Sunday, June 1, 2008

My first triathlon is complete


Wow!!! What a day. Arrived at the park at 6 AM. Was up tossing and turning at 5:30. Got the bikes racked, set up transition and mentally prepared. Also got my timing chip and the wonderful body markings, #49. It was neat to see all the different racers and their bikes and how they set up transition area. There are alot of heavy duty bikes out there.

After a little delay, we started the race around 8 :15 AM. There were a few pre race problems with the swim bouys and placement. Luckily they got that all figured out and we were on the way. I as able to start the race with my brother John. I quickly dusted him in the swim and was off to transition and the bike. There were alot of racers that didn't favor so well with the swim and I even saw one get pulled from the water. Ouch!!

Transition was quick and without any complications. The bike route went great, smoooth, a few hills and was fairly easy. My brother John quickly dusted me in the bike at mile 2 and I did not see him again until the run. Completed the bike and walked through transition into the run. I was surprised at how heavy I was breathing from the bike. As I got started on the run I had to stop for a few seconds to try and catch my breath. The run, my weakest of the three went fairly well. I had my nano tuned and ready to go.. Robert from the couch to 5 K program pulled me through for the 5 K, just like he said he would, check out http://www.coolrunnings.com/ for more info on the program. The run went well, took my legs a while to get used to the transition from the bike to run. Finally, the finish line was in sight. I was able to finish the race in 1:15. According to the results sheets I was 15th in my age group. I still need to check the final results for confirmation. John finished the race in 1:09. I was hoping for under 1:20 and he was hoping for under 1:10 so we both were thrilled. Our family was there for us at every turn. I was able to get alot of photos and will post those as well. Now, I am already focusing on the next big race. Was thinking about August 10th and the Lansing Legislature Triathlon up in Sleepy Hollow.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

The journey is almost complete

I am so excited I can't stand it!!!!I have definately met a ton of people doing this training. It's funny, I feel like I know everyone at the gym now.

Thanks to Tom who talked me into swimming again. If it was not for him just giving me that little shove I would not have fallen into this wonderful madness.

Thanks to the spin instructors who kick my @SS weekly. It's such a good sweat!!
T
hanks to Jerry who showed me how to run. Never knew there were so many mechanics that go into running. I could not run a lick in January 08.. now I can do a 5 K. Who new. Don't get me wrong though. I still do not like running, but can tolerate it now.

Thanks to all my WW friends who keep me motivated to reach my goals. You all show me daily that it is possible. I look forward to the continued journey and the next challenge.
Michelle

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Did the bike course today

This is the first time I have done it since they switched things up. It was definately harder than the original plan. A few more hills. Not steep hills, but big enough to get you breathing heavy. Still took about 40 minutes. With that said, I am hoping to pull in a final time of 1:20:00 or under. Anyone else have any predictions for themselves??

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

No wetsuits needed


Went to the park again today. The water was great. About 5-7 degrees warmer than it was last week. It is supposed to be nice the next few days so it will only get warmer. Swamback and forth for about 10 minutes and it felt great. Did a 5 K earlier in the day and also did it on Tuesday. Hoping to bike on Thursday with a little run and swim on Friday and then we are done until Sunday. I am looking forward to it. Had a hard time sleeping last night as I was already tossing and turning thinking about things. Not anxious, but excited to get it done and over with. Then what? What is the next goal.

Michelle

Monday, May 26, 2008

10 K Done

Went to South Haven for the weekend. What a great place that is. We had great weather. Rain last night for a while , but that was it.

Was proud of myself, I ended up running a 5 K on Sat and again on Sunday, without stopping!!! Yea. It seems to be getting easier.

Saw that they changed the bike course for the TRI. Just went I had the other course all mapped out they go and change it. I think the new course will be a little more challenging with a few extra hills here and there.

Planning on going to the dinner on Sat. Nice touch and I am glad they are doing that. I look forward to seeing all my TRI buddies there getting ready for the main event. Definately getting excited and also ready to get this one behind me so I can look forward to another one? Anyone else thinking about Coldwater TRI? 30o yard swim, 6 K bike and 5 K run. August 23rd is the date on that one.

Michelle

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Did the bike route again

This time with a road bike instead of a mountain bike. Wow, what a difference that made. It was a much lighter ride and much quicker. Dropped about 10 minutes off my time from the other day. Feel pretty good about the swim and bike and just continue to ignore the run portion of this whole thing. That will likely come back to haunt me.

We are off to South Haven for the weekend. I have my work out gear, bike, shoes and tri suit all packed. Hope to use all of them a few times this weekend.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It's FREEZING

Met up with Kate and Tom and Hawk I for a swim. Tom brought me his road bike too. Tried it out and it is much lighter and seems much faster than my mountain bike. Took it home and put some different pedals on it and it is good to go. I hope to do the bike course again later this week.

Anyway, as for the lake. It's cold, but not too shocking. Hoping it will warm in the next week. The cold does hit your lungs and face and it feels better by time up numb up a bit. The lake was fairly clear and clean, not much seaweed at all which is nice. You could easily see your hands in front of you under water. Can't say that all the time about the Y. They keep that pool so HOT. Swam about 8 times back and forth between the bouys that are set up. They are about 40-50 yards between so I got a decent workout in. It is definately alot different swimming in a lake than a pool. Too bad we can't train in a lake all the time. Hope to get a few more lake swims in between now and 6/1. I recommend going out there if you can. Lifeguards are on duty and looking for customers.

Took the HOTEST shower when I got home and didn't feel the shower..