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.