I Completed My Sprint Distance Training Triathlon!!!

Well, it was an early morning filled with anxiety. I really didn't know what to expect at a real race with lots of people I didn't know, but I saw many things that encouraged me. I learned a lot. I didn't drink any chlorine or get kicked in the face during the swim. I didn't fall off my bike by running over one of the huge potholes or get blown over by the strongest winds ever. I made it through the run without my shoes coming untied. I didn't throw up. But, most importantly, there was no one else there with the same outfit as me. As you can see, I modeled it by posing in the handicap zone to emphasize how crazy this whole endeavor is. I did however see my second choice outfit on several woman. I'm so glad I didn't make that purchase. One less wardrobe faux pas (albeit a minor one) to worry about. There were a few issues. I forgot some wardrobe change accessories & had to just deal. I thought I broke my race belt (this holds my race number on & is a required wardrobe accessory.) I haven't yet graduated to the clip in bike pedals and I had a really hard time getting my left foot into the "rat trap" attached on the top of my pedal, so the bike take off was very rocky - like "I almost fell over before entering the bike route" rocky. My mom bought me these socks to race in that are specific for the left & right foot. I brought 2 left foot socks with me. I'm sure this somehow negatively affected my run, but I haven't quite put my finger on how yet. All in all, I looked the part, finished the race and did not come in anywhere close to last place. Brad was there cheering me & thank goodness for that. I had no idea how comforting & encouraging it is to have someone you know on the sidelines. It was even great to have random people yelling, "Keep it up 266!" It's now officially 1 month to the big race in Austin. (Can You Believe It's This Close!) I'm definitely succeeding, but I'm going to keep tri training again!