Crossing The Finish Line

The last 19 weeks of training were put to the ultimate test this last Saturday when I competed in the Redman Triathlon.  This was by far the most physically challenging thing I have ever done.  Where I thought the bike portion would be the toughest it turned out the swim was the toughest.  I had been training in a pool and had swam a mile multiple times but never made enough time for an open water swim.  As soon as I started the swim I couldn't ever really catch my breath.  While trying to dodge swimmers passing me I alternated between side stroke and back stroke.  There were points I was able to touch bottom so I used that to catch my breath and clear my goggles.  Once I hit the turn around point, I backstroked all the way back.

It took me almost an hour and a half to swim the 1.2 miles.  I thought I was prepared for this but training in a pool is not the same as open water.  You can't image how happy I was to exit the water.  I then transitioned to the bike and started my 56 mile ride over rolling hills, pot holes and sometimes bumpy city and county roads.  I stopped at every bike aid station to stretch, rest my butt and refuel on water and gatorade.  These were positioned about every 10 miles along the course.

I finished the bike course sooner than I thought I would have in just over 4 hours.  I must say that I really enjoyed the bike course.  The weather was awesome.  The sky was clear, the temperature was cool and the breeze was light.  The bike that I had borrowed fit me good and was fast and light.

I was yet again excited to be finishing the bike course.  My butt had, had all it could take.  I put the bike back on the rack, took off my gloves and helmet and got ready to run.  I then started by 13 mile run.  I had to make 2 laps on the course.  Here again I stopped at every aid station for water, gatorade, the toilet and a variety of fruit and such.

The first lap wasn't too bad but by the time I hit the turn around for the second lap, I could tell I was running out of gas.  I took it one aid station at a time.  It also helps when people are cheering you on all along the way.  I was really dragging the last 2 miles.  I was still running but at a snails pace.  A wave of relief flowed over me as I came around the last corner and could see the finish line.  My family and trainer were waiting for me as I crossed the finish line.

Below are the pictures my wife was able to take.  Click on each picture to view a larger image.

My medal and certificate.  A total of 70.3 miles.

Exiting the water.

Transitioning for the bike.

Putting on my gloves.

Moving towards the gate.

Taking off.

On the run course.

Couch Jason getting a picture.

Crossing the finish line.

The look of relief.

Picture with couch Jason.

Serenity, Tyler, me and my wife Jennifer.

Finish line video.