4 swim), gasping for breath, went to the transition area (no shoes - pavement hot!) and slowly got on my gear for the bike ride (bike shorts over bathing suit, cycling shoes). Walked my bike out of the transition area for one of the most beautiful bike rides ever - 9 miles of rolling hills - gorgeous scenery. Did the cycling part just fine as it is my sport of choice! Came back to transition 2 area and put on my shoes for the run (or rather, walk - I don't run). The walk was nice, no problem and when I came in to the finish line, I felt a tear drop - I was so proud of myself. I have never, ever done anything like this except for cycling events. Did I place? HECK NO! Was my husband proud of me? - unbelievable!!! Was I proud of myself? - you bet!!!! Will I do it again? - Absolutely. Will I train? - you better believe it!!!!!

[Tri Girl]

Now THAT'S an awesome race report. I felt your excitement as I read your report. Are we proud of you? You bet!!!
Congrats again. Look forward to hearing more reports from you in the future.