My First Triathlon (or…what I’ll do for ice cream!)

Guest Post By Pink Panther’s sister, Anne

Everybody has their list of things they must try at least once and at the top of my list was to complete a triathlon.

I did enter one a few years ago.  After completing the swim portion, unfortunately my bike tire punctured on a smashed beer bottle after only 1 km.  Sadly, I walked back to the bike rack and continued on with my run.  I was so upset at the end as I had trained so hard only to be disappointed by a poorly run event.

Now, a few years later I had the urge to try again.  I joined a swimming club to improve my swimming, strength and breathing.  Boy did that ever work!  This year was the Delta Triathlon’s 10th year anniversary.  I figured after 10 years of practice, it should be a well organized event, so I signed up.  Again, I trained hard, hoping to be able to tick the triathlon off my “things to do” list.

Race day came and I had major nervous nellies.  This was the first time I would tackle all three steps together.  There was quite a lineup at the start of the swim and we were all rather nervous, talking about anything to get our minds off the race.  Then it was my turn to get into the pool.  Go!!  And that was the end of the nerves.  I became relaxed and calm.  I felt good about the swim. Leaving the pool, I ran barefoot across a path to my bike.  I couldn’t feel my feet.  Hmm, this is strange I thought, and I’m still feeling relaxed.  I pedaled my little heart out.  I was being passed by more experienced athletes, who every once in a while would mutter “good job” to me as they sped pass.  They always seemed to leave a little bit of extra energy behind for me.

Faster I went, still feeling strangely relaxed.  My other energy boost was my family.  They were popping up everywhere it seemed, to cheer me on with an encouraging sign my niece had made with cardboard and balloons.  Every time I saw them I felt like I was having 15 minutes of fame.  They were great!

Then bike portion ended and the dreaded run began.  This is where my relaxed state diminished.  My legs felt like they were made of jelly.  Off I went again.  “Thirty more minutes…that’s all I have to do,” was running through my head.  I honestly thought my legs could carry me no further.  My sister ran with me for a bit to see how I was doing.  Not good!!  Then I heard the two most beautiful words, ice cream! She was on her way to get an ice cream for me to have at the end of the race.  Well it has now been proven that I can do anything for ice cream!  Crossing that finish line, I felt like I had conquered the world.  I did it!!!!

Now, you might think that’s it.  The race is over, I’ve ticked it off my list.  Well, my friends, the race has just begun.  I am already looking forward to my next triathlon.  To anyone who is thinking about trying a triathlon for the first time, I strongly recommend trying one. If I can do it, you can too!

Here is Pink Panther’s perspective on her sister’s race.