3rd place in my 2nd Triathlon!!!

Today was triathlon #2 at Sleepy Hollow State Park in St. Johns. While I was looking forward to this event, I was also dreading it. My wonderful family was there in support and even got up at 5 AM to make the journey to St. John's ( they were not too happy for me at 5 AM). We woke up to a very chilly morning. The last reading I saw was 52 degrees.. burr!!!! Luckily the water was alot warmer than the air and felt great.

Started out the swim and did awesome. I was the second fastest women's time out of the water at 9:27. Although the official stats show me 1st, according to my people, there was a very large, broad shouldered woman a bit ahead of me. Anyway, I was very happy with the swim and I will take the 1st on paper:) The kids were there for a quick high 5 when I got out.

Transition was quick and easy, no complaints.

The bike went well. It was a rolling hill course with some flat roads. We had to go out and turn around and come back. The good thing was I could see who was in front of me and there were not many. I was 5th in the bike leg--- at least all those spin classes are helping, but I need to work on my bike split.

Transition again was quick and easy. I think I am getting a hang of it.

Then there is the run. While I still hate running, it is getting easier. The transition from biking to running on my body continues to be painful. It's like you don't even feel your legs until the first mile has come and gone. On top of that you have to try to regulate your breathing from biking to running and that is also challenging. This course was gravel and uneven grass/dirt for the first 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. Kinda like a cross country course. All I could think of was, "please don't sprain your ankle. Please don't sprain your ankle." Then it was on to flat road and turning back for more of the same. I was 6th in the run split.

With the finish line up ahead I was greated by Don and the girls. The girls even took the time to make me a wonderful bouquet of "weeds" to give me at the finish line.

Afterwards, we talked to friends and fellow triathletes and discussed our results. As the results were not posted, only the swim times, it was time to leave with the thought that we could check the official results on the net later. Knowing I hadn't placed in the top 3 in my age group, there was no reason to stick around. Well, to my surprise, I just checked the official results and I placed 3rd in my women's division. YEA!!!!

3rd place in the Aquathlon...

in my division that is. 39th overall. Hoping there was a 4th, 5th and 6th place in my division:)

Went to Howell and competed in the Independence Aquathlon. I had a great time today. There was about 100 people in this small event. I don't think many people know about it yet so I think it will soon grow. It is a 1.24 mile run (2K), 1000 meter swim and another 1.24 mile run. Completed it all in about 37 minutes.. I think. The swim was great, the run was hard. There were lots of small hill and uneven surfaces, but I conquered it all. Don and the kids came out to cheer me on. I look forward to participating again next year.


Up next, Lansing Legislature Triathlon... August 10th..

Aquathalon

Wow, it's been a few weeks since I checked in. Time flies!!

Was supposed to do the 5K run at the zoo last weekend ,but dh did not get back in town in time. I did sign the girls up for the mini 1/2 mile sprint run and did that with them. They were so excited and even got a medal. Their 1st of many hopefully. It was nice to see them get in the active spirit.

Training is still going well. On June 9th I began a Cycling Bootcamp class at the Y. This is in addition to my regular class on Monday nights. With this boot camp class it is 1 1/2 hours of intense cycling mixed in with it is weights, cardio and core. It's pretty fun, but tough. Been working alot on the running. Ran 3 times this past week and each time ran 3.1. Even got up at 6 AM and ran one morning before work. My husband almost passed out in shock. I mapped out a route near the house that works great www.mapmyrun.com , part flat, part hills. I have also been swimming with a friend who has a house on Lake Geneva. Thanks Kathy!! It is a great lake and one time across is about 400 meters. Unfortunately I got "swimmers itch" from the lake last week and have been unable to get back in for a few days.

Next mini goal is set for July 6th, Howell Aquathalon. It's their 6th year of the event. It is a 1.2K run, 1000 meter open water swim, 1.2 K run. It sounded fun and has alot of swimming which is my strength. Still working towards the next Triathalon on August 10th.

Michelle

Up next, August 10, 2008

Lansing Legislator Triathlon at Sleepy Hollow State Park, I am officially signed up. I am looking forward to this next challenge. It has a 500 meter swim, 20 K bike and 5 K run so it is a little longer than the one I just did. Should be fun!!!

Photos from the big day

It was a little chilly in the morning. The water was warmer than the air.

Checking out the competition.

Ready, set, GO!!!!

That was a quick swim

Back from the bike.

Running toward that finish line.

Happy to be finished. What a great accomplishment!!

My brother John and I after the race. Nia and Elyse stand close by and happy to see their mom complete the race.

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.

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