Sunday September 28, 2008

I am a multi-sport athlete!

I just finished the race. What can I say? It was amazing! I had so much fun! I admit it; I’m hooked! In fact, I’m already planning my next race. I’m just sad that the “tri-season” is wrapping up out here and just when I’ve caught the bug. Although I just found out there is a “Chilly Cheeks” run/bike series with biathlon races held throughout the winter, which should keep me sated until the spring.

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Here's a picture of me and Amy after the race. And one of me about to approach the finish line.

Ok, so let me recap. Yesterday I felt awful. In retrospect I think may have had a 24-hour flu or something. Amy and I went to get our race packets pretty early in the day, which is a good thing because around noon I started feeling like poop. By 2pm I felt so weak I could hardly stand up. And despite the unseasonably warm day, I was freezing: I had on a sweatshirt and sweatpants with a fleece blanket wrapped around me and I was still cold. My kids were over at friends so I was able to lie down.


I went up stairs to rest and the next thing I knew it was three hours later and I was in a pool of sweat (I know, lovely image) and was starving. So after taking a shower I ate a huge pasta dinner. Incredibly, my sweat nap must have done something because I felt so much better. It all came on so fast, I was reluctant to believe it could leave that fast. But it did, thank goodness. This morning I woke up feeling strong and full of energy.

We got to the race pretty early to make sure we had a good set up and everything was laid out properly in the transition area. It was such a great atmosphere: everyone was talking and laughing and in good spirits. There was very little “I’m gonna kick your butt” kind of vibe. And it was beautiful watching the sunrise over the water (the race was held at one of the local reservoirs), but admittedly it was a little chilly and with very few trees to protect us, the wind was blowing. After awhile we were getting pretty antsy to start. Finally it was 8:00, race time.

They sent us off in waves and it really did stagger the race out nicely. You couldn’t tell if you were far behind or way in front or anything because there were people all over the course. I felt fantastic during the first 5K: strong and very energetic, totally in a groove right away. I got to the transition area before Amy but she told me to just go ahead so I did. I was probably 3-4 minutes ahead of her but she caught up. Having a hybrid and not a road bike was a huge disadvantage. I just couldn’t keep the pace on the flats or down hills. Fortunately I was able to make up some ground on the up hills (thank you spin class!). So Amy pulled ahead and while I tried to keep her in my sights, I lost her at one point, but I found her again on the second run. When I got back to the transition area I was prepared for my legs to feel like jelly during the second run, but they didn’t. Again, I was surprised at how good the running felt. I did walk during the second run. I had told myself that I would run until the turnaround point/water station. Get water, walk while drinking and then continue on the run. But the course was so curvy with a lot of switchbacks and I underestimated which switchback housed the turnaround and when I made it around the curve and saw how far I still had to go, I got irritated and starting walking. I’m not really sure who I was trying to punish with my walking, but I was mad. Once I finished pouting, got my water (finally) and walked a little bit, I felt great and was able to run to the finish. As I turned that final curve, saw the finish line and my husband and three little girls there to cheer me on I felt like I was flying. My girls were so proud of me, talk about motivation. And I can still hear them “2, 4, 6, 8 who do we appreciate? Mummy! Mummy! Mummy!” It was so sweet, not really apropos, but sweet nonetheless.

This whole experience has made me realise my mum was right all along: I can do anything I set my mind to!

Hmm…now what next?