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09/10/2006: "A Good Tri"
Well, this morning I competed in my first triathlon in 25 years. First of all, a big thanks to Tim and his family for hosting Nick, Jeanette and I for the weekend.
It seems that triathlons have become very popular. Today’s event was capped at 500 registrants and with so many, we had to take off on our swim in waves (no pun intended). Even with that slight delay, when I ran down the beach this morning and dove into the kelp for the first leg of the race, it was grey, misty and only 7:30 am. I was nervous and the cold water took my breath away. I needed it however for the fast quarter mile swim. And I use the word "swim" loosely as much of the time we ran into a wall of kelp and had to climb over the top of it giving new meaning to the term "Crawl Stroke."
Still, I was happy with the result of the swim as I quickly transitioned on to my bike. I shed my wetsuit, pulled on a shirt and tried to get socks on. With wet feet it was too difficult so I decided to slip my shoes on and go without.
As great as my new bike is, the cycling leg hurt the worst. I pushed hard but didn’t seem to be able to maintain the speed that I wanted. Jumping off the bike, I had trouble getting my helmet off. Seems my fingers had gotten so cold riding that they weren’t working too well. Just as I finally got my helmet off my head and started my run, I realized that my legs didn’t want to work either. After a mile or so, I did start to feel better and crossed the finish line with a smile.
I am happy to say that I placed 47th out of the 433 people who finished the race. And of the 52 competitors age 40 – 49, only 12 finished ahead of me. So now it is time to start thinking about the Santa Cruz Sentinel race. Longer distance and a little more pain.
Replies: 13 Comments
on Thursday, September 14th, Dianne Pavia said
Doug - You have got to be one of the most amazing people I know. I feel like a slug! I've been reading your blog and praying for you from afar. By sharing your challenges and your way of attacking them, you are an inspiration to so many. By sharing your knowledge and the information you continue to seek, you are a teacher and motivator for us, too.
on Wednesday, September 13th, Cindy said
Way to go Dog! sooo cool. You continually amaze and impress me with your endeavors....next thing i know you'll be running with bulls in Pamplona..uh-oh, power of suggestion. You're awesome Doug.
Love
Cindy
on Monday, September 11th, Ben said
three cherrs for you uncle rock. you really showed those other racers who was "da boss". i told you god was on your side, and he really pulled out for you. i would have placed 433 of 433 if i was in your shoes. i am extreamly happy for you. i know you will own the other people in the next race to. i will be rooting for you the whole way no matter how many tris u go through, i will always make time in my terribly buisy schedual full of nothing to pray to the lord for him to pull through for you. thanks for taking the time on friday to come and celebrate my birthday.
love always,
Ben
on Monday, September 11th, Colleen said
Wow!!! We just knew you would do an amasing job. You are so driven we all admire your perseverance. Thanks for taking the time to be with us Friday night. Were looking forward to hearing about the next one.
Hugs
c
on Monday, September 11th, Chris said
You can't really be that good can you? Despite being motivated by you and your regained training, I am huffin and puffin. I hope the family is as impressed as the rest of us.
on Monday, September 11th, michelle said
You ROCK!!!!!
I thought about you all weekend and couldn't wait to read your blog today. Thank you for sharing this celebration!
on Monday, September 11th, Mac said
WOW! You are such a stud! I refuse to ride with you again until you get tested for drugs. Oops! I guess your body is pretty chock full of drugs that would do little to help you in a sporting event! OK, now I'm back to being shocked at your amazing performance. OK...you are truly a stud muffin. Seriously, great result. Good luck in Santa Cruz.
on Monday, September 11th, Laura Griffin said
Congratulations...
Doug! I'd probably STILL be in the kelp!
on Monday, September 11th, Millie said
Congratulations! I knew you could do it!
on Monday, September 11th, Kevin said
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
on Monday, September 11th, Helen said
WooHoo! Great job! Now that you know what to expect, it will be easier the next time. Maybe we should have gone ab diving so you could practice that kelp crawl...
on Monday, September 11th, Mischa said
It was amazing to see you doing this Doug! I have always been impressed with your ability to show up whenever needed and this was a true example of this...showing up "totally" as my friend Samo would say, being present for every moment! I am so glad to be one of your friends!!
on Sunday, September 10th, sando said
Excellent!! I was thinking about you today and sounds like you rocked! 47th out of 433 and only training for a bit - I am impressed and so happy for you.
