I've been preparing off and on throughout the Spring to participate in a Triathlon Sprint. Right before my first one I got sick, and stayed pretty sick for three weeks before I started to feel human again. Needless to say, I did not get to participate in that Tri, or the one I had signed up for two weeks after that! I was bummed. But I had to take care of me first!
God has been so good to us this year with beautiful weather, actual seasons, and even unusual temps for this time of year in the South. This week we have had amazingly cool temps in the morning and not too hot/humid temps throughout the day. I know you guys out West are suffering hot hot temps, sorry! Not trying to rub it in. I just want to give credit where credit is due!
Last weekend I ran in the SuperHero 5K to help out a local family who has a 4 year old with an inoperable brain tumor. It was such a great cause and a great turnout. I had a lot of fun dressing up as Supergirl and running. Although I managed to hurt myself because I'm too stubborn to walk when I should. I've been hobbling all week because my feet hurt terribly.
Tuesday came and I finally learned how to breath properly while swimming. I hadn't even practiced that up until that point. But thanks to my dear friend Clara, I was much more confident with my swimming abilities and finally felt like I could actually conquer the swim section of the race. Another friend, Stacie, loaned me a great bike that was much better for a road race than the mountain bike I have! I cannot thank God enough for the blessings of great people in my life. Its the little things people do and say that make big impacts in our lives.
I spent much of Wednesday getting my things ready and propping up/icing my feet to get ready for Thursday. July 4th began as the rest of the week has, which fabulously cool temps in the upper 50's and low 60's. I ate a good carb filled breakfast of sweet potatoes, bananas, and an egg, then loaded up my car and headed to the lake where the race would take place. Thankfully my friends were already there and showed me where to set up and get my stuff ready. Mom and Dad came to watch and cheer me on. As I waited for the start time I realized I wasn't nervous...just ready to go! My only goal was to finish in 1hr 30min or so. (Really...the goal was just to finish...period.)
I hit the water and started the 360 yard swim I remember thinking that maybe next time I shouldn't wait so long to start practicing. My arms were tired not far into the swim so I changed up my stroke frequently. I could hear my parents cheering me on as I neared the finish of the swim. It was so great having them there! After the swim I had to quickly get my shoes, helmet, gloves and sunglasses on so that I could jump on my bike for the 13 mile ride to London and back. That part wasn't hard, but my shoes were soaked nearly the whole ride. Thankfully they were barefoot shoes and breathed well! Ha!
I found myself just piddling around on the ride, then I would remember...Oh yeah! I'm on the clock! So I would take it seriously for a while....then end up piddling around again. I'm pretty sure I would have thought about the race more if I had been in (or near) a group of other riders. But the swim took me a while, so I was quite a ways behind other riders. When I came in from the ride, one of my teammates asked excitedly "Are you done?!" I guess he didn't see me just get off the bike. I laughed...still had the run to do. I switched to my running shoes, swapped out my helmet for a hat and took off on the run. And immediately regretted never doing a brick workout where we practiced that part. Switching from biking to running is a little rough on your legs! And the rest of me for that matter! I ran until I was out of the park and then walked/ran the remainder of the two miles. Another teammate (Clara's husband) Beau had already finished and was running out with another racer, then turned around and finished the race with me. Such an encouragement! He definitely made the run go by faster by distracting me with conversation. haha
I finished the race at 1 hour 37 minutes. Just over what I had set my goal for. I was happy with it! I had just completely my first Triathlon Sprint! Woo!
We all hung out for a while afterward, I managed to consume two and a half oranges, and a granola bar. Then went home, showered and ate 3 eggs, half an avocado, some tomatoes, an apple, another banana and a cup of coffee. Then passed out on the couch for about 30 minutes. I slept hard too. I was exhausted I suppose. Later that evening I went to a Paleo 4th of July Cookout and pool party. I won't even list all the food I devoured...but I guarantee you it was probably enough to feed a family of three or four... I've always been a healthy (think portion size) eater...but yesterday was something else. hahaha I'm trying to cut back a little today since I'm resting and not working out...but I'm still quite hungry. :-) The cook out was great, good people, good food, good times.
I hope you all had a great day celebrating our Nation's Birthday! Happy 237th Birthday America! A very big Thank You to all of those who served, are serving, and who died serving this great land. Thank you to all of the military, firefighters, policemen, first responders who make this country what it is! God Bless you, and God Bless America!
Love you all!
J
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