On Saturday morning, before the sun came up I found myself pushing my bike with is newly greased chain towards the tennis courts at Central AZ College. I had just checked in, got my packet, put on my ankle timer band, and was going to park my bike and "set up" . There was a big sign on the tennis courts. It said:
"ATHLETES ONLY"
I thought to myself "So where do
I go?"
The thing is...I am NOT an athlete. My entire life I've been labeled as "a musician" some times "an artist" and "creative". But "an athlete"? NEVER!! you see to be an athlete one needs strength,coordination, skill, and a competitive nature. I happen to be lacking each of these key characteristics.
But, there I was, pushing my bike towards those tennis courts about to participate in a triathlon sprint.
"Today, I will TRY to be an athlete."
I decided to do this triathlon about a year ago as means of getting my self in better shape. I wanted to set a healthy example to my children, especially my daughters. I wanted to show them that being healthy doesn't have to mean crazy dieting, and being skinny. It means being strong, and able to endure physical challenges.
I knew that at some point I'd want to quit, and not do the tri. So, I asked my Sister Lydia to do it with me. We encouraged each other, and challenged each other. We also decided to get our younger sisters on board because after all... "misery loves company" right.
I set up my bike in a "prime" spot and nervously looked around. "Why is everyone around here so skinny?" I thought. Don't these people eat? The gal setting up next to me kept rambling on about what a fun "
little" race this is. "Oh, you're just gonna love this
little race." "These
little events are just so great!"
If she said "Little" one more time, this
Big girl was going to sit on her.
Luckily before she had the opportunity, I spotted my friend Athene! I had no idea she was participating in this thing! It was her first time doing a Triathlon as well so I felt a little more at ease.
I didn't see Lydia until just before it was time to line up for the swim, and I didn't see Angela (my youngest sister) until she was swimming. She and my sister Amanda were a team. Angela did the swim, while Amanda did the bike and run.
I felt very comfortable with the swim. Swimming has always been the one athletic thing I've done pretty well.
It took a little longer than I'd been practicing at, but I was still pleased with how I did.
The transition to the bike took a little longer than I thought it would, but once I got peddling, I felt great and actually enjoyed the ride. It helped to have some fun music playing in my ears and Adam gave my bike a tune up, so it worked perfectly!
The final event was the three mile run. I knew this would be by hardest event. I am not a runner. So I walked. Fast. In fact, at one point the girl "jogging" next to me asked why my walk was as fast as her run?
I guess having long legs can be very beneficial in a foot race. :)
I did run part of the time. And I was able to run (well, it probably looked more like a shuffle) the entire last 1/2 mile. And I actually beat my best practice time on the run!
I loved seeing Adam and the kids cheering me on as I crossed the finish line!
I've already decided to do the triathlon again next year. I know I can do better, work harder, and improve my time. Maybe I'll be the one telling the poor girl next to me what a fun "little" race it is.
Then again, maybe not.
