Tomorrow, I will participate in my first Olympic distance triathlon. The Sunset Lake Triathlon, in Bridgeton, NJ (https://www.lin-mark.us/page.asp?prmName=EventDetail&prmEventID=139), which includes a .9 mile swim, a 25 mile bike, and a 6.2 mile run. This triathlon will be my longest to date, and I’m looking forward to it as a key element in my training for the “A” triathlon race: the Bassman Half Ironman (October 4).
Strangely, I’m not nervous–especially not when compared to my first triathlon, which was the Hammonton (NJ) tri (http://www.dqtridu.com/ham.htm), held on May 23, 2009. I had a complete panic attack during the teeny-weeny 1/4 mile swim. It was the first time I had swum in open water. Note to all beginner triathletes: PRACTICE THE OPEN WATER SWIM BEFORE YOUR FIRST EVENT! There is a huge difference between the pool and the open water – HUGE! The biggest difference for me: you can’t see the bottom – AT ALL. Oh, and, there is a chance that other swimmers will kick you in the head. Get ready for that.
Since the Hammonton Tri, I’ve done three other triathlons, once of which was in the mountainous country in Vermont – the Killington Triathlon http://www.piranha-sports.com/Race65.aspx. I didn’t mind the uphill at all. But the downhill, wow – I was pulling hard on my bike brakes and my computer said I was still going 17.5 mph. Uh, time for more pratice and a little bit of courage wouldn’t have hurt me a bit. But where’s a girl from south jersey to go on a regular basis for some hills? Bridges are cool and all, but they are so NOT mountains.
Despite their many challenges, I love triathlons. They are exciting, invigorating, and an excellent challenge of my limits. Tomorrow will be my kind of day.
