My Try for a Tri

Today I tried my first triathlon. After 20 weeks of training and posting on facebook my workouts, I did it. Unfortunately, I did not finish. The morning temperature at Cedar Beach on my car reading was at 43 degrees Farenheit. It was cold. Just setting up my stuff at the bike rack and run change transition area I was freezing. Then there was that gastrointestinal issue for a week now. I ate breakfast two hour ahead of the race and they said that was a no-no. What do I know it was my first?

Into the water: Yay! My first tri... Now into the water... Dang! It's cold... I've been swimming in the pool at my gym NYSC where the water was fresh and warm, in fact, very warm... Now I am in the Long Island Sound in open water with air temperature in the 40's at 7:30 AM at the start of the race... Then the water was salty not that familiar chlorinated fresh water taste so the high osmolarity irritated my throat and, hence, affected my breathing... and that famous line, "Why am I doing this again?"

That's it! I am freezing. The open water is too cold. My throat was thirsty, muscles were fatigued for some reason.

Mentally unprepared: Yes, I have tried open water before. But goin' out there in open sea the water under me seemed deep; it is. Panic attack. Had to call the kayakers and bring me to shore. Sadly, that was it.

Out of the water: Still numb. I felt if I just sneaked in the bike area I still wouldn't have able to biked. My bare feet were numb. I couldn't even walk to dry myself up from the cold, cold air.

Watching them finish: Interestingly, after being able to change to dry clothing, I stayed on and watched the whole race finish. Impressive was this 72 year old man who ran through the finish line.

Morale:

1. Don't laugh at them triathletes with hybrid bicycles. They finished.
2. Pump you tires to 120 psi the night before and not the morning of the race; pumping wore me out that morning. No wonder my muscles were unfamiliarly sore up to the next day I pumped so hard race day just before the swim. Or use the S.A.G. at the race site; they will check the bike in general for any problems.
3. Nutrition: follow the guidelines.
4. Always bring a triathlon buddy. To pace and keep your spirits up. One of the senior finishers advised to bring my friend to open water if I was afraid and to swim with him (I need a male companion to be with me in my entry in the water in the same "wave" of participants on a race day)

Inspiring: Are the senior citizens including a female in her last year of participating at 69 years old according to her.

Duathlons are the next target. Run, cycle, run.

Or just pure cycling.

Fun: Take heed from all friends: Always have fun! Always. I did! I gained experience. And I look good.

Vancouver Olympic Experience: First Advise for Future Olympics

Having traveled to Vancouver and experienced the Olympic games, the first advise I would blog on is to not get too many game tickets. I was truly exhausted with my having to line up and go through security checks which I am all for for my own safety. I had five games to watch in seven days. There were a lot of free events around town including free concerts, fireworks, international houses, 3D movies, etc. and festivities going on. I recommend 3 games maximum and enjoy the city and the freebies put up.

Also, there were sayings of sourgraping in nature had the games been in another city the event venues would be one hour apart. Whistler Mountain where I had seen the Men's Classic Cross-Country Ski I had to take the Olympic Bus Network by 5:30 A.M. to travel three hours and see the event. I had a blast watching the events after walking a long rocky path towards the groomed area and sitting in the grandstand.

The Year of the Tiger

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year Of The Tiger," while also bearing the following elemental sign:
8 February 1902 - 28 January 1903: Water Tiger
26 January 1914 - 13 February 1915: Wood Tiger
13 February 1926 - 1 February 1927: Fire Tiger
31 January 1938 - 18 February 1939: Earth Tiger
17 February 1950 - 5 February 1951: Metal Tiger
5 February 1962 - 24 January 1963: Water Tiger
23 January 1974 - 10 February 1975: Wood Tiger
9 February 1986 - 28 January 1987: Fire Tiger
28 January 1998 - 15 February 1999: Earth Tiger
14 February 2010 - 2 February 2011: Metal Tiger

(Wikipedia.com)