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Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:10:26 GMT

Congrats to all the newest Triathletes and new peeps on the blog.

I was asked after my 1st Tri, a coupe weeks ago, to write out my experience. Sorry it took a while. I wrote a lot. I wrote about the entire training experience, see atachment if interested, just rough draft-so keep in mindI hate writing as much as I hate biking-so bear with me. I am put adding in the thread the info about the day of the event. Still long -sorry. happy reading.

The EVENT: Lifetime Triathlon Saturday July 10, 2010

Lindsay (my training partner) and I decided to meet at 2pm to pick up our registration packets and walk around the pre-event. I was so excited. Pickup was right downtown, I can walk there from work. We took some fun picture as our pre-picture. We walked around and enjoyed our time. Picked up a lot of samples, tried to win a car and meet some of the pros.

I finished work early, picked up my take out spaghetti and meatballs from one of my favorite restaurants. Got home eat, looked through my bag of goodies and prepared my page. I did a lot of research on what to wear, what to pack and how to lay out your bag on race day. Had my check list all ready and went to bed every early.

Lindsay was going to meet at my house at 430ish. That is AM people. Remember I did not go to the gym in the morning because I am not a morning gal. The only time I have gotten up that early in the past was to catch a flight out of the country for vacation. This was not going to be any type of vacation. We did not want to be late and wanted to get a good lay of the land before the crowds and lines got too big. There was over 3000 participates and they said on the news possible 10,000 specters. Yes this is a big event in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

As we walked down the hill, after parking, we could see the transition area, the body marking area and the lake. I had my new target pink flip flops on, the grass was cold and moist (dew) at that time of the morning. I remember looking down at my freshly painted toes and thinking this is going to be a great day. The line to get your body marked was short, we walked right in and got marked up, still not a lot of participates there yet. Can someone answer for me why in the world they need to put my age on the back of my calf? Come on, does everyone need to know I am mid/late 30’s…Seriously.

We walked into the transition area; the volunteers pointed us to the area our ranks should be. WOW there is a lot of racks. It was like a sea of ranks, the entire parking lot was rank after ranks. I am so glad we are here early; I would be very overwhelmed if this place was full of people. Found my ranks, I was the first person on my rack, so I picked the last spot closest to the water. Lined up my gear, just like the videos I watched and pulled out my bug spray. I became very popular after that. The few people that were around asked to use my bug spray, I felt like I was an old pro. It was nice to chat to other first timers and get couple tips from those more experienced.

After Lindsay and I finished setting up, we went for our “walk about”. The “walk about” is how I decide find your way around. Walking through the race transitions step by step; Water to T1 (crap I think my bike is over there), T1 to bike exit (follow the crowd), bike exit to T2 (where is my bike again). All in good fun but as the transition are started to fill up I could see how easy it would be to lose your place. It was already a warm morning. When the music kicked, yes we where there before the music was on, the announcer told us the walk was 81.6 degree and by start time it may at 82 degree. Wow-I guess I am going for a morning bath vs a morning swim.

Lindsay and I know we need new bike; my 10 year old mountain bike is really not the ideal bike for this sport. As If I decide I like it will purchase a new bike. We walked past the pros to get to the water. Wow.. They have some fancy bikes, very impressive.

As we started walking from the bikes to the path to the water, I decided right then and there I was in this sport forever. The men are everywhere. All different shapes and sizes...something for everyone. Now I am not saying that at every event you would see ‘man show’. It could be that this is a big event, lot of pros and the Twin Cities is healthy place to live and only so many events in the summer months. As single women, this is where you want to be, even Lindsay a new married gal was impressed and said “we have to keep doing these events-the eye candy is amazing”. I could not agree more.

After viewing the exit of the water, we walked about to our bikes. The place was packed. People everywhere, finding their racks and meeting their neighbors for the day. This is such a small close community it was very nice to see. On the way to our bikes we spotted things to remember. Two rows from me there was a big yellow balloon. This was my marker after the swim and the bike. Just look for the yellow balloon and you will find your bike. We walked to the bike exit and then to the run exit. We had the lay of the land and we had 20 minutes before the transition area was going to close. I remember they volunteer when we picked up our packets, said “ don’t forget your goggles and swim caps, transition closes early for the pros”. We walked back to our ranks, picked up our goggles, swim caps and energy snacks and waited to entire the water.

We found a nice spot under a tree and near the swimming warm up area to wait out the hour or so before we got into the water. We chatted to other people around us, got some last minute advice on the swim and watch others line up for their start. I remember hearing the announcer state “don’t forget your timing chip today. Otherwise you will still be a cross trainer and not a Triathlete.” 20 minutes before I went it I saw my mom walking around. I yelled for her. I was so excited to see her, I was glad she could see me before I started. She gave me a couple words of encouragement, told me to relax, have fun and enjoy the day. I headed in for my warm up swim. This was the first time I swam with the chip band on my leg, it gave me more drag then I anticipated. The water was really war, almost like pool water and people were crossing in front of me all over. I thought watch where you are going but then I thought did I just cross into them? After 10 minutes or so I got out of the water, said go bye to my mom and Lindsay and started to get into line for my start.

I was starting to get nervous. In my mind I walked through my swim stroke in my mind, visualizing getting out of the water and heading to my bike…Remember big yellow balloon. The athletes are looking around to find similar numbers, who to stand next to by before it is our turn to enter into the water. Then I heard my name, as I turned around there was Sam. I gal I went to high school with and haven’t seen since she graduated. Friends on Facebook of course. We chatted for a bit, she introduced me to her group of friends. Our group was called, Sam was 2 or 3 people behind me. We lined up and headed to the water, the START…no turning back now I told myself. Remember enjoy the day.

Every 10 seconds the next person hit the water. The volunteers check your numbers, tell you good luck and Go. I ran into the water and again was surprised how warm it was. Issue 1-I could not see a thing, the sun was shining right on the water, I was hoping I was going in a straight line because I was blinded by the sun. Issue 2- 50 yards in we hit the traffic jam. I guy was resting with the life guards on the right hand side, not sure what happen but all of a sudden bodies everywhere and stop. Sam who was behind said, “I think we found the traffic jam” and I said “no glocker slow downs allowed here”. Everyone started laughing and continued swimming. As people starting to move out wider we finally cleared the “accident”. But damn it I still can’t see. The rest of the swim, I tried to go wide. Thought, most people will be in the middle better, there will be chance of getting kicked or hit in the face. A couple times I had to grab a random foot in front of me to stop the face kick but it is the nature of the beast I guess. I was a little overwhelmed at times, felt like a fish out of water but I kept swimming, freestyle/breast stroke. The best part was looking up, seeing a women turn over and start swimming on her back. I thought, well I will finally pass someone. =) I keep swimming trying to find my rhythm. That ever happened. I felt like I was in the water for 30 minutes. I made it out of the water in 19 minutes and head up the sandy HILL, really a HILL, to my first Transition. I saw my Mom and friends standing at the fence cheering me on.

Look for the big yellow balloon. Has I turned the corner to my bike, I could the announcers calling the winner of the Pro’s race. Really they are done already and I just started. Enjoy the day… I looked around and there where people all over. Some just finished the bike portion, other getting on their bikes, some changing clothes and other heading towards the run. I got to my bike, changed shirts, poured water on my feet, put on my shoes and grabbed something to eat for later on the ride. I hit the line, hoped on my bike and took my first 2 peddles… then my chain came off. Darn it. Did I tell you I hate the bike =). I found my way to the side of the road. People all lined up to watch me put my chain back on. One of the guys on the fence said “you should get something taken off your time for not only during this crazy event but putting your chain back on".” I said thank you, laughed at my misfortune and got right back on.

The 15 mile bike ride was a long one. I was on my mountain bike and was passed by everyone and their brother. It was not those they where biking any harder then I was, it was just my bike. I settled in, understanding that I was going to get passed and made the best of it. I was smiling, waiving and saying thank you to the crowd on the streets cheering. Many of the competitors, as they passed me, cheered me on. Last mile was my cheer section. Happy to see them I smiled and thanked them. One last hill, why do they always have a hill at the end? SERIOUSLY! As I was passed on the hill again, the riding said “you have one heck of a cheering section-they are great group”. I thanked him, we laughed for a little bit and we rode to the transition.

T2- Look for the big yellow balloon. No matter how many bricks you do during training, there is nothing like the feeling like getting off your bike, after 15-25 miles, and taking your first couple of steps to run. My inner thighs felt like butter, maybe Jell-O. It was almost comically. I watch others around me having the same experience. I caught the eye of another participate, soon to be Triathlete, we started laughing. We both know what each other was thinking “are my legs every going to come back and what in the world was I thinking”. My sprint to my bike turned into a casual jog, as I was trying to get my feel and legs to move together. I found the yellow balloon. Put my bike on the rack, to off my gloves (why does it take longer when you are trying to hurry?)/helmet and put on my visor. Off to the final leg the Run or walk in my case.

The last leg,3.2 miles to go and the journey is over. Because I was walking, I could really take in the sights and sounds. Got my water as needed out of the transition, listen to the crowd of people cheering and clapping. I don’t think I lost my smile the whole time. I loved this experience. I could hear runners coming up behind me, moving slowly, breathing hard, so I would cheer them on. “You are doing great. Keep it going. You can do it” I would say. I think I caught a couple of them off guard, they would turn around with a surprised look on their face and smile or say thank you. I tried to pass as many walkers as I could. Getting water at all the water stations, note to self: pouring water over your head after 2 or more of activity like you see other “cool athletes” do on TV is NOT the best idea. The shock to your system is something I have never felt before. I wish I could describe it but I don’t have the vocabulary; cold, shocking, traumatic, awakening, stinging maybe empowering. The next time at the water station I did not have the courage to pour over my head again.

The finish line…

Now the plan was for my family to be close to the finish line, then I would run the rest of the way. They needed up being further from the finish line then I thought. I saw my first fan, Katy with her camera ready, right at the turn before the final stretch, so I started running thinking the end must be just around the corner. I turned the corner, I quickly could see the rest of my cheering section. I started jumping/leaping and waiving with excitement. I heard “I am so proud of you” from my mom “you are almost there” from my friends and “you can do it, keep going” from my aunt. As I passed them I was so proud of my family or myself. I started to slow down, I think more overwhelmed but also exhausted. Then I heard “Don’t stop keep running…I will run with you” I looked over my shoulder and there is my Auntie Jen (calling her auntie jen makes me laugh because she is 8 years younger than me- good Catholic family and all) running through the crowd holding her sign yelling “Go…Keep going…GO”. So I found another gear and kept running toward the finish line.

I heard the announcer call my name “Toni good to see you” and a couple more steps I crossed the finish line. I stopped and thought ‘WOW I am still alive…I made it.’ Meanwhile a volunteer took my time chip off my ankle, received my metal and the coolest towels fell across my shoulders. At that moment, I really did not know what to do next. I must have looked confused because the doctor waiting at the end asked if I was ok. I was perfectly fine, then it dawned on me I never asked anyone what you did after you crossed the finish line. Now what?? He smiles, told me congratulations and pointed to the recovery area, with cold drinks and food. =) As I walked to the recovery I could hear them calling out other triathlete's name and felt proud I was one of them.

Then I realized I totally forgot to raise my arms above my head in victory when I crossed. DARN IT. I walked down the small hill, what is with these hills, to the refreshment tent I smiled to myself I thought “I guess there is always next year…I will raise both arms next year and beat my time.”

A TRIATHLETE 4LIFE

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:26:16 GMT

It is official...I am a Triathlete. I enjoyed the entire experience. Finished my race on Saturday 2hours and 33 mins. .5 swim, 15 mile bike and 5/k (which I walked) I would say practice the open water swim. I thought I did enough but it was different with other people around me and keeping a site on were i was suppose to go. Thanks again for everyone's kind words. I know I can do anything now, if I just put my mind to it.

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:55:45 GMT

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. This blog has really helped me push through during training, inspired me to have the confidence to try something like this and helped me realized this can be done, even at my size.

I’ll be hitting the water around 830 on Saturday morning (cst). Next time I log on I will be a TRIATHLETE HOW COOL IS THAT. =)

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:19:08 GMT

My first tri is this Saturday. .4 miles swim, 15 mile bike, and 3 mile run (walk in my case). I am starting to get a little nervous. I have a question about the transitions. How do you best layout your stuff? Any item you wished you would have had the first time but forgot? Decided not to wear a wet or tri suit, I will be wearing bike shorts and Nike tank tops for the entire race. Thanks again everyone for your help, motivation and insights. Toni

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 22:34:53 GMT

Jasmine- CONGRATULATIONS...very proud of you. Hills or no hills, you finished with your arms held high. =)

Kurtin- CONGRATULATIONS...great work. I hope you both are very proud of yourself. You did what many of us want to do and what many others never think is possible. Thanks to both you ladies for sharing your tri day stories. I learned a lot. My countdown... 4 weeks and 5 days to go

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:56:29 GMT

Good luck Jasmine1972- you will do great...Remember to ENJOY the experience... I can't wait to hear how things go for you this weekend. My first tri is in 6 weeks Ladies and

Gentlman this blog has really keep me not only motivated but sane. Everyone have a great week and weekend.

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:29:14 GMT

Keurigirl- of course you can. You should give yourself a little credit. Smiling 1/2 mile and walking 3 miles several times a week is not out of shape. I would also again, start with a Sprint race. This gives you plenty of time. Here is a 12 sprint plan... http://www.irongeezer.org/_wsn/page4.html 13 week training plan...http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=261 I can't find my sprint training plan online. I'll check to see if I can find it at home. Good luck and YES you can do this.

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:41:19 GMT

MikeR and HappytoTri- thanks for your posts both very helpful. I need to keep reminding myself how I will feel when I across the finish line. This is a journey, all the bumps in the road, self doubt and fear will all go away when I cross the finish line, even if I have to roll across it =) The sun if finally back in MN so I will be doing my worksout outside-can't wait. Have a great weekend everyone and good luck to anyone competing this weekend- You can DO IT.

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:57:52 GMT

RJinWY- It was my pleasure... "what to wear" freaks me out almost as much as the event itself. I also have long hair- this swim cap works really well for me is https://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1253&CartID= As far as Swim Caps I get them at SwimOutlet.com you can usually find free shipping if you look for coupons online- or if you send $75.00 free shipping.

I have tried plenty of goggles- the more expensive ones don't work any better. These pair are perfect and adjustable https://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=16290&CartID= I have two pairs 1 for the pool and 1 for lake swimming later this spring/summer. I also get my swim suits there- They have plus size and I like the fit https://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1109&CartID=

Everyone have a great training this week. I think I have the nerve to bike outside this weekend. Wish me luck pretty nervous.

Re: Any other slow, overweight newbie triathletes?

guest — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:35:20 GMT

Jazmine1972- ifunny that you mentioned what to wear. I have been doing some research on the subject for a couple of weeks. Here is what I have found and purchased some items already. This blog has really kept me going. I am in my 9th week of training and last week I only worked out 3 days and eat pretty poorly. All weekend I knew I would come back to work with new posting from this group. Ladies we are all great and have the potential to do anything we want...even be a Triathlete... WHO KNEW!!!!! and how EXCITING. My event is 2 months from today. Let the count down begin.

Good luck on the hunt for "what to wear". Post if you find any new ideas.

Great Blog about Tri clothing-what to wear for event and training. Very helpful

http://plusrunner.com/2009/06/10/plus-sized-triathlon-clothing-yes-its-out-there/

This link has a variety of Plus “Women’s” size Tri items

http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/pluswoman.htm

New favorites: Cycling Knicker Plus - Dryline Padded Cycling Capri by Terry- http://www.terrybicycles.com/ http://www.terrybicycles.com/product/detail/1273/current/knicker-plus-1

Zoot Women's TRIfit Racesuit- Looks to be highly recommended in different blogs

http://www.triathletesports.com/Zoot-Womens-TRIfit-Racesuit-p/zsowts51.htm

Overall

http://www.teamestrogen.com/

Triathlon/Swim Items

http://www.junonia.com/thumb.htm?tl=0&ldid=18&sdid=328

Women's Cycling Short- I have these and really love them, also mentioned in the blog above

http://www.danskin.com/short-6414.html

Another pair of great shorts: Zoot Women’s TRIfit 8” Shorts- I think they work better if you are taller- I am only 5’3

http://www.trisports.com/zoot-womens-trifit-8in-shorts.html?productid=zoot-womens-trifit-8in-shorts&channelid=PGRAB

New favorite Top: True to size

http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?country=US&lang_locale=en_US&l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-227126/pgid-227127#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-227125/pgid-227127

Swimming items: SwimOutlet.com - great prices always good items in the clearance section and they have plenty of plus size items- I get all my swim suite there and accessories. http://www.swimoutlet.com/?Click=1571789