My first triathlon was October 23rd of 2010 (photo on left). I had never even done a 5k race before. A friend of mine had convinced me to do this with them. I had no idea what to expect. It was my first time swimming in open water, I used a mountain bike, took way too long in all my transitions, and walked most of my run portion. But I loved it.
I was so proud of myself and had really enjoyed. But by the time I did that race it was the end of the season. I didn't do another triathlon for almost three years due to school, family issues, losing my father, and moving around for my at the time spouses career in the military.
I finally raced another triathlon in July of 2013 (photo right) and thats when I knew this what the sport I wanted to stick to. I performed much better than I did my first time. I felt awesome and strong even though my results still weren't all that awesome I was excited and I was hooked. So much so that friends and I decided, lets sign up for an Ironman.
Why not? If you're going to be a bear, might as well be a grizzly. Was this crazy, yes most likely. So sure enough, I signed up for IM Louisville on August 24, 2014 and IM Syracuse 70.3 on June 22, 2014 for a warm up race. I'm just over 4 months out from my Ironman and I am more motivated, excited, anxious, and pumped than ever.
This season is also much more different than previous. I am being coached by an Ironman whom has competed at IM Kona World Championships, I have an actual Tri bike, I'm in pretty good shape, I have no relationship distractions, and I am part of a triathlon team. I'm putting myself and my training first and not letting anything get in my way. I have a very supportive job (which sponsor my Tri Team), I've surrounded myself with only positive people, and I am ready to start living my dream instead of just thinking about it.
With Tri season underway, I've already competed in one triathlon. It was my first olympic distance, held in New Orleans. I felt I had a terrible race. The swim was rough, their was a strong wind for the bike, but my run I felt decent on. I crossed the finish line happy that I had just finished, not expecting to be in the top three of my age group. Well, I wasn't just in the top 3, but I took first place for my age group. I was incredible shocked and excited! My first time placing at a triathlon! I was and still am on cloud 9! I wasn't happy just for myself, but happy that I made my coach and team proud.
I'm feeling even better about this journey to becoming an Ironman. It does require a lot of time, energy, commitment, and dedication but I wouldn't change it for anything. I wanted a way to document this journey besides a simple journal. I feel its important to not only allow this to benefit myself but to help inspire others to go after their dreams. To wanting to be phenominal.
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