Multisport Athlete

Today I thought I would give a little background on my first triathlon. Experence is everything in triathlon so throughout my blogs I hope to share some of the good and bad lessons learned.

Early July 2002 - Just hanging around the local bike shop, Europa Cycle and Ski, talking about the upcoming Iowa Games. The Iowa Games are a Summer (and Winter) sports festival that allows people to compete in outdooor events ranging from road running to Archery. We were talking about who was planning on making the trip to Ames for the MTB race. The Jackal, Russian Rocket, Jason, Brent, and Dirtram were all in. I figured I would compete also (it's always more fun at an event with a group) then Dirtram said he was doing the Triathlon in the morning......................... Huh???? I don't get it..... Your a Triathlete??? They have those in Iowa? (www.trifind.com) He said, "yea, all the time". Ok, a new perspective challenge, I was intreagued. And that started, as Dirtram will tell you, a million questions that still continue today. I decided to try a tri. I sent in the entry fee and it was official, I was going to compete in triathlon. Most people going into their first Tri have read a book or magazine's on what to expect. They also "TRAIN" for the event for a few months or even a year. Not me, I had two weeks. I was stil trying to figure out how to swim in my bike shorts and then ride my bike with them all wet, GROSS!! The bike wasn't a big deal, and I had been running a couple times a week, and the swim didn't have me too worried.

Race Day!!! I was a little nervous about going by myself so I recruited my sister too keep me company. This race is a little different because T1 and T2 are not in the same place, so after checking in and having black marker placed all over my body we set up both transitions and headed for the water and the start of the 500m swim. I met up with Dirtram for some last minute advise and then into the water. Mass start, wow!!!!! 200+ people all starting at once. I stayed towards the back and let the more skilled swimmers go....................... about 5 min and 150 meters later I was hanging onto a milk jug and gasping for air. Seriously, I was scared. I waited for almost everyone to pass me and then finished the swim doing the back stroke and trying to calm down. I was 3rd to last out of the water.... but I was out and headed to my security blanket, my bike.

The bike went well, I was in my comfort zone and starting picking other athletes off one by one. I guess the good thing about almost being last out of the water is you can only go up, so the bike was pretty good. I got off the bike, laced up the running shoes, downed a gel and I was off...... For about a 1/4 mile and then my legs went into "are you freaking kidding me" mode. Cramp city man, I had to really back off and struggled for the next mile and a half. After that I found a tolarable pace and finished the 5k. Total time was 1hr 22min and some change. I was tired, hungry, done, and hooked!!