Tri-ing It Out

Sexy Di and Sexy I participated in our first sprint triathlon on August 1st. I've been wanting to do a triathlon for several years now, but decided to wait until I was first-trimester sick to carry out this plan. We followed a strict exercise regimen, which, for me, included a three-week "taper" (i.e. no exercise at all). Yeah. So, I was pretty nervous about the race considering my lack of preparation. I used a Sharpie to write a "baby on board" sign on the front of my shirt - right there over my belly. I thought it would make people feel in awe of me, and also, grant some leniency for looking so chubby in a swimsuit. The only problem, as I found out, was that

a) I didn't wear the shirt when I was wearing the swimsuit, and
b) probably 30% of the women there were also pregnant (it was an "all-women's" triathlon with over 1,000 participants). And they weren't making excuses.
c) participants came in all shapes and sizes and were just there for a good time. There was nothing to be self-conscious about.

As they say, Malesh.

The triathlon experience was awesome. I have found my new favorite race. The lake water was not cold and choppy like I imagined it would be (even though the pre-race lit specified it would be a balmy 70 degrees). It's fun to rise out of the lake water, when you get back to shore, like an evolving amoeba and then squish-squish across the timing pad that goes *beeeeeep* as you run down the shoot towards the bike transition area. Spectators line both sides of the chute, cheering all the racers. At that point I had long ago tossed my body image to the wind and let my chubby thighs flop around with freedom and pride.

A friend had informed me, the night before, that "no, you do not have a private changing booth in the transition area." Apparently, people wear the same clothes throughout the race. Just a little FYI there for all of you who are considering a triathlon in your future. I felt compelled to put on shorts and a t-shirt anyway - but threw it on over my wet swimsuit. The bike portion was super great. There are all these rules about keeping so much distance between your bike and other bikes, passing on the right and under a certain amount of time. A monitor rides the course looking for people breaking these rules so he can DQ them. It's serious stuff. Mostly, though, I enjoyed a scenic ride along the river. I spied Heather on the course (she was way ahead of me, burning past someone on the return portion. Uphill) - we let out mutual whoop-whoops of joy.

Then it was time for the run. Oh, my. It might be more accurate to say, "the hobble." My three-week taper did not prepare me for this part of the race. But it was only a 5K, so I hobbled/walked the last bit, drawing on my inner qi for the last sprint down the chute. I pounded across the timing pad to hear the *beeeeeeeeeep* and was done. A volunteer clips the timing chip off your ankle, another tosses the finishers medal around your neck, and someone else points you to the lunch line. We had a great time and are now committed fans of the triathlon. Looking forward to doing an Olympic distance next year. After the baby.