I don't know what really got into me when I signed up for my first triathlon (on a whim) last January, but I'm so glad I did! I have discovered how great it is to be active when it's a lifestyle, and how fun it is to have a great group of friends to work out with, learn from, and challenge me. Most of all, I've found something to motivate me to work hard--something I really needed help with. One of my most basic beliefs is that it doesn't matter so much what we are learning/working on--as long as it's something worthwhile and uplifting--it will have eternal benefits. I love that throughout my life I have had so many different subjects to focus on, each in their season. I am enjoying this season of life, with a dual focus on mothering and training--with the additional benefit of learning how to balance those competing aspects of my life!
I didn't get much sleep Friday night (nerves), but that made it easier to get to the race location in American Fork bright and early (6:15)!
I was one of the first people there, and Bruce was right there taking pictures of me shivering in the cold. Thanks to Dan & Dee and Grandparents Jacobs, who tag-teamed to watch the kids for us. (They would not have enjoyed all the waiting around!) Though the race started at 8, we had to wait in line for our turns to swim (for me, a 45-minute wait!). I am so pleased with my swim time, coming in over 30 seconds faster than I had hoped for! Then after a race through the parking lot, I got my shoes on my wet feet, and took off up some hills for a bike ride. I dropped off my bike, and started running, and soon it was all over.
The race itself was really uneventful, but I have learned so much from the overall experience. Mostly, I am laughing at myself for my own reactions. First, my excitement at the finish line was dampened because I didn't do as well as I wanted to on the bike ride. Looking at the results tonight, I was surprised to see that my swim time (the one I was so happy with) was only ranked 258th, and my bike time (that I was mad about) was 168th--way better! But it's not about how I did compared to others, it's about whether I did as well as I knew I could. I really think I probably worked hard enough, but I'm glad for some new motivation to train harder and become a better biker.
I'm also glad I've come to love running, and to like swimming quite a bit. I felt every bit as exhausted during this race as I have during other races I've done in my life, but this was the first time I didn't think "I hate this! Why am I doing this? I should just quit now!" If only I could transfer that feeling to other areas of my life, for the challenges I have now and those that will come in the future. But it does give me hope that even if things don't get easier, I will become strong enough to bear it and not want to give up. As for swimming, well, last February I would have ranked in the bottom 15 or so (out of over 500). To move up to spot 258, and to even enjoy the swim portion of the event, is such a feeling of accomplishment!
I should mention what a great thing it was to be surrounded by hundreds of women of all ages (80 percent of them were older than me!), of all sizes (some were fairly large, at least one was pregnant), competing in this race and being able to complete it. Very inspiring to see the results of everyone's efforts.
Finally, I'm glad my kids get to see me excited about running, biking, and swimming. I've got a goal to go on a long backpacking trip with the family when our boys are old enough, and I recently realized my efforts now are a concrete step toward making that happen. I want physical activity to be part of our lives, and I'm glad Sammy and Riley are picking up on that--I have to set an example (Bruce does a good job of this too), so that the message will sink in.
Though this should have been the first thing I wrote, THANK YOU Bruce, for your love and support and for cheering me on. I could never have done this without you. Now, how about that push-up challenge?
6 comments:
Check out those stats! I can vouch for how hard Christy worked on her training, and it paid off. To place in the top 100 in her first triathlon, and to be 78th overall in the run and FIRST in the second transition phase. Wow! She also passed at least four women during the swim -- pretty impressive since the last one she passed would have had a 48-second head start! Even more impressive considering the swim was her worst event when she started training. And check out how hot she is! Whoa, Nelly! Can you tell I'm proud? (You are amazing, Christy! I love you!) I would write more mushy stuff, but first she would kick my butt and then she'd probably do more push-ups than me...
Congrats, Christy. I'm impressed with how hard you've worked toward this. And you've made me feel very lazy.
We are so proud of you too! Such an inspiration. I can hardly wait till it is my turn for this. It sounds so fun... hard but fun. Congratz Christy. We love you!
Christy, how did I not know you had a blog? Congratulations on your race! What a girl!!
I am so incredibly proud of you!! Good job! You know I'm extremely in awe of your accomplishments... maybe I can find the drive and do it myself. You're such a great example! Good job!!!!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment. You look great too!
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