Finding Joy in the Journey: Tri-ing to Get Into Shape

When Howie was just 2 1/2 months old, I got an e-mail asking if anyone would be interested in doing a "sprint" triathlon. I knew that I wanted to do it, but wasn't sure if I could. I talked to Adam about it and he was sure I could do it. So, with his support I was gun-ho to do take on this challenge and new adventure. I figured I didn't have anything to lose if I didn't end up actually doing the triathlon, except for a whole lot of inches and even more pounds. So, I started training for this sprint triathlon.

The race was in Casa Grande. The triathlon started with a 400m swim, then a 10 mile bike ride, and finally a 3 mile run. The running I wasn't afraid of and the bike ride I was kind of unsure, but knew eventually I could do it. The swim, however, terrified me. I taught myself how to swim and never have swam that far. So, my friend, Becky, helped me, taught me, and cheered me on as I learned how to swim. (Becky did the triathlon, too!)

After 14 weeks of training, race day was finally here. I was very anxious and nervous because I have never done anything like this before. If it was a soccer game, then sure no problem. But a triathlon was a totally different story. But, I am proud to say that not only did I do the race, I finished it too. There were times during the bike portion of the race that I just wanted to give up as person after person after person was passing me. When I began the run, my right calf started to cramp, then my left calf. I had to walk about 50 yards of the 3 miles, but I did finish! I wish I would have done better, but at least I have a starting point and can do all that I can to better the time. I finished the race in 1 hour 47 minutes and 59 seconds. No, I didn't lose much weight - I don't think even a pound. I did lose a few inches, but I'm feeling stronger than before I had kids and am truly in the best shape that I've been in for at least the past 5 years, if not longer.

Truly one of the best parts of this day was to have my family there. After each portion of the race, my sweet little kids were there to cheer me on. I heard Owen and Caroline say to me," Go Mommy!" as I headed out for the bike ride. Then, as I was coming back from the bike ride, they were sitting there and yelled out to me "Nice bike riding, Mommy! Go Mommy! Yeah Mommy!" Hearing their little voices kept me going. I would replay their cheers in my head as I wanted to give up. I knew they would be sitting there waiting for me to finish each portion. How could I give up? I couldn't!!!! As I was crossing the finish line, my little ones were sitting right there cheering me to finish. I am grateful that Adam brought them to see me race and to have them there cheering me on. It wasn't fun to wait for me and then only see me for a total of 3 minutes, but it meant the world to me.

I had so much fun training with all of the girls (there were 8 of us total - Becky, Shelley, Liz, Michelle, Gaylene, Melissa, and Amy) that did the race. I'm pretty sure we all will be doing this again next year. I'm even tempted to register for another sprint triathlon that is happening either late January or early February next year. It's very tempting. For now, I'll have to settle for my 5k run on the 20th of this month.