I wasn't really too nervous until we went to the pre-race meeting the night before. Just hearing all the rules and having so many competitors packed into the ballroom where we met, got my nerves racing. My heart started beating fast, I felt sick to my stomach, and I really, really didn't want to do the race.
Sunday morning came early, after not sleeping too well, and we got out to Waikaloa about 5:30am. When we got there, the wind was blowing so hard and I was pretty disappointed. I was hoping for no wind. But by 6:30 the wind was completely gone. What a relief!
The swim had five different wave starts, three minutes apart, mine being the last. I was kind of bummed that I was starting last, but thankful that I wasn't first where 900 people would be climbing over me.
My swim went good, for me. I felt strong, passed a lot of people from earlier waves, and felt great coming out of the water.
The bike was also going great. I felt really strong, I passed a lot of riders, the hills didn't phase me. Usually I dread them. At the turn around, my bike average was higher than it ever has been for that ride and I still felt strong.
But then the wind came. I don't know why it couldn't have held off until everyone was done with the bike part of the triathlon, but it came hard. A brutal headwind that got worse each mile closer to the end. It totally zapped all the energy I had been feeling.
It was great seeing friends from work driving along the course. Thanks Jody, Christine, Gary and Teri for your support. (And for the picture).
By the time I started the run, I was exhausted. The first three miles of the run were in the strong headwind. I was so excited when I reached the run turnaround just to get out of the headwind and into a tailwind.
The run on the beach was hard. I've never been able to run in sand very well. I guess I need to work on it. I thought I would feel more excited crossing the finish line, but maybe the exhaustion zapped any excitement I should have felt. I'm just really glad it's over.
3 comments:
Great job Karen. I'm very proud of you. You are awesome!
Karen, I landed on your blog by chance and was thoroughly impressed reading about your run. You really are awesome!
Yah!! You did it . It sounds pretty good for your very first race. Thanks for sharing your story .
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