It's official- I'm an IRON GIRL!

I did it! I finished my first triathlon! I'm exhausted (not just from the race but from driving 6+ hours afterwards), but I feel good. I felt really good after the race, both physically and emotionally. I've had a lot of time to think about it, but I'll share my initial thoughts first.

My overall feeling before the race was fear and nervousness. I woke up at 2:30 am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Surprisingly, I was able to eat something but my stomach was a mess. I knew rationally that I could do it, I just couldn't shake the doubts. I had a great support group at the race; not only Kevin, but friends from home and family. It was great to have them there. I felt very loved.

My swim wave went off at 7:21 and it was so hard to get ready for that. I fought back tears as I went to get in line with my age group. I tried so hard not to cry. I just knew that at that point there was no going back and I was going to have to face my fears. I actually laughed at myself, but I still couldn't help it. Once I got swimming I was fine. I did way more freestyle than in the practice. I still did a fair share of breaststroke but I was okay with that. It was way less crowded which was a huge help. I struggled getting out of the water and going to my bike. I was tired and feeling a little queasy. I didn't go as fast as I could have, I was just concentrating on getting myself together.

Transition #1 was slow. I messed up cleaning off my feet and had to do it 2x. I also didn't tighten my bike shoes enough so I had to stop and do that too. I clipped on without a problem and off I went.

The theme of the bike was getting passed. I got passed my a lot. I had some fears to conquer on the bike and I think I did that. I was very afraid of riding in traffic and passing people but got more comfortable as the ride went on. I was also afraid of switching gears from high to low because I've had a problem of dropping my chain doing this. Even though I had my bike looked at and the problem fixed before the tri, I didn't ride it enough beforehand to be comfortable at the race. I spent the first 10 miles of the bike on my small gear which means I paid for it in speed on the downhills. I was hoping to get my bike time to about an hour and 5 minutes. Didn't happen but I feel like under the circumstances, I can't ask for more. The other thing I need to work on is drinking on the bike. I didn't get in enough fluids because I'm not comfortable drinking while I petal. Another thing to work on.

Transition #2 was great. I had a great spot right to the side of the bike entrance and it made a huge difference in my time. I felt pretty good. My calves cramped a little and my legs were tired, but overall things were good.

I was dreading the hills of the run and just tried to keep and even pace. I passed tons of people in my age group. I was thinking "You may have passed me on the bike but who's passing who now!". The hills were hard, but I slugged through them. I picked up the pace a little near the end and sprinted to the finish. I had way too much left at the end. I guess I should have pushed a little harder, but again, I'm just happy I finished strong.

My overall feeling at the end was relief. I'm happy that I finished, and feel like I did well, especially since it was my first time, but mostly I'm just glad the pressure's off. I felt so much pressure leading up to this event and I'm so happy to be done.

I left feeling like I'd like to do it again. Kevin asked me if I liked it. I wouldn't say liked. It was definitely hard, but I liked the challenge. I liked that it pushed me to try new things and train in a way I've never done before. I think Iron Girl Columbia may be seeing me again next year.