It’s all of one day since finishing my first triathlon, and as with any big race my mind keeps replaying the event and re-examining all the details. My family is probably growing weary of the topic, and hoping it will soon wear out. But I can’t resist one final post in review.

One of the biggest impressions left by the event was just how well organized and orchestrated it was. The Life Time Tri Minneapolis was a model of efficiency. And although it catered to Pro and Elite athletes, it was equally friendly to novices like me. Friends had advised me that it was a large event, and perhaps high on the scale for the athletes it attracts. And since I had chosen to skip the Sprint distance in favor of going straight to the longer International distance for my first time out, that could have been intimidating. But to the credit of the race organizers, it was exactly the opposite. The high level athletes started well in advance of my “old lady” wave, and it was great fun to hear the announcer covering their race while I waited.

It was in the bike portion of the race that I was most wowed. The athletes’ meeting had prepared me for the presence of bad pavement, sharp turns, two-way traffic and potentially confusing intersections. But the race was so well staffed by volunteers that it was impossible to make a mistake.  I wish I could have personally thanked every single volunteer who made the event so smooth for us participants.  In addition, there were signs in advance of any trouble spots warning us of what we’d find up ahead.  And I always had plenty of room to maneuver on the roadways.  I’m convinced that choosing the Lifetime Tri for my first triathlon was a big factor in making it such a positive experience.

The hype and excitement of the race rivaled any marathon I’ve done – perhaps exceeded it because of the extent of the venue and on-side expo that continued during and after the race. It appears that triathlons have not yet reached the general public appeal that marathons have, with smaller cheering sections along the way. But it had other advantages for spectators like Rich and Erik who came out to cheer me on. Because of the multiple sports and more compact nature of the course, they could easily position themselves at frequent intervals along my route, boosting their support power (along with the “Power of the Pig” – a story in itself…).

And how did I feel afterwards? Great! Although I pressed harder than I have in years on the final running segment and was gasping for the finish, I felt less spent than I do at the end of marathons. Or perhaps more accurately, I should say my legs were not as weary. Even though it was about 3 hours of straight competitive exercise, the variety of the sports didn’t deplete one set of muscles. But once the glow of the finish receded, once I had a good shower and my favorite post-race bagel sandwich, my body told me I was tired. Every bit as tired as after a marathon.

So am I hooked? All my friends told me I would be after this first triathlon. I’m not sure. As I wrestled with the preparations and unknowns of the race beforehand, I thought that this was going to be a “bucket list” event I could cross off. But now I don’t know. There are all the usual temptations.  Now I understand how it all works and could certainly improve on the pieces with little effort. Next year I will be in an even older age bracket – which always works to advantage. And it was just plain fun. Stay tuned. I’ll have to muse on this a while longer.

If Erik hadn’t challenged me to do a triathlon, this would have been just an ordinary Saturday.  And I might never have had the courage go give it a “tri.”  Instead, I spent the morning swimming-biking-running in the Lifetime Tri.  And loved it!

On the way to the race, I happened to check Facebook on my phone, and found several good wishes for my race.  But most important were the ones that said “have fun.”  It was just the message I needed to hear, and helped me keep my focus on fun for the entire morning.  When I was tempted to worry too much or feel myself getting too serious or competitive, I was able to return to the Fun theme.

We set off for the swim in pairs every few seconds.  The line moved quickly, and before I knew it I was splashing into the water.  The temperature was fine (thankfully, since I had no wetsuit) and the waves were minimal.  The lake was so murky that I couldn’t even see the swimmers right next to me, so I just forged on.  Fortunately, we were reasonably spaced out.  Staying on course was a challenge, though, as I kept finding myself drifting away from the buoys.  I’m sure I did more than my share of the .93 mile distance.

My transition to the bike didn’t set any speed records.  But I didn’t care.  Fun, remember?  And I made it without incident.  Cycling turned out to be a lot less stressful than I expected.  Perhaps because I was near the back (youngest go first) we were weren’t the least bit bunched up and there was plenty of room on the roads.  And every intersection was well marked.  They were right about the bad pavement, though – Minnesota winters left rough spots all up and down River Road.  But once we got to Minnehaha Parkway, it was smooth sailing and easy riding.  I especially enjoyed that bit.  My pace was fast for me, and it felt good to press a good steady speed for 24 miles.  But let’s face it, I’m not a racing cyclist.  I’m convinced that most of the small crowd behind me passed me along the way.

Transition two was quicker.  As was my run.  Finally, I was in my element.  Before I was even out of the transition area, I’d hit stride and I was booking it down the running path.  Yes, that is my sport!  I loved the strong kick I felt, surging forward while everyone else adopted a tired shuffle.  Passing runner after runner gave me such a high, and I conveniently ignored the fact that I was merely regaining the ground I’d lost on my bike.

Rich and Erik were out on the course, cheering me on all along the way.  But they really made their mark on the running segment.  To help me see them, they initiated “Tri Pig” which truly served its purpose – I could spot them from well down the course.  With Tri Pig they entertained many a runner, chanting “Feel the Power of the Pig” as folks went by.  I’m sure they raised more spirits than just my own.

The final mile of the 6.2 mile run seemed endless.  Rich and Erik cycled alongside the course yelling encouragement, and I managed to push on to a strong finish.  And oh, it felt so good!

My overall time was 3:08:53.  My swim and bike times were about what I expected, and I blew away the run with 8:08 minute miles – a pace I haven’t done in years!  I even placed first in my age group for the run.

It certainly was no ordinary Saturday.  It was a very successful Tri.  Especially for my first one.

Tomorrow’s the day.  My first triathlon.  I’ve done a decent amount of training.  I’ve figured out what to wear.  I’ve planned my transitions.  And I’m really nervous.  Since it’s a race involving not one but three sports, perhaps I’m justified in being three times as worried.

I went to the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Expo this afternoon.  There I got my race packet and goodies, picked up my t-shirt, and tested my chip. So far so good – all that is familiar from marathons and other running races.  It did feel a little strange wheeling my bike into the registration tent, however.  But what else was I to do with it?

My next stop was the transition area.  I decided it was a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity to drop off my bike a day in advance.   Just one less thing to worry about in the wee hours of the morning when I arrive for the race.  There was no need to hunt for a prime spot, it’s all pre-assigned by race number.  The area seemed ominously empty.  I hoped it wasn’t because others felt it was not such a good idea to abandon a critical piece of equipment overnight.  Once I found my spot, I discovered that my small bike didn’t exactly fit well onto the rack.  In fact, once I balanced my seat on the bar, the bike was swinging freely in the breeze.  It didn’t even come close to touching the ground.  Ugh.  For now, it’s firmly anchored by my bike lock.  We’ll see what happens tomorrow when I liberate it.

I made sure to attend the 2pm athletes’ meeting.  Being such a newbie, I needed all the information I could get.  The speaker was very knowledgeable and helpful, with loads of details about each segment of the race.  But honestly, the more I learned, the more I felt I had to worry about.  The bike piece especially – he pointed out all the sharp turns, bad pavement, intersections and two-way traffic sections.  All potential problem areas.  Good to know, but worrisome.  I did find the cycling etiquette rules to be reassuring, however.  I like the bit about keeping 3 bike lengths between bikes, and the process for passing.  I just hope the other cyclists are equally well versed in these fine points.  Somehow it seems like a long shot…

Normally I might have lingered at the Expo to take in some of the booths.  There were plenty of specialty companies catering to this audience of tri-athletes.  But the afternoon was waning and it was time to head home.  I did take a look at the lake where they were busy setting up the buoys for the swim, but it was my head that was swimming by that point.

I thought I my mind would be more at ease by now. Coming home and sorting through my gear, packing my transition bag and laying out tomorrow’s clothes helped.  And I’ve had my fill of pre-race spaghetti dinner.  All that remains now is to get a reasonable night’s sleep and show up for the race tomorrow.  Then it will be time to leave all these tribulations behind and just do it!

It’s just over two weeks until my first triathlon.  I am such a novice at this, and I am making up my own training plan as I go.  If you can even call it a plan.  But I kind of like it that way.  I’m not out to break any records, I just want to feel good in each leg of the race, stay safe and finish.

So far my training has consisted of making sure I get in ample amounts of swimming, cycling and running.  One at a time.  I have no problem over-achieving on the distances for each sport.  But this is a 3-sport race.  That’s a whole lot different.

So now I’m into doing doubles.  Apparently in triathlon lingo this is called a “brick.”  The logic of that name escapes me.  I’ve been cycling to the swimming pool, doing my laps then taking a long bike ride.  Granted, there’s quite a gap while I navigate the locker room, get back to my locked bike in the parking ramp and head out again.  But at least there is some semblance of a 2-sport combo.  Doing a bike/run sequence is better.  My changeover in the garage is more race-like, but I’m not very speedy.  Even so, I get the idea.  Legs really don’t want to stride after circular pedaling.  They wobble perceptively and I feel like I’m going nowhere.  But miraculously, things seem to straighten out after the first 1/2 mile.  Once the runner in me takes over, I don’t even feel the bike ride.  I think I may be making some progress.

That still leaves the open swim factor.  All my swimming miles have been in a pool, and I know the smooth water, designated lane with a line on the bottom and stealing a rest at the turns are a far cry from swimming in a lake.  That has me worried.  I’m hoping to remedy that next week, swimming in our lake at the cabin.  If I can stand the cold water, that is.  This darn cold summer just isn’t helping matters.

Having gotten this close to the race, I decided it was time to figure out just how one does a triathlon.  There is a plethora of material on the internet on the subject, and my head is already spinning from all the advice.  The lists of things to bring and the tips for transitions are enough to scare me away.  Until I remember my goal – feel good, stay safe and finish.  My transitions may be inefficient, but all that matters is that I get from one sport to the next.  Right?This really is a whole lot more complicated than running a marathon.  Maybe next I’ll have to move things up a notch, and try a triple.

I’ve been asking myself that question for several years now.   Having added cycling to my arsenal of sports activities, which already included swimming and running, I just couldn’t ignore the idea that I should do a triathlon.

Most people fear the swimming portion the most.  But in my case, that was my first entry into distance sports.  It goes way back to the days of a country club swimming pool, being a little squirt on the swim team, and spending years doing laps to get my 100 mile trophy.  When I put on the Freshman 10 (or so) in college, I turned to swimming to slim down again.  And I’ve kept it up ever since.  So in theory, I have that bit licked, as I regularly swim 1 3/4 miles for my workout.  But those are laps in the pool.  A whole lot different from open water swimming in a lake surrounded by a lot of flailing arms and legs.  Hmmm.

On to running.  I took that up when the kids were little and I could squeeze in a run on my lunch hour without giving up family time.  Naturally 10Ks quickly led to a half-marathon, and on to marathons.  Running has become my primary sport.  So I’m not at all worried about that.

That leaves cycling.  Since taking up cycle touring a couple of years ago, I have logged many a mile on my bike.  And on our trips I tote 26 pounds or more of gear for days (sometimes months) on end.  Yeah, I can manage the distance on a bike.

The components are all there.  I just haven’t taken the plunge to put them all together.  Yet.

That’s all about to change.  I might have procrastinated forever, but my son, Erik, called my bluff when he gave me the “entry to the triathlon of my choice” for Mothers’ Day.  So come July 12, I will be out there swimming-biking-running at the Lifetime Tri in Minneapolis.  Wish me luck. I’m going to Tri my best.