A Day of Firsts

Today was my first olympic triathlon. Today was my first time to swim a 1.5 K in open water in the Boulder Rez. It was wild out there. The sun was in our faces. We'd look at each other and say, "Can you see the buoy?" I changed my breathing side this week after I read the swim directions on the course map. The list goes on and on. My olympic distance was 1.5 K on the swim, 42 K on the bike, and 10 K on the run. Fun, Fun... I'll do it again!!! 

On the bike it was a blast. I think I smiled the whole way. (Oh, my transitions suck! I don't mind telling you.) The bike was a blast. We had a climb in there, about a 5 mile climb. After it was over, I was expecting more. I kept thinking of Elephant Rock, my first century on the bike. There were some steep successive climbs in that one. So, this one didn't feel so bad. But, in Elephant Rock... we got to ROCK!!!! I mean FLY in that one!!! We had to obey the speed limit today and be very careful not to draft. In every tri you cannot go within 3 bike lengths of the person in front of you. In passing, do it 1n 12 or 15 seconds. I've heard both so, I always push fast passing just to be safe. 

The run was killer for me and I think it was the slowest I have ever run in my entire life. I am not kidding you. I guess I am getting re-acquainted with altitude after 2 weeks of travel or something. I have several ideas. And I am excited to work out the kinks. 

I am a racer at heart. Oh yes I am! This race can turn out some slow times and it did for me... 3 hr and 31 min. Ick! Decent on the bike. SLOW in water and run. SLOW on transitions. But, I had a blast and can't wait to get better. 

The really good thing is that my kids and husband were there. Our 8 yr old found out how she can do open water triathlons and even attend a camp. She cannot WAIT! She practiced swimming straight in open water while I was doing laps in the Boulder Rez on the expo day. They were so proud of me. It was the first time my kids saw me do a tri. I've never seen them so proud of ole mom! 

In signing Emma up for her tri, Abby read about the swim for her age-group. Abby is a great swimmer and the distance is something she can already easily accomplish as well as the bike and run. She decided to do it too. Her distances will be a bit longer for her age-group. Both girls are looking forward to it and designing their training program. 

Happy Racing,

Christy