I DID IT!!!

Today I participated in. . . and completed . . . my FIRST triathlon!! It was amazing!

We woke up early (4:30 AM) to drive the hour and 45 minutes to get to Casa Grande where the triathlon was held. I was doing good, not feeling to nervous when we started the drive, but the closer we got the more nervous I became. By the time we arrived, my hands and feet were tingling and my heart was racing! I got checked in and took a trip to the ladies room (along with about 50 other ladies. . .don't we LOVE lines?!?!) while BJ and the kids took my bike and other gear to the transition station.

I met them there and arranged my things in order for quick transitions. Once everything was in place it was time to line up for the swim!

It was fun to talk to the other athletes as we waited for our turn to start. And my nerves were put at ease. I was "ready" when it was my turn to enter!

(I am in the water in the black suit and cap below the guys standing on the side of the pool. Waiting for the guy with the stopwatch to tell me to go!)

Its was a 400 meter serpentine swim in a 50 meter pool so we started one at a time in 10 second intervals. We'd swim down in one lane, then back in the next lane over, then back in the next lane over...and so on until we zig-zagged the whole pool. We entered in order according to our swim speed, but I don't think I gave myself enough credit and ended up passing about 15 people throughout the swim. Next time I'll be sure to start earlier. It slowed me down a bit trying to get around them all! I finished in about 8 minutes.

I transitioned from swim to bike in about 4 minutes. The Bike portion of the race was 10.5 miles. I got going and felt GREAT! I had to keep reminding myself that I still had to run (the toughest part for me) and to cool it a little! :) I finished the bike portion in about 36 minutes. Then I transitioned into the run in about 2 minutes. I was a worried about this last portion of the race, a 5K (3.2 miles). . .I am not a great runner, but I kept going. I found a good pace and stayed consistent. Their were times that I wanted to stop and walk, but I kept my thoughts positive and thought about my family at the finish line. I came around the last turn and BJ and the kids came into view. I was so happy! When I got to them, Chris and Samantha joined me and ran the last bit and crossed the finish line with me! It was AWESOME!! I wanted to make it to the end without stopping. AND I DID!! I didn't do it fast, but I did it! :) I finished my run in about 45 minutes.

My finish time was 1:35:00 (and some seconds, I'll get the exact time later)

Afterward, we were standing around listening as they read out the winners and cheering for them.

Then they got to my division and . . .surprise. . .Allison Bedont came in 3rd!!

Seriously??!

Yep, 3rd place in my division! I was Shocked!

I had such a good time and am SO excited to do it again next year (if not earlier!)

I am so grateful for a wonderful supportive husband and family. I had the best little cheer section there! Love you guys! :)