MY FIRST TRIATHLON AKA: ADVENTURE OF THE TRI-DUMMY !!!

Let me start by saying I am a self proclaimed TRI-DUMMY.  I’m a TRI-Infant, a multi-sport idiot.  I wrote this to hopefully motivate other tri-babies and maybe amuse some of you tri-STUDS!  I was totally motivated and inspired reading event stories on this website…keep ‘em coming!

I had been contemplating a triathlon for some time.   My wife purchased a triathlon-training book by Eric Harr for me and I was hooked.  Then we moved- from the warm winter of Arizona to the blistering cold of Nebraska!  Once we got settled, I heard about the James O’Rourke Triathlon in North Platte and decided its April date would provide an ample amount of time to train.  I needed to spend a lot of time in the pool.  I could swim to survive, but I couldn’t competitively swim.

I also needed a road bike.  Lucky for me, I met a guy at my church that volunteered his.  He is 6 ft tall; I’m 5’-6”.  No big deal, right?  I should also mention it was a Maruishi manufactured in 1989!  The thing was as heavy as a boat anchor!  Because of the weather, I spent most of my training inside on the treadmills and stationary bikes of the North Platte Rec Center.  I soon found out I should have trained more!

The day of the race, I was faced with several decisions, most of which I should have solved weeks before the event.  What should I wear on the bike?  I wasn’t sure how cold it was going to be and I didn’t want to be too hot.  How do I set up my bike and stuff in the transition area?  Should I put stuff on inside the pool area?  Yeah, I know…I should have thought these things through BEFORE the day of the race.  I’m a tri-dummy, I tell you.

After setting up in the transition area, I went inside to look around.  I started to notice some extremely fit looking people with 2 digit race numbers like mine.  After talking to the race coordinator, I realized I’d entered the competitive division.  BAD CALL!!!  I begged and pleaded and with a few computer strokes, I was soon in the fitness division.

We hopped in the water and the swim started!  The dude was GONE!  I think Justin probably swam after the shark in the ocean and TOOK its tooth.  The guy swims faster than a Spanish mackerel.   I finished in a pretty good time and was huffing and puffing as I crawled out of the pool.  Toweled off and put on my helmet, sunglasses, shirt, MP3 player, socks, and shoes.  Yeah, I know…it did take a LONG time, but I like to exercise with tunes.  All that stuff was inside the pool area, by the way.  I ran outside and found my bike. 

The bike course was an out and back ride.  Let me start the bike portion with the fact I was not prepared for this event.  Thought I was, I wasn’t.  For starters the bike was too big, plus I only rode it twice before the race.  Yeah, I know… I should’ve ridden it more.  I would also recommend bike shorts.  Because the bike was too big, my butt shifted back and forth as I pedaled.  This created friction, which later created a sore spot on my “taint” or “from-under,” or whatever YOU call it.

The wind was also a factor.  I noticed a front crosswind going out.  I figured I’d get a little tail wind on the way back.  NOPE.  When I turned around, I felt a full blast of wind directly in my face.  It was brutal!  I have no idea what my speed was, but I actually saw a grandma with a walker passing me!

Water would have been nice, too.  Forgot to put my water bottle cage on the bike.  Yeah, I know…I’m a tri-idiot.  Once I got back, I was hurting.  The people cheering totally lifted my spirits. 

The transition to the run was fast and I actually can run okay.  Took off the helmet and long sleeve shirt and took off.  I tried to catch this lady running on a team.  Never did, but she kept my pace going pretty good.  Once again, coming in I was motivated by the spectators.  THEY ARE GREAT!  My overall time was slow, but I was happy I finished.

The sense of accomplishment was amazing and I now know the importance of just finishing a triathlon.  I wrote this story to hopefully motivate someone who is on the fence considering doing a triathlon.  It was tough, but it was worth it.  I actually signed up for another one!

This is what I learned:

• I should have read the triathlon book my wife bought me!  Do some research.
• Don’t wait to prepare.  The day of the race is too late.
• You don’t need a small fortune to race – borrow stuff!
• Ask for help!  I’ve met so many people full of experience who love to share…just ask!  I emailed a pro, who emailed me back the next day!!  A flipping PRO!
• Practice with your equipment… any questions?  If so, read my story again!
• You don’t have to be SUPERFIT.  You CAN complete a triathlon in your current body shape. Don’t be surprised if your body shape changes as you train!
• Don’t think about it, just sign up for a race.  You will be hooked!

  Triathlon is many things – it’s 3 events - sure, but it’s more.  It’s a community; a group of people with a common bond and common interest.  Triathlon is also a lifestyle; you train, eat, and think differently than you ever have.  It is fun and fulfilling; tough and inspiring. Triathlon can change your life, if you let it.  Look at me; I’m now a tri-toddler.