My First Triathlon Report

[wtpclc]

Wow - that is SO great! Congrats, I think you're amazing for just getting out there. I'm too scared to attempt a tri. Great job on sticking with it and finishing strong!

Kayci

I said that for 3 years. Never say never. Just one step at a time.

 

[MiaBanda]

GREAT JOB, Carrie!!!

I too finished near last in my second tri, so I know what it feels like to have absolutely no one around! But I keep telling myself that it just gives me more incentive to get better!

The RD at my last tri asked "What do you call the last person to finish a tri?"

"A triathlete!!!

So welcome to the team, Triathlete Carrie!

 

[skfulkers]

Carrie—great job on your tri!!! I loved reading your report, too. And great job continuing under those conditions!
I completely agree with you on a few things you brought up. You mentioned all the strict rules, etc—I was just telling Krista about that the other day. Compared to a running race, even a large one, USAT rules seem to be a lot stricter. Not that that’s a bad thing, just something to get used to I guess. Another thing I told Krista that was different at tris is the “atmosphere.” Maybe you noticed the same. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE tris, but it’s almost intimidating and everyone seems to be pretty focused on the event. In a typical running race, I’ll usually chat with other runners as we run, but I don’t think I’ve ever chatted with anyone in a tri that I’ve done. I dunno, it’s tough to describe, but it’s definitely different. And you’re right—everyone seems faster in those races. If you look at the median run paces in the results for some of these tris, it can be around 8:00 per mile. That seems to be pretty quick compared to many larger “people friendly” running races.

Anyway, great job on the report and great job finishing! What did you think of the transitions overall? I remember my first tri how awesome I felt coming out of the water, throwing on my clothes and then hopping on the bike to go out and ride. Makes you feel pretty hardcore!

Congrats on your first!

Oh, and watch out looking for that bike. It can get pretty expensive once the “bug” bites you!

Steve

 

[laxdef69]

Oh, and watch out looking for that bike. It can get pretty expensive once the “bug” bites you!

Steve

I think college might have been cheaper than triathlons....

 

[jmasgat]

Carrie You are really inspiring! I know how hard you guys train for your events. The fact that you started and finished and never gave up, even when things went slightly south ,is a testament to you willpower. We're all proud of you.

Maura

 

[MouseDogMom]

I am in AWE!!!

Once I hit the first split, I would have been done. I would have hit the road and walked back to the start and DNF'd. To h*** with all of them. I am so proud of you for sticking with it and finishing the race!

Congratulations on your first Tri!

Jackie

 

[msblrobs]

Carrie - You ROCK woman !! I am so very proud and in awe of you. Loved, loved, loved the race report (even if it made me bawl like a baby ). Yeah for getting out there and sticking with it even though it was nasty. That's definitely an accomplishment to be truly proud of .

 

[WDWFAN9]

Awesome trip report and pictures Carrie. Thanks for sharing and congrats to you and Scott for a job well done!

 

[ironz]

Carrie—great job on your tri!!! I loved reading your report, too. And great job continuing under those conditions!
I completely agree with you on a few things you brought up. You mentioned all the strict rules, etc—I was just telling Krista about that the other day. Compared to a running race, even a large one, USAT rules seem to be a lot stricter. Not that that’s a bad thing, just something to get used to I guess. Another thing I told Krista that was different at tris is the “atmosphere.” Maybe you noticed the same. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE tris, but it’s almost intimidating and everyone seems to be pretty focused on the event. In a typical running race, I’ll usually chat with other runners as we run, but I don’t think I’ve ever chatted with anyone in a tri that I’ve done. I dunno, it’s tough to describe, but it’s definitely different. And you’re right—everyone seems faster in those races. If you look at the median run paces in the results for some of these tris, it can be around 8:00 per mile. That seems to be pretty quick compared to many larger “people friendly” running races.

Anyway, great job on the report and great job finishing! What did you think of the transitions overall? I remember my first tri how awesome I felt coming out of the water, throwing on my clothes and then hopping on the bike to go out and ride. Makes you feel pretty hardcore!

Congrats on your first!

Oh, and watch out looking for that bike. It can get pretty expensive once the “bug” bites you!

Steve

On the rules thing....once you get the hang of it, it mostly comes down to common sense and safety. Lots of ways to get hurt or cause harm to others in a tri, what with the swimming and biking. So...keeping your distance on the bike, helmets on and clipped, bike in decent working order, swim caps on, etc....all there for the participant's safety. Same with ipods--you have to be able to hear what is going on around you....and seriously, it is possible to run without one! Since I am more a triathlete than a runner, I almost never wear mine in training, even, so I don't become dependent on it.

The "no outside assistance" rule is for fairness...what if you had a friend supplying you goodies and I didn't? not so nice.
And "no littering"...well, wish they would stress that at running races, too.

So it's really not all that difficult. You can get the hang of it.

Again....so PROUD of you!! See what you did!!!

 

[Rozzie]

Carrie, wow, I am just so proud of you. You have a infectious spirit that keeps inspiring me to go further with my own goals. I think you did awesome, after everything you have been through lately. Your courage is astounding!

 

[windwalker]

You did good princess.

Erica and I have a girlfriend who did a tri to satisfy a midlife crisis when she turned 40. The swim was in the Ohio river, you swim a quarter mile against the current and turn around and swim a quarter with the current. She said she nearly drowned in that darn river and if she ever has another mid life crisis she was going to buy a conv sports car instead of doing another darn race.

Impressed Panda

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Carrie! I am so PROUD of you! You did it!

You are an amazing woman and a wonderful inspiration too.

I recommend celebrations! You did something so many people would not even think if doing. You are such a strong person. I admire you for sticking with it when it got tough.

I could never even imaging something like this.

 

[funwalker]

Congratulations, Carrie!

I am so Proud of You...You Did It...You persevered. When I was reading your wonderful report I was making a list of all the emotional and physical things you endured that took strength & courage. What an Inspiration.

 

[1/2Marathonpixie]

I was reading your report and cheering you the whole way. I really felt like I was there with you. I am so proud of you!!!!! I'm proud of Scott as well.

As one who is ALWAYS in the back of the pack I know the feeling that you are keeping people waiting. You stuck with it and look what you accomplished.

You know honey, it doesn't matter where you finished, you did it!!!!!

 

[TEK224]

Congratulations Carrie (and Scott, too)!
You DID it!

It's so easy to focus on what went wrong, but the fact of the matter is that you completed your first tri! I'm proud of both of you. Trying to get good at all three disciplines is hard. But whether you were DLF or mid-pack, the feeling of finishing is the best!

Great job!

BTW - I've only attempted one tri so far (a 1/2 IM - I was a DNF. I'm determined to go back and finish that sucker). I have a short tri scheduled for mid August. Even though I hope to do more tri's, I'm not spending thousands on a bike either. I got a decent bike at my local Performance Bike Shop. Think I paid about $300 for it. It rides pretty good (once I remember how to shift gears )

Congrats again!

Terri

 

[Kira G.]

Great job! Thanks so much for sharing it with us - all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly (that darn deputy).

Your perseverance and determination are amazing and inspiring!

 

[wfloyd]

Carrie, great job on finishing.

Sorry that the course wasn't marked better. That is always one of my fears during races. Glad you want to do another one though. From what Lynnda says they do get easier as you do more. I don't think I could handle the swim right now so it will be quite a while before I get to it. I am very impressed with anyone who can do all three and finish.

Congrats.

Bill

 

[wtpclc]

You guys made me cry this am. Thank you.

I really hope I have not discouraged anyone from trying a tri.

Betsy's right. The rules make sense. Many are safety, although some dummy got confused and thought I only had 15 seconds to pass someone while swimming. Yeah, that's a bike rule. I should have read more. It's just odd to have so many rules and laughable whne I think about it being unfair for me to get assistance. Not like I'd ever win. Techinically, the volunteer riding with me blocked for 7 miles. lol. For people who compete for real, though, they make sense.

WHile teh lack of mp3 was a bummer on the run (because I usually have Scott or an mp3), it's not like I was running a marathon. On the 1:20 bike, I di dnot miss it at all and would not have even if I had not had a friend for the last half. Again, it's all for safety.

Steve - I wasn't close enough to anyone to know if tehy were chatty and neither was Scott. Pre-race, though, people were great and chatty adn I was amazed by how many bikers cheered for me on teh out and back. Running out of the water was cool. My T wasn't, because I needed a potty stop.

OK, please don't laugh at the pix:


Gee, I look like I'm out for a Sunday ride in the park. I wonder why I was last? Yes, I'm taking my Gu, I thought I was being efficient and speedy.

 

[MelanieC]

Congratulations - That is terrific. I would love to try a TRI someday! Woo hoo - you rock!

 

[postesf]

Carrie, you did really great for your first tri! Thanks so much for sharing this experience with us.

Stacie