Bio:
I signed up for my first triathlon after I ran the Seafair 5k and found myself with a flyer in my hand for the Seafair sprint triathlon. To see if I could even do all the distances in one day, I immediately went to the gym and rode the stationary bike for 13 miles and then jumped in the pool for a ½ mile swim. With the success of at least doing them all in one day, I signed up for the race that was in 2 weeks. Every day for those 2 weeks I was in the gym ‘practicing’ for my race. Not once did I do the disciplines in the right order, and I literally only rode the borrowed hybrid bike outside around the block once before I took it to the transition area the night before — I definitely did not know I couldn’t reach the water bottle.
Now, as a bit more seasoned, I laugh at my preparation but know everyone did this for their first. However, I finished that race and love it! I learned some valuable lessons that race:
- It DOES matter what order you practice the different disciplines
- It DOES matter if your bike fits you
- It is IMPORTANT to ride a real bike outside
- And it’s good to plan to taper so that you start the race rested
That was in 2003. Since then I’ve done a variety of races, but the biggest race and physical challenge for me was completing my first ½ ironman at Lake Stevens in 2009. It took me a long time to sign up, but with the support of great friends/teammates/coaches, I got there and did it, and I’m still proud to say it did it!
Joining TNMultisport has been a tremendous opportunity for me to build some wonderful friendships, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the people and the events that they have encouraged and challenged me to participate in over the last year. I’d say I couldn’t have done it without them, but I know I could have, I just wouldn’t have wanted to or enjoyed it as much! Here’s to another season!