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:

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• 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.
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• 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!
  
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• But...I still WANT a road bike.
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• I should wear a different color swim cap than everyone else so I'm visible to my family while in the water.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• Eat a good meal as soon as I'm done.
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• Train more hills for the run. That was tough.
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• Don't do cheesy thumbs up and victory arms every time you see the professional photographers. See for yourself. It's embarrassing.
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• Don't dawdle in the transition areas. You can still enjoy the moment without wasting so much time!
  
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• 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!)
  
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• 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!!!