I'm Tri-ing

Even if it doesn't appear so.

Sunday I woke up at stupid thirty to drive out to some business complex to race a sprint tri and cheer on my friends who were racing the Olympic distance.  The Oly started first, so transition closed about two hours before my wave started.  Apparently the distance athletes didn't need me crouching on the ground, entirely in their ways while I set up my transition. 

Thankfully, the FIGJAM girls were there in full force to keep me and Drum company! We had a blast visiting with Jason and hearing his IM training tips, cheering for Mary, DK and Alicia, who were all racing their first Olympic distance tri! 

Best Cheer Squad EVAH!  They made signs for all of us! 

Do I have the friends or what?  Yes, the answer is yes!

And of course, the FIGJAM shirts, visible from space, with our names.  

I couldn't miss them on the course!

Eventually though, it was time for us to get in the water.  The swim was in a nasty canal but the water was not too warm, thankfully.  (there were a lot of issues with heat the day before, it is for reals hot here, y’all) I slid in to tread water for about two minutes then we were off!  Annnnd, I immediately swallowed a whole bunch of stanky canal water.  It went in my nose, down my throat and a huge coughing fit ensured.  Let’s just say I never fully recovered and spent most of my very slow swim coughing, snorting and swallowing even more water.  (there were a lot of sea doos for some reason and this made the water choppy)

Finally out of the water, after what seemed like forever, I gladly hopped on my bike and headed out for a great bike course.  It was well marked, the road surfaces were nice, smooth concrete and there were plenty of police, volunteers and signs keeping me safe.  Probably the safest I’ve ever felt on a bike course; no exaggeration.  Great job RD!  The wind, well, yeah, it was in my face for most of the ride, but that’s what you get; can’t pick the weather on race day!  I did make a point to pass anyone on a hybrid, sorry y’all but my pride won’t let me get passed by a commuter bike.  I did pass a woman with 62 on her calf and thought, “Wow, she looks pretty good for 62!”  I passed her, shouted “Great job!” and then started singing Boomin’ Granny to myself.  She passed me a little later and I then noticed her race bib bore the number 62 as well.  Hmm, that’s strange.  A quick glance at her OTHER calf revealed her actual age and I realized she had put her race tattoo not only on the wrong leg, but on the back of her calf.  She was in my AG!  I may have actually said out loud, “Aw, hell no!” Sorry, not-granny, I threw the hammer down making sure she wasn’t going to pass me again.  And she didn’t. That TPG, she don't mess around!

I spent most of the bike burping up lake (sorry, just keepin’ it real) and maybe, just maybe even spitting out lake water frequently.  And yes I was riding in a headwind.  If you were behind me and got hit, well, that’s what you get for drafting.  Lucky it wasn’t worse…

It had really warmed up by the run portion and there was no shade at all.  I felt strong the entire run but I know I was moving slowly.  My slowest 5K in 5 years.  Oh wells.  I had a good time and Mama C got some great photos of all the athletes!  (but someone, please signal me to zip my kit before she starts snapping with that telephoto lens of hers – good golly Pete)

Thank you, Mama C for catching me chicking this dude.  

Our cheer team was the BEST of the BEST for sure.  The FIGJAM shirts came out in full force – visible from space, as Mama C insists.  I love these girls so much!  I really don’t know how I got so lucky as to find such an incredibly supportive, encouraging and loving group of women.  I am blessed to have them in my life! 

Marci, E, Gretch (squatting), Me, Drum, MK, Mama C, Cherry. 

These are seriously some of my most favorite people!

Now, normally I wouldn’t recommend trying new gear for a race but I’ve been looking for a  new tri kit and when Heidi text me a photo of this pink and black get up, I knew I had to at least check it out.  (and what a good friend, thinking of me while she was out!) Well, checking it out led to purchasing which led to racing in a new kit.  I test drove the shorts a few times on the bike before race day and was satisfied with the fabric enough to trust the top. It worked well and was super comfy and cute.  Louis G, you wanna sponsor me?  I've been eyeing your Team LG cycling kit...IJS.

Drum took her AG!  Just a deposit in the IMAZ bank for her!

I’m a noob triathlete.  And it’s hard being new.  I have so much to learn about swimming and cycling and even more about putting all three disciplines together.  Over the past few years, I’ve found my feet, so to speak, in road racing.  Not yet in triathlon.  It’s humbling to be last and a place I don’t want to be for long.  Everyone races for a different reason, but mine is certainly to push myself as hard as I can.  I’m done with just surviving.  Fortunately I’ll have another opportunity next month!

Quite possibly the best pic of the day.  

Post race, Willis, text me this pic of his son, who offered up some triathlon tips for TPG.  

Briggs' advice? Save time, leave your goggles on for the bike!  

Oh my gosh, don't you just want to eat him up?  Love this kiddo!

Thanks for taking so many pics, Mama C!  I pink sparkle heart you with extra glitter!