Trying a Tri

This past weekend, I attempted my first trial run of a triathlon.  That's right...I tried a tri.  And what an awesome try (or tri) it was! 

It is no secret that I didn't grow up around water and well, my swimming is less than good.  I decided to take swimming lessons about 4 weeks ago and they have been great help getting me to where I am...but I still have a long way to go.  I am still building my cardio in the water.  It is a very different kind of cardio verse the bike or the run.  And swimming in the ocean is very different than swimming in the pool.  So when I got out there Saturday morning...I panicked.  Thanks to Josh and Suomi I didn't drown but I definitely had to turn back only about 50-75 meters out.  Although I didn't make it the 800 meter distance, I still feel like it was a triumph.  I may have turned back, but I didn't get out of the water.  I ended up doing laps in the area I felt comfortable in.  Out of the water and on to the bike...

Another non-secret is the fact that I have not taken the bike onto a road with cars since my accident in September.  My knee still doesn't seem to be fully healed and neither is my brain.  All the boys took off far ahead of me.  I just didn't want the pressure of trying to keep up while I was trying not to freak out any worse than I did in the water.  But when I finally made it out there to the main road, it felt good and my spirits began to raise.  I only went out for a slow 11 mile ride, but I think it was exactly what I needed to feel good back on the bike.  And then there was running...

By the time we all got back to the meeting point, it was already at least 85 degrees and super sunny.  But the run was only 3.4 miles. I averaged 8:30 minute miles even with the heat.  So after a small workout in the water, 11 miles on the bike and on to a run - that isn't too bad for me.  With some work, I definitely would like to make the swim, speed up the bike and cut the run down till about 8 minute miles.  Can't wait for the real deal in June.

Below is our little "trying a tri" group.  The 9 year pictured totally kicked my butt!