Sunday, August 06, 2006

Tri and Tri again

The bikes are loaded up and ready to go - at 4:00 a.m. (my son's truck)


It was still dark when we got to the race site. This is my bike, situated on the bike rack - ready for the race.

I am very pleased with the race. Both of my daughters finished. They are awesome. They both had pink bandanas with skulls on them! People would say to them - you look like twins - and they would say "we are!". They don't look one thing alike, but they indeed are twins.

I am also pleased because I gave this race everything I had. My time was 3 minutes, 30 seconds longer than I had hoped, but I really gave it my all. (My goal was to finish in under 2 hours.) I really swam the entire time - free style. I really pushed it on the bike. And I ran the entire 3.1 miles. I just was slower than I would have liked. I could definitely shave some time off my transition times... that accounts for over 10 minutes right there.

When I finished, there were some AA folks at the finish line and they yelled out my name. I can't tell you how good that felt! They were there with another participant, but it was great to be supported like that. And I got to see my other friend as she finished. Lots of sweaty hugs and high fives.

We all went out for lunch after the race at a favorite Japanese place. I have taken the girls there since they were children. That is where they learned to use chopsticks. It was fun. We were dressed all in pink, and had numbers on our arms and legs - it was fun to respond when people asked us what we had been doing. It feels really really good to say "We just finished a triathlon!"

I am totally wiped out now. I had hoped to sleep the afternoon away, but only slept for a half hour. I have a headache, not sure if it is from dehydration or lack of caffeine. So I am drinking Diet Dr. Pepper - the nectar of the gods. And the First Pre-Season FOOTBALL game of the year will be on at 6:00 MDT!!!! Yippppeee!

Thanks for all your well-wishes. I really appreciate it.

"We beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas, and the result was nil - until we let go absolutely." -- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58

15 comments:

tia said...

Most eXcellent MC!!! Congrats!
:)
And football? WOOOOOOeeee! The Packer's had a home scrimmage last nite -- sold out as usual. (I love Brett!)
You rest tonite, you deserve it.

Anonymous said...

Congrats MC...

You sure put the effort in and I feel like the facts that your daughters were there with you and you all participated together is where the real victory lies.

Oakland or Philly?

Unknown said...

Yeah!!! I wish I could have been at the finish line to cheer you all on. This is my cyber cheer! ALRIGHT Mary Christine! Go girl go!!!!!

Hope you get a chance to restore your body with a peaceful nights sleep.

G~

lash505 said...

Very good news, I wouldn't have been able to finish the race. You are a champ.

Petutes said...

Congrats! It's quite an accomplishment and wonderful that your daughters did this also. Bravo! You are an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

I was there at the finish cheering you in spirit!!!!!
You are amazing to me -- in so many ways.
Congrats on a great time and awesome effort.
Peace,
Scout

dAAve said...

Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!
(those are for you and your daughters)
You did a wonderful thing in so many ways. I have no doubt that you provided an example for others that my give them the initiative to get out of their comfort zone.
Splendid!

Trudging said...

You go girl.

Greg said...

glad to hear you did well. "hold on to our old ideas" I'mm learning to notice my old thinking pattern and when I see some "defects" or an uncomfortable spot I try to change my thought process or my attitude...which ever is the least painful. Have a good day and I hope you slept good lastnight.

Greg said...

Mc You say Diet Dr. Pepper is the nectar of the gods...funny I have always said coffee is the nectar of life!

Mama Dukes said...

congrats MC

Shannon said...

OOOH MaryChristine!!
you are so truly an inspiration! WOW... I am gonna do a 5k run/walk
Its the turkey trotters, and its for charity, and they have this program, that is " from couch to 5k" I am excited I start my trainign tonight!

but its not about me. I am sooo proud of you and your daughters!!! I hope you can relax and enjoy the day today! hugs
OOH and thank you for remembering my anniversary! : D

JJ said...

Congratulations MC........you rock!
I see you,
JJ
PS: Or should I say you run, ride, swim!...lol.

Rex said...

Cograts! So awesome! Rexie

Scott M. Frey said...

MC, congratulations on your triathalon, girl! Awesome, I am so proud of you and inspired by you! I dont know that i will be running any marathons or what not, but I do ride my bike alot more and walk alot more, since reading about your race prep and so forth! congrats!