Metroplex Tri

On Saturday Justin and I raced in our first triathlon, the Metroplex Sprint Tri in Grand Prairie.  We were both a little over confident thinking that it would only take around an hour and half so how hard could it be.  Well, it did only take me 1 hour and 14 minutes but it was HARD!  The swim was awful!  It was a 400m swim, 11 mile bike, and 2 mile run. 

I finished the swim in 13 minutes but ended up on my back for most of it.  I could not catch my breath and was flustered by everyone swimming around me.  I was beyond relieved to be out of the water and heading toward my bike!  The bike was flat and I finished in 38 minutes.  Then I had  a very good run finishing in 19 minutes.  I thought I was safe and no one would recognize me from my embarrassing swim portion.  But I was wrong....during my run, a man ran up to me and apologized for kicking me during the swim.  So much for hiding behind my goggles and swim cap!  Overall we had a great time and I am looking forward to improving my performance in my next race.  At least I know what to expect! 

I learned my swimming has to improve so we are trying to find a training group to join to help with my form and open water technique. I also had my first dose of the reality that I will be 30 in under 3 months. You start the race according to age groups which are determined based on your age at the end of the year...so I was in the 30 - 39 while Justin and my friend Blake who raced with us were in the 20 - 29 group. I had to start first and all alone and had a big 30 written on my calf!

 After the Race

 J nearing the finish line

 Before the race displaying his number

 My turn

The Finish Line