General Discussion Triathlon Talk » My First Tri was last Saturday! Rss Feed  
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2003-09-17 12:18 PM


8

New Port Richey,FL
Subject: My First Tri was last Saturday!
What a blast! I certainly didn't place(not even in my Athena group) but I finished and I am so glad I did!

The morning of the race the alarm clock screamed at 5:00am(about 2 minutes after I finally fell asleep-those jitters will make ya nuts,huh?). Anyway, I had to shower and get the truck loaded by 6:00am to get to the park when the gates opened at 6:30am. To my surprise there was a long line at the gate when we arrived. Yikes-this is big, I thought to myself(it turned out that there were 600 participants and a record number of spectators). We parked the truck,unloaded quickly and rushed to the transition area to get my stuff set up. There was plenty of room and I set up a perfect little area with my shoes backpack towels, etc. Not hogging space but making the best of it. Then I was told to proceed to the body marking area. I felt so proud as I was initiated to this ritual.

Time just sped by. After several trips to the little girls room, I decided to test the water. I can't tell you how glad I was that I did. I was not prepared for the disgusting sliminess that I was to experience. The seagrass was so thick, the water so shallow that as I swam it tickled every part of my body. When trying to stand I would just sink in this dirty muck! You can't imagine how it was waiting for our group to start!

We entered the water as the group in front of us mistakingly turned at the wrong bouey marker! They all had to turn and go back. Made for some excitement- an additional nerve wracker!

All of the seamingly nice people became animals as the horn blew! I've never been kicked so hard and so much in my life! The sensation of swimming ontop of, below of and squeezed next to people was wild! Clydesdales/Athenas kick HARD!! I wasn't prepared for that and swallowed a ton of water. I felt rough coming out and what shocked me the most was this was my fastest event- I guess I really wanted out of there!

When I arrived back at my transition area I found that some girl rudely put all of her stuff on top of mine! It threw off my whole game plan! I forgot my inhaler, I didn't get the sand off my feet as I'd like to have.

The bike ride was beautiful and I just took my time checking out the sites. Having banter with those racers passing, etc.

My demons came out for the run. My stomach was cramping, and I felt oh so nausious. I ended up finishing with a guy who started in my group named Michael who I am so grateful to. I don't think I could have made it without that! Michael if you read this THANK YOU!!!!

I really can't tell you how wonderful the majority of people I met there are! We all cheered eachother on, mostly they were rooting for me! I loved it and recommend it to anyone who wants to challenge themselves-no matter of age, size, race or status! Triathlon is for everyone!







2003-09-17 3:33 PM
in reply to: #859

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Champion
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Gold member
Subject: S.A.R.R.

that was one sweet-(you know what)-race-post.  felt like i was there!  i am still feeling between my toes to get that 'disgusting sliminess' off.

congrats

2003-09-18 3:02 PM
in reply to: #859

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Central Louisiana
Subject: RE: My First Tri was last Saturday!
What is it about all those nice triathletes with the name of Michael. I am glad that you had a great experience. It is great to hear your race report and can't wait to hear another one.

Still Tri'n
Michael
2003-09-19 7:35 AM
in reply to: #859

Regular
58
2525
Gulfport, MS
Subject: RE: My First Tri was last Saturday!
I still haven't done my first tri yet (May 2004) but with all you described, I am getting so excited. I really felt like I was there with you. Thanks for giving us all the details! I know now that I will try the lake before the event!
Getting addicted to tri's is so much FUN!!
2003-09-19 10:26 AM
in reply to: #859

Regular
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Springfield, Ohio
Subject: RE: My First Tri was last Saturday!
Hey, if you finished, you placed!! Congratulations! Hope you encounter better water next time. Think how much faster you'll go without seagrass to slow you down.
Neil
2005-08-11 1:46 PM
in reply to: #859

New user
2

Golden, Colorado
Subject: RE: My First Tri was last Saturday!
How exciting!! I am doing my first triathlon next month and your story was so motivating! I'll be doing my swim in a pool, so I won't have the slimy experience in the water you had, but I'll definately be cautious of getting kicked in the head! That's something I hadn't thought of yet. Great job on finishing.


2005-08-11 2:00 PM
in reply to: #859

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Beautiful Sonoma County
Subject: RE: My First Tri was last Saturday!
Good job, Triathlete!! Woo hoo!
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