Sand squished beneath my feet as I walked to the starting line. Yellow swim caps, marking my age division, encircled me. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” a girl behind me said. “Me neither,” I turned and replied. The announcer was counting down, fifteen seconds. Then the starting horn blared and we were off.
It all started about a year ago. For some reason I got the urge to do a triathlon. It seems like I am always looking for a new goal or challenge. I had thought about doing a triathlon over the past year but never really thought I could do it. Then, when I got back from winter term this year I got an email about the Triathlon Club. The email said if you’d ever wanted to do a tri that you should come to the meeting, so I did. They talked about the club and how many of the members just completed their first one last semester. They hoped to get a group together to do the Escape from Ft. DeSoto Triathlon. They said it was a great first timer race and that we should think about doing it. The following week or two I went back and forth about whether I should do it. I always had excuses: I’ll wait until I have more time or until I’m in better shape. I knew that I would never train without signing up. So, I took the plunge and signed up.
Hitting the submit button was an ‘oh my goodness, what have I just done’ moment. Once my freak-out was over, it was time to get to work. I only had three months to get ready. I had always been in pretty good shape from gymnastics and dance, but a triathlon seemed like a whole new kind of in shape. But between labs and dance practice I didn’t have a lot of time to train. So I did what I could; I started going to spin classes three times a week and running maybe once a week. Running was definitely not my favorite thing to do nor was it something I was good at. Since the pool was freezing cold, I couldn’t even start training until March. But once it warmed up, I went two or three times a week before class. I hated getting up early but I knew that’s what it would take to be ready.
The leaders of the club, Norris Comer and Eric Hogenboom, were helpful and encouraging throughout the whole process. They set up Sunday Fundays to train together and to help us get a feel for what a triathlon would be like. My friends were also a really important support group during my training. They tried to lead me away from my chocoholic ways and encouraged me to eat healthier. My family was still in slight disbelief that I was actually doing a tri, but encouraging nonetheless. Others along the way were slightly shocked that this 5’1 petite, marine science nerd was going to do a triathlon. But I was sure I could do it.
By the end of March I felt pretty good about being able to finish the race. The week before the race I let up on training a bit to rest and tried to contain my nervous excitement. I could hardly sleep the night before. When my alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. I felt like I’d hardly slept a wink. But soon the adrenaline was pumping and I was ready to go. The triathlon atmosphere was surprisingly calm and friendly. People started up conversations with whoever was beside them and encouragement ran high. Soon starting time arrived and we headed to the ocean.
We ran, splashed, and dove into the Gulf of Mexico. I rounded the first buoy feeling pretty confident. Then I looked ahead to spot the next buoy and see how many were left. A half mile looks a lot farther when you’re bobbing in the ocean. The waves were more than I expected but I pushed on. I rolled on my back and started doing the backstroke; I told myself to breathe and keep going. Slow and steady I made my way past one buoy and then another. Before I knew it, the last one was in sight. I rounded it and headed towards the shore. Coming out of the water felt exhilarating. I couldn’t believe I had just finished the first leg of the triathlon. A guy behind me said, “Well I accomplished my goal…I didn’t drown,” I laughed and replied, “Me too.”
I pulled off my swim cap and headed to the transition area to start the bike section. I was looking forward to this part the most. I loved biking and I knew I could do it. Bikers were zooming past me but I was unfazed. Some passed by with words of encouragement but the wind never seemed to be on my side as I made my way along the course. Eventually I made it to the ten mile marker and was thrilled. I only had the run left, my biggest challenge. I jumped off my bike and my muscles groaned. A new set of muscles had to begin working, so I stretched a little before I took off. Again, I began slow and steady. I hadn’t exactly trained a lot for this portion, but I just told myself that I could always walk. So that’s what I did.
I ran a little then walked a little to catch my breath. Though I ran more than I thought I could, probably thanks to adrenaline. I kept going and before I knew it I was at the three mile marker. I had less than a mile to go. The finish line was in sight, and then it hit me; I was about to finish my first triathlon. That gave me the strength I needed to finish. I had a huge smile across my face when I ran across the finish line. I had done it! I reached my goal of finishing. I wanted to do it in three hours and ended up finishing in two hours and one minute.
Before I knew it the race had come and gone and I was officially a triathelete. I tried my best and came out empowered and stronger than I knew. Men usually dominate the triathlon field but more and more women are joining the ranks, giving men a run for their money. Sally Edwards, a professional triathelete, said in her book “Triathlons for Women” that, “there is a woman inside you who wants to have a chance to succeed: By engaging in the sport of triathlon you can give her that chance. In fact, you will become this new woman when you cross the finish line, because this is who you were born to be.” I agree with her statement. I feel like I can do anything now. Her book inspired me, answered my questions and helped the task seem less challenging. This was my first tri but it won’t be my last. So for all of you collegiette’s™ out there that want a challenge, want to have fun and feel a new sense of self, join the EC Triathlon club. Sign up for a tri and let the fun begin!