Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!
Discussion: I am (now) a Triathlete!
Subject: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-04 18:27:35 Message: Just like Jael had said, as soon as I finished, the first thing I did was jump up & down and hug my husband and say it "I am a Triathlete! I really did it!!" Guys, my first Tri will go down as one of my favorite days of all time, but it didn't start that way. In fact, it almost didn't happen at all... I got to the site VERY early, I wanted to have plenty of time to set up, do a quick jog, etc. I walk around when I get there and chatted with a guy parked next to me, and we head up to pick up the packets. I had decided to buy the USAT license at the race rather than do it online, so I had my cash in hand along with my race registration. "ID please" the USAT official said to me. I said "what?" She said I need your drivers license or some other photo ID. "ummmm... let me look... oh no I don't have it". Sorry, you can't race. ARE YOU FREAKING JOKING ME? Yes, you guessed it, my license was sitting on the kitchen counter, something I always have with me, except on this day. All I can say is my husband is AMAZING and a life saver. I called him, almost in tears and told him what had happened, he said "I'll be there in 30 minutes"... and sure enough he & the kids got there right at 7:10 (race time: 7:30). After going thru the painfully slow process of getting the USAT license and the race packet, I got to set up at 7:30, luckily the race started late due to other issues. So much for having nerves -- my brain was fried. Got to the beach just as they were lining up - we went out single-file instead of doing a wave. This was my first open-water swim. Even though I know better, I went out TOO FAST and I did not enjoy being sandwiched between bodies. I ended up doing breast & side stroke to keep my head out of the black water. Had to tread water at the 2nd bouy because there was no place to go, it was all blocked. Jael - I thought of you at that point... I wanted to get "to the side", but I was wedged in. Next time I'll get out there sooner. The bike was hard, there was a steep hill right away, and hills throughout. I have only simulated hills in the gym, so the real thing was a butt kicker, but I was loving my new bike. So glad I didn't do this with my mtn bike! I thought the course was closed to cars, but found out otherwise when a sod truck pulled out in front of me, making me hit the brakes while going into a corner covered w/ gravel and slow down while he got up to speed. I was so scared (and ticked) - I think it probably helped my pace in the end from the adrenaline rush, but yikes! The run was the longest 2 miles I have ever run, however much to my surprise, I managed 8:30 miles (fast for me). So here's the end result: 38/ 113 over all (6 / 23 age group). 4:45 (200 M swim), 2:28 T1, 29:09 (7.5 mi bike), 1:01 T2, 16:58 (2 mi run). THANK YOU everyone who encouraged me and supported my efforts, I took in all the advice & kind words, and couldn't wait to come back and let you know that I made it. I have wanted to do this for over 7 years, and I finally did it! I AM a Triathlete!
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Becky D. Written on: 2006-06-04 18:36:10 Message: Great story Congrats!!! Inspiring for someone who can not quite yet call themselves a "triathlete", only one in training Becky
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-04 18:44:14 Message: Carie, You are a triathlete, WOW what a nerve wracking morning I was squirming just reading it. I am so glad you got to race and did so well. I hope you have somthing nice planed for your husband. Ron
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Leo d. Written on: 2006-06-05 00:37:35 Message: Carie, Congratulations. I am a newbie myself and I just can't wait for my first tri (august 6). Thanks to your wonderful husband and the fact that the tri was close to your home you even had your husband and kids cheer you on. Way to go!! Leo D.
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: alicia L. Written on: 2006-06-05 09:11:23 Message: How exciting! I am so proud of you! My first tri is this weekend and reading your story gave me some extra encouragement! THanks! I am so pumped!
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-05 09:53:06 Message: Carie, CONGRATULATIONS my fellow Triathlete!!!!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!! I am so happy for you! You have a great husband by the way, that is super cool he was able to make it on time for you to do your first race! That was a great story! Great times as well, it seems that you had a great race (except for the truck pulling in front of you!...). Great job on the swim! You did what you needed to do to get through the water and on to the finishing line. Way to go! Jael
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Steve L. Written on: 2006-06-05 10:40:42 Message: Heck of a story, and Congrats.. Nice Job SteveL
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-06-05 11:28:39 Message: You are a triathlete! Your story is so inspiring, thanks for sharing it. I havn't done an open water swim yet, both my sprints scheduled this year are in quarries, so I am collecting stories and advice from everyone here about surviving it. This is a great sport and you did wonderful. I can't wait to hear about the next one. Teresa
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Jonny F. Written on: 2006-06-05 12:25:32 Message: congrats Carie! That is awesome - you will never forget that moment of crossing the finish line! Way to go! -Jon
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-05 12:37:49 Message: Carie - you ARE a triathlete - awesome job, great story!
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Andrew S. Written on: 2006-06-05 12:41:18 Message: Welcome to the Trigeek club Carie! Great job! Andy
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Laura J. Written on: 2006-06-05 13:28:04 Message: Dear Carie, Thank you for sharing your story! I will be out for my first tri in September - I am really excited! And, reading your story makes me even more excited... aside from all of those challenging moments! It's great that you have a supportive family, too. Congratulations! Cheers! Laura
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Denise W. Written on: 2006-06-05 14:16:36 Message: Job well done!!
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Nick M. Written on: 2006-06-09 15:56:59 Message: Congrats!!! Great job... I still remember the feeling I had after I did my first triathlon, it was like shock. It just gets better after doing more and more tri's. Even though my triathlon was many many years ago, I know the feeling you experinced. I just did my first Ironman 2 weeks ago and I'm still on cloud 9 from the amazing feat. Keep up the good work... -triNick
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Tim M. Written on: 2006-06-09 17:16:26 Message: Congrats, Wow, what a story. I don't know how I would have handled the Id issue. Three cheers for your hubby......
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Andy M. Written on: 2006-06-09 19:10:33 Message: Nice Job. Way to keep your cool while waiting for your husband to bring your ID. Welcome to the club. Andy
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Curtis H. Written on: 2006-06-09 23:07:03 Message: Congratulations. Now you have this ... it's yours. It will be yours forever and nobody can ever take it away from you. Celebrate.
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Jeanette M. Written on: 2006-06-10 16:07:10 Message: CONGRATS!!! Thanks for sharing your story.
Subject: RE: I am (now) a Triathlete! By: Don N. Written on: 2006-06-10 16:16:02 Message: I glad to hear you were able to race, and congrats on finishing your first tri!
Back to Discussion Index Triathlon Training  Triathlon Gear  Marathon Training  Health and Fitness