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Discussion: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate
Subject: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Don N. Written on: 2006-06-04 23:28:20 Message: I originally came from a Track and Field background where I competed in almost every event. Unfortunately I wasn’t good enough to compete at the University by my home and which had my major and was a Division 1 School. So after a few months later I decided to throw in the towel as far as that went. Though out that time period, I was introduced to distance running by my friend Campbell who ran successfully in High School. And I also learned about cycling from my friend Ryan who did it as a hobby. And finally my best friend Scott who was an accomplished swimmer in High School taught me a thing or two about swimming. And so I decided why not attempt to combine the three and just do a Triathlon. So I started my training in January for an upcoming race in the summer. And not long afterward I began to see improvements in all of my events! I then decided to register for a race scheduled for June 4th the Dunedin Beach Sprint Triathlon which was a very beginner friendly race. My training had gone very well, given I had a few weeks where I was sick in between and so I took time off to recover. And most importantly the week before my race I didn’t do any strenuous workouts maybe two total but at an easy pace. Now that I was well rested physically I thought I should mentally prepare myself for the race as well so the last two nights leading up to the event I tried to get a good rest (8+ hours) and wake up at a decent time between 8-9 a.m.. I stuck to my plan perfectly and was ready to race to following day! When I woke up a 5 a.m. in the morning I had all of my essential race gear ready to go. I then ate some toasted bread with strawberry jam, and a tiny glass of orange juice to jump start my day. I washed up and was on my way by 5:30 a.m. When I arrived at the race site at around 6:05 a.m., I parked my car and then headed towards transition. On my way there I was body marked, and then preceded to transition. When I got to transition my space was somewhat smaller than I had expected. I spend about 15 minutes fixing it up just precise to I wouldn’t have to second guess myself going in and out of T-1 and T-2. I then walked down to the swim course and scoped out the water. Yes! The water looked much calmer than I had envisioned at my Clearwater near death workout or from watching St. Anthony’s. That right there put my mind in a very calm stated of mind (and also the buoys made the swim course look smaller). I knew I was ready to swim. When my wave started (in the water start) right after the elite group I positioned myself in the back of my age group 15-19 years old, and swam a conservative race. I didn’t have to touch the bottom once even though I was assured it was neck deep I just imagined myself swimming in the pool and focusing on my technique. When I was about to exit the swim I decided to dolphin my way to shore in the process I managed to pass about 4 or 5 people! I finished the 400m swim in 5:58 a new PR! I then proceeded to the transition area where I put my gear on and took off. In the first quarter mile of the bike there was a sharp left turn and I almost over shot it and flew off course but I managed to brake in time and continue on. When I started loosening up on the bike I felt VERY comfortable! In the time I had done my Duathlon in December I managed to buy a nice intro road bike a Marin Venezia. I added clip on pedals and aero bars and could immediately see a difference! Instead of the Duathlon where I was hearing “on your left” I was the one saying it out which was a huge confidence booster. I managed to average 19.5 mph for 12.55 miles and finish with a time of 38:36. When I was about to exit the bike I missed the dismount line by 2 meters and was lucky I didn’t fall on my butt trying to unattached my pedals. After that I ran like a mad man to the T-2 spot where I put up the bike threw on my shoes and race number and was off. The run however didn’t go as fast as I wanted it to but my feet felt like they were on fire and my hams were killing me but I didn’t quit I finished the 3.1 mile run in 26:27 at around a 8:30 mile pace (slow to my 7:30 minute goal). I finished the race in 1:14:43 and placed 166th of over 470+ competitors. I was just happy I finished and can now call myself a Triathlete! I even won a top 10 medal for my age group 15-19 year olds where I placed 7th! I have high hopes for this sport and I know this WILL NOT be my last race this was one of the proudest and most fun days of my life and I will never forget it!
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-06-05 09:48:39 Message: Congratulations! What a great story! Sounds like you had the perfect race! I only wish I could go back to being 19 - I was not athletic at all until my 20's, and did my first tri at 32. Way to go! I'm sure you have many many more great races ahead of you! Stacey
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-05 10:02:38 Message: Don, Congratulations on a great race and a great finish! Sounds like the water looked very inviting out there this time! Jael
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-05 10:31:06 Message: Don, Excellent first race! You trained smart, you prepared wisely and you raced your own race. Keep building your base, endurance and speed slow, steady and injury free, next year you will be very competetive. You should be very proud of yourself. Ron
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Steve L. Written on: 2006-06-05 10:48:16 Message: An yet another Completed Tri. Great job, sounds like you prepared very well and it paid off. SteveL.
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-05 11:38:04 Message: Fantastic, Don - keep it up!
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-05 13:54:52 Message: Congrats man -- that's awesome. Great job!
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Denise W. Written on: 2006-06-05 14:12:56 Message: Sounds like an awesome race.... and congrats on medaling....I just posted my first tri story....at 36 years old... not too bad.... keep on keepin on....your so young .. you will only get better with time...
Subject: RE: My transformation into a Triathlete by fate By: Ty D. Written on: 2006-06-05 14:15:36 Message: good job! The first one is awesome and grueling. But it always makes you want to do more.
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