Race #8: August - TriathaMOM

I was not confident about this next race.  I hadn't trained like I wanted to or felt I needed to.  It's month 8 of the year and I'm feeling a bit tired of training.  Especially for a race that I'm not really excited to participate in.  I almost didn't go.  The morning of the race, I rolled over, snuggled up to my hubby, and said, "I could just stay here and sleep all morning."  He promised me I would be glad that I went to the race.  So, I got out of bed and headed to Riverton.

The TriathaMOM transition area opened at 5:30am and I had never participated in a triathlon before, so I was there by 5:30am.  SO early.  But I had time to set all my stuff up, eat a banana, and visit the honey bucket multiple times. 

The wonderful woman and friend to convinced me to register after we both got our stuff set up.

Getting ready for the swim.

This is everyone gathered before the swim to receive last minute instructions from the organizers.  There were a more women here to race than I thought there would be.

Just before I got into the pool.

Running to my first exchange.

My first exchange was a long one.  I took a long time to dry off.  I took a long time to get my tank top, my shoes, and everything else on.  Next time I do a tri, I will spend less time in this transition.

There I go.  Off on the bike ride.  I used a mountain bike because that was what I had and it worked out just fine.  I would, however, recommend riding your bike before the day of the race.  I spent all my training time in the gym and none out on the road with my bike.  So, one mile in, I realized that my seat was a bit too low.  I dealt with it and finished just fine.

 Transition #2!  This time I was ready.  I only spent seconds in the transition area this time.

 Heading out for the run.  And I'm still smiling.  It truly amazing what seeing your cheerleaders will do for you when racing.

I made it!  I got to the magical flying balloons and I really am glad that I got up that morning and came to the race.

This is a family friendly race.  So, there were bounce houses,

and face painting for the kids.

We did it.  We made it to the end.  Our tired selves after accomplishing this fun triathaMOM.

My kids made a sign for me and wanted to pose on the little podium. This was a great race.  If you want to get into triathalons and are a little nervous.  This one is a great way to do that.  There is absolutely no pressure and everyone is cheering everyone else on.  I would definitely do this one again. 

Oh, and the "medal" was a necklace. 

Trim Your Tire Challenge 2013

I am again doing the Trim Your Tire Challenge.  For those of you who don't know what it is, it's a motivation tool I have been using to keep me moving during the months of November and December.  And we all know that with the extra treats we share together, moving more is a good idea.  So, during these two months I try to accomplish the distances of an Iron Man Triathlon.

4000 meter swim
112 mile bike
26.2 mile run

I have not been training for, nor do I have the time to accomplish all three events in one day, but taking both months to get through the distances is attainable for me.  NOT easy, but I can do it.

This year I have cruised through the swimming and the biking; however, the running is evading me.  I don't love to run in the snow or on the inside track.  Which makes getting my 26.2 miles done is really hard.  I've only run 7 miles in the last 6 weeks.  Here's hoping I can get 19.2 miles in  within the last 2.5 weeks.

Trim Your Tire Challenge

For the last month, I have been working to accomplish the Trim Your Tire Challenge.  Between being sick, having sick kids and all the holiday hoo-hah it's been pretty challenging to get a bunch of it accomplished.

The challenge is to do a half, whole OR ultra Triathlon in two months time.  From November 1 to December 31.  I put it together to help motivate me and my family and friends to work out this holiday season.  At the very least, stay the same pant size through all of the sweets and treats.  It's been pretty fun.

I have decided that I do not love to ride the bike.  Maybe at another time I will become a triathlete.  But not anytime soon.  I missed swimming.  Such a wonderful feeling of heat and cool at the same time.  Love it.  I do miss running.  I have only got one mile done of my 26.2.  This is because I have been trying to pound out the 112 miles in the bike.  It's taking longer than I thought it would.  But I'm pressing on.

So far, I have done:

1900 meters swimming
57 miles biking
1 mile running

One month to go.  It's going to be a good one.