I Did My First Tri!!!! Calaway Gardens

[Shaula]

Well, I did it! Something I never, ever thought I would ever, ever do. I did my first Sprint Tri in Callaway Gardens, Georgia. I'm 48 and am NOT athletic at all so I was very proud of myself. The swimming KICKED MY BUTT!!!!!!! But, I am hooked now and want to do more!!!!

[alpinerabbit]

well the !!!!!!!!!! tell that you are very excited, so congrats - but where's the rest of the story!!!!!!!?

[SJCzar]

Great job.

Before the event you were probably full of nervous "why in the world did I agree to do this" excitement.

Crossing that finish line puts your mind right into that "what's the next one I can do" mode.

Congratulations !!!!!!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on your first tri!!! It's so exciting to be called a triathlete!
I think if you survive that first one and want to do more- you're hooked for good. Congrats.
We LOVE to hear race reports, complete with pictures, so please tell us more about it.

[roadie gal]

Congrats!

Yes, please, give us a race report.

[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.

[Iris616]

Congratulations! Great report. It sounds like a great course.

[derosarah]

Big Congrats to you!!!! Awesome race report and details. I'm doing my first tri tomorrow and I'm about out of my skin with nerves! Your report was both calming and inspiring!

Right on!!!

So, when's the next one??

[Tri Girl]

I'm doing my first tri tomorrow

Good luck!!!!

[colby]

Your description actually made me sniffle... I am such a wimp, but it's so exciting to hear someone have such a great time!!

Congratulations!

And, good luck to derosarah!! You'll do GREAT!

[tctrek]

You go, girl!! I longingly read about Tri's and then chicken out. You are an inspiration and loved hearing about your terrific accomplishment!!

[Shaula]

Good luck Derosarah!!!! Where are you doing the tri?

Thanks guys! What a bunch of encouragers!!!!!!

[derosarah]

Gosh, thanks all! The tri is tomorrow in Aurora, CO-- it's a Danskin event.... I'm currently alternating between extreme excitement and total fear. It's so great to read other people's experiences (and triumphs!) and get all the supportive feedback. You all are great!!

[Shaula]

derosarah - is it a sprint?