Splash, Mash, Dash 2008

Who would have thought seven months ago when I, a non-swimmer, who started a triathlon quest by going for a jog in the middle of a very hot day with two cranky kids in the bike cart would ever became an official triathlete? I competed in the Desert Grande triathlon on Saturday and not only did I survive but I loved almost every minute of it. I say almost because the first leg, a 400 meter swim, did not come easy for me. The bike and run portions went very smoothly and fortunately, none of my nightmares of flat tires or wipe outs came true. I actually had so much fun that I would have turned around and done it again the next day.

I am completely overwhelmed by all of the love and support I felt from all of my friends and family. I was in shock at how many of you called me before the race to wish me luck and how many called me or e-mailed me afterward to see how I did. Wow!! I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me, who love me and who care about me. That is one of the greatest things I will take away from this experience. Thank you, thank you , thank you!!!

Here is a little pre-race pic with two of my training partners, Mary Jane and Amy. Mary Jane loaned me her extra road bike three months ago and I am sooooooo grateful. Unfortunately, she had to sit this one out due to an injury. Amy and I were so sad she didn't get to compete. I can guarantee she would have moped up. She is an amazing competitor.

Mary Jane snapped this one of me in the pool. Hearing her cheering for me when I thought I was going to die in the pool, really kept me going!!!

Here I am coming into the T2 transition after the bike leg. Yes, that is me in a pink helmet and teal tri suit My suit wasn't very attractive (okay, maybe a little ugly) but it was really cheap on ebay and I was glad I didn't have to do any clothes changing during the race. What can I say?!

Getting ready for the final leg...the run. Notice that I have shed the pink helmet and am in the process of replacing it with my purple running shoes. And, oh, the teal suit is still there. Okay, maybe I should have put on my running shorts. Oh, well. Next time.

My awesome husband was trying to coral my four person cheering squad as I crossed the finish line and the pic didn't turn out. But, here I am, number 915, with two of my biggest fans. They even held up homemade signs that said, "My mom is the best" and "My mom's number 1 not number 2" as I finished.

Me, Amy (my dedicated, six day a week, training partner) and Rachel (my inspiration for doing this)

It feels great to have set out to do something that was not easy and to accomplish it. I hope my experience has in some small and simple way taught my kids about having goals and working towards them. And, I am already plotting my next triathlon. Who thinks my next one could be an open water swim...raise your hand?! (That is such a "Tim" thing to say, isn't it?) I've got A LOT of work to do but my hand is raised.

All you gotta do is "TRI"

I am really doing it. I officially registered for the Sprint Triathlon I started training for at the end of April. The race is on November 1 and I am so excited and pumped. It has been 29 years since I last competed in any type of organized race.

This is a clipping from my dad's company newsletter. My dad was an avid runner back in the 70s and one Saturday morning he was getting ready to go run a 10k around Lake Powell. I asked him if I could do it, too, and he said sure. I was only seven years old and really had no concept that the race was over 6 miles. I ran my heart out and walked a lot. I can still remember coming up the last hill where I could see the finish line and there was my dad waiting for me so we could cross together. I was in last place and there were tons of people cheering for me as I finished. I don't remember what my time was but I do remember the feeling that I finished and I was so proud of myself.

Training for this triathlon has helped me to remember that confident little seven year old girl who wasn't afraid to "tri". I have realized lately that I have held myself back in lots of areas because of fear of failure or that I wouldn't be able to do something like everyone else. I have decided to start doing the things I want to do and forget about the labels I have put on myself. I can be me!!! Wow, what a concept.

So, I am plugging away everyday with my training and I am so pumped. It is not always easy, especially when that alarm clock goes off. Fortunately, I have the greatest training partners in Amy, Mary Jane and Lisa. They keep me going and my friendships with them have helped me in more ways than they will know. Thanks, ladies!!! I can't wait to "tri" with you.