MY FIRST TRIATHLON

Pacific Grove Triathlon, Monterey Bay, CA.

I've always wanted to do a triathlon. Since I didn't have the time to train this year (err, learn how to swim, that is), I decided to do the bike leg of a triathlon as part of a relay team. Stick my foot in the 'tri' waters, though not literally (this time anyway.)

Gorgeous, sunny, cool day. Biking the 3 miles in the early morning from the hotel to the race start was mesmerizing, sun just coming up, looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

Saw lots of my old Team In Training friends. Love them!

The energy and anticipation at these things are electric. Everyone's nervous, racking their bikes and setting up their gear before the race starts. All the racers gets marked before the race. They write your race number and age group category on your arms and legs with a black permanent marker. I felt 'official' after I got my numbers on.

Well, my friends said they were doing it for fun, and not for time. But once you get there, it is definitely a 'race.' A fun one, but a 'race' nonetheless. Waiting for our team member to get done with swim, I felt like a track relay member waiting for the baton to be passed. Actually, we do pass a 'baton' of sorts, the timing chip that wraps around your ankle.

So Elise our swimmer (stud), gets out of the water, we transfer the chip, and I go running off with my bike for my part of the relay. It felt so good to be out among the 2000+(!) racers. Everyone's not out on the course at the same time though, we start in different 'waves' 15 minutes apart, categorized by age/sex, etc.

Of course I was happy to be out there as a celebration of life, because I can.

That feeling lessened somewhat soon after, replaced by the pain in my legs, lungs and back. Riding in a tri is a lot different then riding a century. A century is about pacing yourself for a long day in the saddle, with enough rest stops as you need, pacelining, others riding in your group, enduring the pain and discomfort. A tri race is about going as fast and hard as you can, no stopping, pushing passed the sharp pain, staying aerodynamic, keeping your pedaling cadence constant. When I finally got off the bike, my legs felt like rubber, and I still had to run to where Raquel our runner (stud), was waiting for me to exchange the baton (chip).

I had so much fun and gave it my all. Gorgeous, flat course. Watching the waves break on the beach. Looking at the golfers on a pristine course. Hearing the cheers of well wishers. Needless to say I want to do it again. I'll definitely train more. Of course want a faster bike as well. Man, some of the guys (and gals) on the course were fast, zipping by as if they weren't even trying. Very awe inspiring. That will be me at my next race.

Elise and I waited at the finish line for Raquel. Yeah! We picked up our medals and hung around for a while to watch the Pros and other people finish. Devoured a chicken sandwich and enjoyed an ice cream cone afterwards (I deserved it.)

Just a great day.