Rocketman Triathlon

Rocketman Triathlon was suppose to be my first tri, but since I got a practice run in with the Cocoa Beach Tri, I was feeling really ready for this one.  And this one was going to be a family event.  When I was back home in late 2013, registration opened for the first ever triathlon that would have you biking through Kennedy Space Center.  I figured this might be the only chance this would actually be allowed, so jumped on the opportunity. Both my Mom and Dad did as well.

The day before the race, the three of us headed over to Titusville to check out the course, pick up our packets, drop off the bikes, and get marked for the following morning. And while we were there...might as well take a dip in the water.  Since the previous race, I hadn't had any more open water time, so this would be a good way to get out the pre-swim jitters.  Surprisingly, I did fine. Didn't panic and felt really comfortable out there. I'm sure it helped having my experience tri dad there (I'm pretty sure he wouldn't let me drown...pretty sure) and the fact that there weren't 100 other triathletes competing to be out front.  But still, a successful swim helped calm my nerves and get my head right.

Even though my nerves were calmed the night before, I still woke up feeling anxious for the race (I don't actually think that feeling will ever go away).  Quick change, double bag check, triple bag check, chug morning smoothies...and we were off to the race.

Swim was great!  I really felt like I killed it and was all smiles coming out of the water.

What a cool bike ride. The course took us 38 miles (that is what I calculated) across the beautiful water and on and around Kennedy Space Center.  

The run was very hot that day (despite the photos, there was actually very little shade), but how could you not be happy after surviving the swim and bike.

Finish line!