First Tri

I just wanted to give you all an update on my 1st tri this past weekend. I started off my training with some swim lessons at the Y. I knew how to swim, but usually did this to cool off after laying out, never for a workout. It has been a tough 4 months, but was able to complete a 1500m workout in the end. That I was very proud of!!! The bike and the run were something I did in the basement after the kids went to bed. I would say I got in about 4 outdoor workouts prior to this race. Not the most ideal situation, but did what works best for our busy schedules.

If you are considering doing a tri, I STRONGLY recommend you train in open water and make sure it is not Lake Erie the night before a huge storm. I jumped into the lake after picking up my packet and knew I was in for a tough swim in the morning.

Race for Recovery – 1000m swim, 14 mile bike and 3.8 run.

The swim was very choppy with 1+ foot waves. Not exactly the same situation as I had in the pool training in the Y. I was so overwhelmed not by other people, but by the waves. I ended up swimming a large majority backstroke just to survive. I looked around at one point hoping there was a guard around, so that I did not drown from the mouth full of water I just swallowed. I however completed this leg of the race in 37 minutes.

The bike went a lot better, but again had huge gusts of winds. I was a fast as 19 mph and when I was headed into the wind 12 -13 mph. I however averaged 16 mph and was happy with this.

I was pretty tired by the time I got to the run and started walking for about 25 yards. I then thought to myself, I did not train to walk this and started to pick up the pace. I had no clue if I was moving fast or not, but that my legs were still going. I completed my 3.8 miles with a 9:49 minute pace. I trained on the treadmill around 9:30 miles and was thrilled to death. I thought after lumping everything together, I would be closer to 11 minute miles.

Finished the race in 2:13:13

I had a blast doing this and can’t wait for the next one. I know that I have to get in the lake a few more times prior to the next one.

Michelle