So... some of you readers know that my summer plans
included attempting my first-ever triathlon. And so I'm here
included attempting my first-ever triathlon. And so I'm here
to blog the tale.
First things first: Yes, it is required to dress
in a disturbing fashion to do a multi-sport event.
in a disturbing fashion to do a multi-sport event.
There is no place or time to change during the race. You can't swim in sweats and you can't bike in trunks. This
is one of the many surprises I had while preparing for
is one of the many surprises I had while preparing for
the race.
First phase: The swim was a 1/4 mile in Blue Lake, Troutdale, OR. My time 9:11 (hmmm... does that have meaning?)
My group- "First Timers" were about 92 in number. Our swim was shorter by half than the
veterans who swam a 1/2 mile. I was one of the few without a wetsuit, but the water temp was just fine (about 70 degrees). Pansies.
My group- "First Timers" were about 92 in number. Our swim was shorter by half than the
veterans who swam a 1/2 mile. I was one of the few without a wetsuit, but the water temp was just fine (about 70 degrees). Pansies.
So exiting the lake and running to the bike I felt pretty good.
Does my mugging it up in this photo imply I am feeling good or that my brain is out of O2? 12 miles is a long ways, but it's not really that far on a bike. I did it in 41 minutes and got passed by many a very fast riders and passed a few fairly slow riders. It was a scenic ride along the south bank of the Columbia River.
Does my mugging it up in this photo imply I am feeling good or that my brain is out of O2? 12 miles is a long ways, but it's not really that far on a bike. I did it in 41 minutes and got passed by many a very fast riders and passed a few fairly slow riders. It was a scenic ride along the south bank of the Columbia River.
The word "Run" rhymes with "Fun". Also, the word "Crappy" rhymes with "Happy".
After parking my bike, I took off like a blazing snail. The "run" was 5K/3.1 miles and I had a hard time pulling out of a steady jog. I clocked in just under 30 minutes. It felt very good to cross the line.
Very good.
ObservationsAthlete Observation: The real competition happens in the weeks/months/years of training the body and preparing. The actual race felt more like a 'victory lap' after achieving the real goal of raising my fitness.
A lot of really serious racers do triathlon because it's hard and then buy a really nice bike and get really fancy equipment to make it easier. Go figure.
Chiropractic Observations:
I diagnosed 3 cases of asthma and 2 cases of exhaustion during the race; all on myself. :)
Increasing fitness is a great form of pain relief. I noticed all of my chronic pain patterns virtually disappear as my activity increased during training this spring.
There were a variety of athletes racing that day: teen-agers, senior citizens, moms, jocks, slow and steady, lean and mean, recreational, professional etc. We are designed to move and extend ourselves to new physical limits regardless of where we are in condition or life.
3 comments:
Go Roger! That's really a huge accomplishment in my book. I love your diagnosis (diagnosises?). You're great.
You did it- that is really awesome. I like your observations. Get physical- you'll feel better all around. I hope you keep doing them.
congratulations! i admire your dedication to your fitness and the triathlon.
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