Alright. I know I went on and on. And on. About my last race.
Sorry, you're going to get more of the same here.
My sister-in-law, Mandy, made that for me. Isn't it cute!?
So, as previously mentioned, I was so very nervous for this race! On Saturday I was signed up to compete in The Rush Triathlon in Rexburg, Idaho, and I didn't feel as prepared as I should have. Honestly I hadn't been on my bike enough and I just didn't feel like I was mentally ready. And I was scared stupid because of it.
See my nervous smile?
See my nervous smile?
Yeesh. Again with the nervous smile.
Plus I have a swim cap on. Never. Flattering.
Plus it was freezing out. That has nothing to do with how awful I look in this picture, but it is true none the less.
Plus I have a swim cap on. Never. Flattering.
Plus it was freezing out. That has nothing to do with how awful I look in this picture, but it is true none the less.
As soon as I got in the water I felt more comfortable, though. There is just something about open water swimming that I have fallen head-over-heels in love with. Not that I'm great at it or anything, but this time I didn't freak out when I hit that cold, dark water. I actually felt quite at home! Thanks Rigby Lake!! The swim is about .6 miles around Rainbow Lake (a man-made lake just outside of Rexburg, Idaho that is filled with man-eating trout. Or at least that is what ran through my head each time a piece of seaweed or someone else's arm or leg touched me in the water. Why are fish so much more scary when you are on their turf?).
After the swim they have volunteers there to help those who would like help getting out of their wetsuits. I didn't use these "strippers", as they are called, on my first race, but I thought I'd give it a try this time. I'm not sure I'd do it again. This is me awkwardly laughing while a few 18 year old girls pull my wetsuit off. Sexy.
After the first transition I hopped on my bike and headed off. The bike portion of this race was 14.2 miles, and it was pretty killer. Lots of hills. But there is no feeling like getting to the top of the Big Hill and knowing that you made it up. I might have cried (but just a little) as I thanked my Father in Heaven for my blessings and my body. For all of the bad stuff so I could feel all of the good stuff a little bit better. For everything.
After all of the ups and downs (and emotional breakdowns), then it's just a quick change into running shoes, 3.1 miles, about a mile of which on a small dirt path up a Big Old Hill, and then a lap around the old high school's track to the finish line.
After the swim they have volunteers there to help those who would like help getting out of their wetsuits. I didn't use these "strippers", as they are called, on my first race, but I thought I'd give it a try this time. I'm not sure I'd do it again. This is me awkwardly laughing while a few 18 year old girls pull my wetsuit off. Sexy.
After the first transition I hopped on my bike and headed off. The bike portion of this race was 14.2 miles, and it was pretty killer. Lots of hills. But there is no feeling like getting to the top of the Big Hill and knowing that you made it up. I might have cried (but just a little) as I thanked my Father in Heaven for my blessings and my body. For all of the bad stuff so I could feel all of the good stuff a little bit better. For everything.
After all of the ups and downs (and emotional breakdowns), then it's just a quick change into running shoes, 3.1 miles, about a mile of which on a small dirt path up a Big Old Hill, and then a lap around the old high school's track to the finish line.
My brother-in-law, Spencer, ran the intermediate length race, and it was great to see him and his family.
So, it was done. I ate some fruit. Drank a lot. Walked around a bit. Still feeling so grateful for all that I had been given. And I decide to check the final numbers before heading home and hitting the showers.
But we don't leave.
Not yet.
Because it turns out that I finished second in my bracket.
SECOND.
So, you know, I had to stay and get my bright, shiny, silver medal!!
But we don't leave.
Not yet.
Because it turns out that I finished second in my bracket.
SECOND.
So, you know, I had to stay and get my bright, shiny, silver medal!!
My goal was to beat my time from my first race, which I did by about four minutes! That may not seem like a lot to you, but both the swim and the bike course in The Rush were much more challenging and miles longer than the course at RAGE, my first race.
In other words, it's a big deal.
You should be impressed.
In other words, it's a big deal.
You should be impressed.
8 comments:
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! I am so proud of you Mandy! coolest friend, coolest mom.
whoa 2nd place! mandy, you are killing it! so impressed!!!
Second place?!?! Wow, awesome Mandy -- you're amazing!
Dude you're so freakin awesome! I've been wanting to get into tris but I'm just lazy. What kida of bike do you use?
And I feel the same way about open water swimming- it's so nice to get out of the pool and there is so much more strategy and technique! Nice job and keep it up!!
You go girl! I'm inspired.
Um, ya, I am impressed. Way impressed! Good job!
You are amazing! Seriously, I think that anyone who can raise a family, go to school AND train for those events is simply amazing. Congrats girl!
Thanks guys!! You sure know how to make a girl feel good.
Matty- I bought a Raleigh bike from my local bike store after trying out a few a month before my first race. It was in my price range and it was pink: pretty much love at first sight. :D I need to come to California and let you drag me out for an ocean swim!! I mean, eventually I'll want to do Kona (haha!!), so I will most-likely need that skill. :D Do a tri! You will love it!
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