First Race Day

In 17 days, I will find myself at the infamous start line of the Morro Bay Triathlon.

As I prepare for another Race Day, I reflect on the first race day I experienced a triathlon.

I had read multiple books, websites, blogs, and magazines articles on how to prepare for race day. It simply came down to make sure to have a perfect day before race day and hope for nothing to go wrong. At least that is how I viewed my day before. I ate very clean and simple; being sure to get enough protein and healthy fats. I did a light ride/run with yoga at the end. Kept the muscles loose to be ready for race day. My race bag was perfectly prepared and only had been packed and re-packed a total of 6 times. My bib was fastened perfectly in my race belt with some race nutrition secured in the elastic. My race number was flawlessly adhered to my bike, along with my race number sticker a fixed to my helmet. And, most importantly, my timing chip placed in my right running shoe; so I could slip it on in the morning and get my finishing times.

I had made sure the day before, to wake up early, so I would be ready for any early slumber and early wake up for the race. I had coordinated with my friends on how we would find each other and that I was bringing refreshments, snacks and blankets. I slept well and woke up early ready to start the day and finish the race. I had my usual banana and peanut butter, with 1 cup of cottage cheese breakfast. Made sure I ate early enough to not have any stomach cramping or nausea prior to the race. I prepared my electrolyte water and regular water bottles for my bike; and my superstarch/energy drink for pre-race nutrition. Everything was ready, packed my car and drove to the race site.

Pre-race nerves/excitement/fear. Along with Brandon getting into the cooler of goodies.

I made sure that I was there when the transition area opened at 6am. I was operating at perfect novice condition: super early, too much stuff and crazy nervous. I walked down with my backpack, bike, balloons, and cooler for my friends. I looked like I was moving in or camping out for the day. I was probably 1 of maybe 50 people there that early. Those 50 people consisted mostly of volunteers and event staff. Novice nerves paid off in the end, in that I was able to get a prime transition spot; right at the end of my row making it easy to see my bike and balloons.

I met up with my friends, got all the positive vibes from them and made my way down to my transition area and prepared for the start. I lined up with the other women of my start time. I spoke with a few other ladies lining up with me and they ranged from first time triathlon and a women who was on her 10+ race, which were usually Olympic and Half Ironman distances. She told me that she did this race every year for her grandmother who had breast cancer and passed away. Looking at the the women lined up to plunge into the water, I had an overwhelming sense of empowerment. There were women of all shapes and sizes, all levels of experiences; but common denominator in it all was an amazing group of extremely supportive women. The atmosphere was electric, intoxicating, and full of powerful women. I was charged for jumping into the water and facing this race head on.

My only expectation was to finish the race; and that was exactly what I did. The swim was exhilarating. I felt good and moved through the water smoothly, occasionally passing others. The Adrenalin and Endorphins were coursing through my body. I popped out of the water and was trotting my way up the boat ramp and ready to hop on my bike before I knew it. I threw my clothes on, helmet, sunglasses, race belt and was off to the bike portion. There was a bit of a bottle-neck getting out of the transition and onto my bike, but I was still running on the excitement of the race and could not care less. The bike ride started off well and I was passing other cyclists. All my mind could think was, "you are doing better than you thought, not everyone is passing you, and you are not going to be last".

Tri for the Cure 2016 - Bike/Run Transition

As I was nearing the end of the bike portion and hitting transition 2; my legs were feeling very fatigued. When I say fatigued, more like exhausted, burnt out, and flimsy. Not to mention I had to "run" a 5k next. I waddled off my bike to my transition spot, dropped the bike gear and waddled back to the run start. It was no joke that I definitely should have done more appropriate brick workouts. You read in the magazines and books, "You will have jello legs after getting off the bike and heading for your run". Well they definitely were not wrong on that fact. There is this sensation of still pedaling but trying to run on land; which makes you look like a baby giraffe learning to walk for the first time. The best part; was that the run started uphill...

...running was what I did occasionally. Instead I walked, then I waddled, walked some more and finished with a nice trot once my legs learned to move appropriately again. The most exhilarating sight, is when the finish line comes into view, and the spectators are getting thicker along the sidelines. Then my friends' faces come into view and they have enormous smiles on their faces; and in turn I muster as much energy and trot as fast at I can to the finish line. 

The feeling of stepping over a finish line, knowing that you had what it took mentally and physically, is indescribable. Accomplishment, triumph, and fulfillment; are the closest words to describe some of the emotions after passing over the finish line. Next are participation medals being placed over your head, water bottles and off to the refreshments area. Most importantly, is meeting up with those that came to support you. The support is meaningful on every level possible. The faces that helped you keep moving when you thought your legs couldn't take another step, or when you had a slight thought that you may not be able to finish. They keep you going. I could thank them to the moon and back but it may not ever be enough for them to know how much they helped me keep going.

As I move on to the Morro Bay triathlon, I think about all the nerves and excitement I had before that first race. I try to harness those emotions and push to the start and finish of the next race.