On Saturday, I had the strange experience of paying money to hurt myself. Some would call this “stupidity.” Others call it a “triathlon.” Let’s be clear here – this was no Iron Man. It was a sprint triathlon, though I’m supposing that “sprint” is just an aribitrary term and not really an expectation that you sprint through it. Regardless…
Here’s what it consisted of:
1. 400 meter swim in a lake.
2. 1.6 mile run.
3. 12 mile bike ride.
4. 1.6 mile run.
(I know what you whiz kids are thinking – “tri” mean “three,” and clearly I have 4 things listed there. Evidently the boat ramp wasn’t at the right place for you to start riding your bike, so they run you back over there for “convenience,” splitting the run potion into 2 phases.)
So here’s what I learned from my 1 hr, 47 minute experience:
1. Swimming in a lake is harder than swimming in a pool. This was the first time I hadn’t swam in a pool, and it was very disorienting. And I couldn’t touch the bottom. I ended up back stroking at least a quarter of it.
2. Running a mile and a half is alot harder after you’ve ridden 12 miles on a bike.
3. Bike shorts with padding in certain places are well worth the financial investment.
4. Humility. I learned this in a number of ways, including the woman who passed me on a bike and yelled, “I’ve been trying to catch you all day!” That actually made me feel pretty good about myself; then after the race, I saw her again, and she clarified: “Yeah, I would have tried to catch another girl, but most of them had already finished.”
5. I look dumb in a swim cap.
Congrats! I did a triathlon 3 summers ago and it was the one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. I can identify with all of your points. I did about 3/4 of the swim on my back and was passed by several women who started 5 minutes after me.
I’m hoping to become much less fat and do another one next summer.
I remember the sexy pic of you on your blog. Your wet suit is a thing of beauty. And I remain impressed at your ability. Way to go.
Do you really think a swim cap was necessary?
Swim caps were required, so that if that little white head goes under the water and doesn’t come up someone could have come and save me. Of course, when you’re swimming on your back, there’s not much chance of going under.
I am very impressed. Way to go. Any pics?
Dude. The woman’s quote made me laugh out loud. Great stuff. I am gearing up for the “pump and run” in nine days back in IA. Bench press your weight as many times as you can and then run a 5k. Should be intense.
z
Andy – No pics. The last thing I need is me in a speedo floating around online somewhere.
Z – Pump and run? That’s crazy. How many times can you bench press 135 lbs?
couldn’t help but laugh and be really impressed!