I’m not going to lie, my first post-baby triathlon gave me some serious race nerves. Knowing I had only been on my bike twice since August coupled with the stress of fitting into my wetsuit & the fear of coming in last, made the butterflies a little crazier than normal.
Todd tried to calm my anxiety, but it wasn’t until I heard the wise woman setting up across from me in transition say, “I’m just here to enjoy my three favorite sports all in one morning,” that I was able to take a nice calm breath and put a smile on my face.
Swim training was the one thing I was able to do right up until the baby was born and was able to start up again relatively quickly. So, unsurprisingly, the swim was my best part of my race. It was so awesome to come out of the water, turn to my left and see my niece coming out at the very same time.
1/2 mile swim 16:08
The bike portion was doable. I was proud of myself for using the cornering and bunny hop skills I learned at my mountain bike clinic birthday party last month.
At one point, a guy who was struggling near me said, “I could really use a rest.”
Another guy answered, “You can rest when you’re dead.”
That’s when I replied, “I have 4 kids, this is my rest.”
15 mile mountain bike 1:52:25
I may not have been as fast as last year, but at least I have way better cleavage (thank you breastfeeding).
Pushing hard through the mountain bike portion of the race and then forgetting to grab my nutrition during transition left my legs about as useful as two wet noodles and my body about ready to give up during the run. I walked far more of the hills than I wanted to and I was left wondering what I ever found loveable about trail running. On the final 100 yards I got a final boost from my cheering section made up of my parents, my sister and the kids. The girls even made up some original cheers:
Go Team Sparkle!
You know you can.
After you finish, you can go to your van!
Keep up the pace
To finish the race!
3 mile trail run 42:34
But, just like any race, the pain and struggle always makes the finish that much sweeter.
And to have some fellow Team Sparkle members (Brenna, Tran, Kelly & Tamra), there to celebrate with made it even better (three of them even got podium finishes!).
Final Time:2:56:02
Fourth in my age group (out of 6).
Do you need your own sparkle running skirt? I bet you do.
{ 11 comments }
Twitter: bostonmamas
April 13, 2011 at 9:51 am
Holy moly dude. You are my hero. Congrats on an amazing triathalon!!
You truly are my motivation for training for my first half marathon. I don’t know how you do it girl! I have been training for one month now. I still haven’t got past one and a half miles at a time. You are my hero as well!
Girls, you are all amazing! I truly admire your physicality and passion for all this exercise. Love working out with you in the morning too. A triathalon is not on my bucket list, but it might get there 🙂
You rock!!!
-Kelly
What is wrong with you? That time is terrible!? That is the best you had in you? HA!!!!!!!! You are freakin amazing! Given this is your first one back, that only means that the next one will be easier and faster and well you make me sick! I am super duper proud of you, mostly cuz I will never ever do anything like this so I am jealous and proud all in one!!! WAY TO GO!!!!
You are amazing! Awesome job and thank you for sharing!
Wow! Major congrats on finishing your first triathlon post baby! I’m still trying to get motivated to get back into running after having my kiddo two years ago! LoL. So, this is a major inspiration boost. Gracias!
FAB.u.lous. I’m just amazed and inspired. I can do it, too. I don’t have four children, but I’m a mom. You’re amazing.
You are REALLY inspiring!
Woh!! great job! i’ve been kinda a stalker.. but I have to say.. I love this. Thank you for posting your awesome accomplishment! you did aweseome! personally i think i would drown if i tried swimming. I have yet to do my first half marathon though… Soon .. soon.
Thanks for bein crafty/active/and cool mom. 🙂
I loved this post!! Made me LOL. “I may not have been as fast as last year, but at least I have way better cleavage.” That’s a great way to think of it. 🙂 You rock!
Loved the comment, “I have 4 kids, this is my rest!” So true!!! With five kids at home, running is my rest.
Great job on the tri!! Would love to attempt one after I learn how to swim.
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