Sunday, August 23, 2009

What a RUSH!!!

I participated in my first ever triathlon, THE RUSH, last Saturday and it was AMAZING! I loved it. I feel really strong and proud of myself for accomplishing something that was so hard. I trained all summer and the early morning bike rides, runs and swims really paid off. I felt confident in myself at the beginning of the race because I knew that I had done all that I could do to prepare.

My final time was:

2 hours, 9 minutes, 55 seconds.

I'm ready to have a go at it again next year and I'm hoping to shave a few minutes off. In fact, I think I'm "triathlon hooked" and my goal is to do three next summer. Then, the summer after that, I'd like to train for the Olympic distance. (1 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6 mile run.)

I think one of the greatest parts of this whole experience was training with my girlfriends. Even though our training sessions weren't always together, I knew that we were in it together. I gained great strength from knowing that I wasn't alone. We each overcame our own weaknesses and I learned so much from watching every one's growth. I am so proud of these ladies and I feel truly blessed to call them my partners and friends!

Our numbers and ages were marked on our calves and arms and we felt pretty tough. I was none too sad when my markings were still visible the next day at church! (I know, I'm so vain. But I think I earned a few minutes to feel boastful!)

Shelli, me, Jaci, Kris

Random stuff I loved, learned, or want to remember for next time:

  • When they say, "don't do anything new or change anything from your training the night before the race," they MEAN IT. I changed my bike seat out at the last minute because I was embarrassed that the cover on mine was all torn up. My seat did not stay in place during the ride and I had to stop twice to have it fixed. grrrr. Darn pride got in the way that time.

  • I would love a road bike but don't necessarily NEED one. I did just fine on my Grandma Bigelow's old cruiser! I think Grandpa was watching from heaven!

  • But...I still WANT a road bike.

  • I should wear a different color swim cap than everyone else so I'm visible to my family while in the water.

  • Triathletes come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Anyone who works hard enough can do a triathlon. The oldest competitor there (that I saw) was 69 and did the olympic length.

  • I have "cheerleader in my genes," as one friend put it. I loved cheering people on and couldn't pass, or be passed by anyone without giving them a little shout out! All the competitors had a very friendly camaraderie and that made the race so enjoyable.

  • Eat a good meal as soon as I'm done.

  • Train more hills for the run. That was tough.

  • Don't do cheesy thumbs up and victory arms every time you see the professional photographers. See for yourself. It's embarrassing.

  • Don't dawdle in the transition areas. You can still enjoy the moment without wasting so much time!

  • Volunteer for more "stuff." All the helpers weer so nice and helpful. The race couldn't have taken place without them. (What would Rexburg do without the LDS missionaries? They were all there!)

  • Even though I look no better in spandex then I did a few months ago, I can wear them with pride now because I feel like an athlete and I worked my rear off. SPANDEX PRIDE!!!





22 comments:

Emily said...

You are so awesome!!

Brag away - that is so much more than so many people can accomplish. Glad all the work paid off. You'll have rock hard calves by next year!

diane said...

I still don't get it but I think it is great that you did it.

heidiram said...

Very impressive!

Jenibelle said...

You freakin' rock!!!! AWESOME.

Now for my real reaction...."she's freakin' crazy".

Very cool!!


(Lauren and Skyler will be back in Rexburg on Friday...do you know anyone with a truck they can borrow to get their stuff out of storage?? Go see her bump!!!)

Rochelleht said...

OH WOW! You ROCK!!!!

the wrath of khandrea said...

fantabulous. seriously. i am so impressed. and happy for you. you look radiant, even during physical exertion. cool.

Lauren in GA said...

That is so, so, so, so WONDERFUL!!! I am so proud of you!!

And I am glad you could see your markings on your calves the next day, too. You deserve tons of praise!

I would need a toe tag...forget the awesome markings...

Jake said...

WooHoo for you! You make it look so EASY.

Linsey said...

Wow, you're a rock star!

robin said...

that is so great lisa. you are my inspiration. seriously. way to go!

Jessica said...

Congratulations!

You want to meet Ryan and me in Seattle in a month and do his HALF-IRONMAN with him?

No?

Me either. We should just meet and have lunch or something.

Stacey Jensen said...

I am so proud of you! I love bragging about you to anyone who will listen to me talk about your amazing feats!! Keep up the hard work!

Laurel said...

You're a-mazing!!! I don't think I could do it--or even want to do it--but I can sure appreciate all the work it took for you to do it! Bravo a thousand times over!!! (And I don't think victory arms or thumbs up are such bad things--of course I looked at the pictures--In fact, I'm giving you a thumbs up right now, right here at my computer and I may throw in some victory arms just because!) :0)

cindy. said...

YOU ROCK, SISTER!

i love the victory arms and the thumbs up . . . it's just so you, so keep doing it. i often wish i was as spunky as you.

you're my inspiration. once i get over this stupid back injury, i'm putting my running shoes back on.

love you! you're amazing!

cindy. said...

p.s...cute font. where did you get it??????

Amanda B said...

Hey, how are ya doing? I looks like it's time for me to take my blog private. Too many weird people visiting my blog. If you would like an invite to my blog send me an email (bakers2002@gmail.com) so that I have your email. Hope things are good! Take care!

Grandma W. said...

Hurrah for you, Honey!!! Of course, we knew you could do it!!
I remember so well, the years you were a cheer leader! That is your forte for sure, Sweetie! I bet Kendon and the kids were so proud of you!! Hope you get to do all you want to next year!!
We love you!!!

Pam said...

I am so proud of you dolly!! And yes, you deserve a road bike if you plan to keep this up. That would shave an easy 5 minutes off your time. Maybe you could sneak one of Kendon's bows to the pawn shop :) Just kidding Kendon!

How are my little kiddos. I sure do miss them. Give them all a hug from their Grandma.

Ilene said...

You are THE woman.

I wish my husband would use his mountain bike for the Burley Spud Man triathalon he is training for but he got a road bike (USED and even that is stinking expensive!!).

I am going to enter him in at least three triathalons next summer so I can feel like his purchases are worth it.

Dustin and Shelli Chambers said...

You are pretty much the only reason I stuck with my training and did this. You are awesome,tough, and inspiring. thank you!

D-dawg said...

LM! I am so impressed. Seriously. I can't imagine how hard that must have been!! These pics rock too. I hope you ordered some to frame!

Angela said...

Oh Lisa Marie, yet another example of your awesomeness. I could do the biking and swimming, but I'm pretty sure the running thing would do me in. Congrats on such a big accomplishment.