Sanford and Sun Triathlon

I have been so nervous for this race to come and now it is finally here. I could barely sleep the night before because I was so anxious. First thing in the morning I headed down to Sanford Park and I set up my transition area. After, I had plenty of time to burn, so I went to the beach and ran in the sand to warm up and went for a little swim to get use to the water. Thankfully the water was really warm cause I didn't have a wetsuit. But I did just fine without one.

Stretching and watching the sun rise.

Once we were all checked in, there was a lot of standing around and visiting with family. I was able to catch up with some friends from high school which was really nice. Nickolas was having fun that morning playing on the beach. He was getting really hyper with all of the excitement going on around us. He came and gave me a good luck hug and told me he loved me. I wonder if he thought mommy might not make it out of the water!! Lol.

The Richards and me, like old times!! I miss those high school track days!! Does anyone else think these caps are ridiculous looking?

Bye... heading out to start the race. We started out in the water, just at the buoy line. They had us start in waves and in my group we had 50 or more girls.

And we're off!!! I cannot tell you how many times I got kicked in the face! I got stuck in the middle of the pack and feet and hands were hitting me everywhere!! I did really well on the swim though... it was a 500m swim and I was out of the water in 12 minutes and 38 seconds.


Nickolas and grandpa watching the race.

Once out of the water, I was having trouble breathing because I swallowed so much lake water but I couldn't think about that. All I was thinking about was keep my feet moving. I grabbed my bike and I was off. This part of the race is really easy to me but I wish that I had a road bike to go faster. I made do with my mountain bike and was able to come up with a decent time. Normally when I was training, I would complete the 12 1/2 miles in 55 minutes but in the race I was off my bike in 47 minutes. I also had the fastest 2nd transition time off the bike and into the run (32 seconds). Then it was time for the run. The part I always dread because my legs feel like noodles...

Running Out and Running In

I did not run as well as I would have liked but hey I was really tired. I finished the 5k in 32 minutes. The most important part was that I finished and I finished in style, sprinting past two girls from my group!! Lol. My total time was 1 hr 35 minutes and 15 seconds. Not bad for my first time. I am pretty proud of myself.

We just finished the race and are pooped!!

After the race I enjoyed some mommy and Nickolas time making sandcastles.

I had so much fun during and after the race. The hard work training all summer was definitely worth it. I can't wait to do another!! I want to thank all those who supported me when I wanted to give up. Now I am Super MOM!!