TRI-umphant

The first time I went running to start my triathlon training, I came home and told my husband that I didn't think I could do this. I've never tried running and didn't really like doing it. I barely ran 2 miles that day and I just felt defeated. My husband said (and I will never forget this), "Somebody has to come in last." I didn't want to hear something like that, but it's true. And, even the last place person finishes. It just may take them longer than everyone else. But that's okay. It doesn't matter if you are 1st, 549th or in 1,200th place. You can still say that you finished the race.
 
Sunday, I participated in my first high endurance event, an Olympic distance Triathlon - swim 9/10 mile, bike 25 miles, run 6.2 miles. I would have never decided to do something so huge, but it was for such a good cause. I was part of Team in Training (TNT) and raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 4 very close family members die from blood cancers so this was very personal for me.

Three months ago, I could barely swim.

Three months ago, I never thought I could get on a bike and ride 25 miles.

Three months ago, who wants to run 6 miles? Not me.

Well, I DID IT!! I've been training for 3 months and there were so many times I wanted to give up, but I didn't. When I started my training, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. I'm not very athletic and I'm overweight. I worked out a few days a week at the gym, but didn't really push myself. I knew I could do more but didn't know how to get there. I truly believe that if I can do this, anyone can. Really, anyone can. Don't shake your head and think, "not me" because I know you can do it. You just need a support system. Every time I came home and told my husband I didn't think I could do this, he was always there with a hug and supportive word. During the bike portion, I called my husband and said I needed to hear a "Go Mommy Go" from him and my son. It lifted my spirits and kept me going.

The race was difficult, don't get me wrong, but the anticipation of it was much worse than the actual event. It helped that I had completed all the portions of the race on their respective routes. I didn't have any surprises and knew what I was up against. The Team In Training coaches and mentors were fantastic! If you are even thinking about doing any type of high endurance event, I would highly recommend going through Team In Training. Everyone is so supportive and they over train you for the event. You are so ready and pumped up. During the race, I kept thinking about all the people that had enough faith in me that they donated to TNT in my name. I didn't want to let them down, so I kept going.

I'll write a whole post about the actual race. I do have to share that when I was coming in from the bike ride, I got to the transition area and was so shocked to see my brother there. He came up from DC to surprise me. Let me tell you, I was surprised! After the race, we were all at my house, just hanging out and my brother went to take out the recycling. Someone rang the doorbell, I opened the door and my mom was there. She came out from California to support me. What a great family I have!

During the bike ride, they had signs on the big hills to keep you motivated. My favorite sign was "Pain is temporary, but quitting is permanent." That will stay with me forever.

Here are a few pictures from the race:

If anyone is thinking about doing a high endurance event and has any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to tell you about my experience (good and bad).

GO TEAM! 

Mamavation:

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Go Joanna (@way2gomom) for being the Sista of the Week! 


Can't wait to see Pete Cohen tonight on Mamavation TV. He's so amazing and motivational!

6 Days with so many nerves! - Mamavation Monday

6 days to go and I'm so nervous! 6 days until I compete in an Olympic Triathlon. 6 days and all my training will come into play.

6 DAYS!

I'm totally freaking out, but so excited for how far I've come in 3 months. I never imagined that I would be able to just hop on my bike and go for a 25-mile ride. It's been 15 years since I've owned a bike. And, I can now go in the water and feel comfortable. I know how to swim. I'm not very fast, but I can swim!

My biggest concern is not finishing the bike portion in time and getting pulled off the road. I know it's a possibility, but I'm still going to try. The race leader said we would still be able to come back and finish the running portion. I'm in it to finish!

This week, we are supposed to taper our training. I'm going to still do my swimming, biking and running, but not at the same intensity. Hydration and sleep are very important before the race. Lots of sleep and water, but not at the same time.

For those who don't know, this is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

Go Team!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Pamela M. Kramer of @PamelaMKramer for being the Sista of the Week!

Thanks to Subway for sponsoring this week's blogging carnival at Mamavation. I love the veggie sandwiches! They were my go-to-meal when I was pregnant!