Columbia Iron Girl, 2009

I have YET to get around to writing a race report. Race was on Sunday, school started that Tuesday. I've just been too busy. All in all, this race was amazing. It was SO much fun for a first time Tri, I can't wait to register to do it again next year. I had one minor back out moment, but once I got in the water, I know it was for real.

The morning started EARLY. I was up at 4am, thanks to a knock on the door from my dad. (Man I hope I wake up on time when I live on my own!) Took a quick shower to wake myself up, made a pot of coffee and downed yogurt with cheerios as my first meal. I packed a PB&J uncrustable for an hour before the race, G2, and a banana. The parking lot opened at 5am. Yes, if you know me... you know I showed up at 4:55am. Not surprising, one of the to trickel in. I saw Corinne, who I met through TNT and started to get excited!

We checked out bikes probably 5 times. The person next to me didn't show, so I had a little extra space. Corinne and I walked around, found bathrooms, got hair done and spent the next hour or so running into other teammates. My parents and Scott showed up around 7:30am. By this time, start had been pushed back, which meant I had another 25 minutes to wait for my wave. There's a way to help build nerves!

The time came for me to get in line - when I realized, no one I knew was in my wave. All of my TNT friends and other friends who were doing Iron Girl were in the second half of our age group. Great. I knew Corinne would eventually pass me in the swim even though I had an 8 minute head start. I get in the water with my wave, tread it for about 5 minutes before the gun goes off and we can go. I started out with breast stroke, but for the 0.62 mile swim I swam mostly free style, without freaking out. I managed to shave 10 minutes off my swim time for that distance. Rock on!! I was PuMPED. Every photo of me coming out of the water has the biggest, grin saying "Holy SHIT, I actually did it!!!!!" Not to mention, Corinne and I got out of the water at the exact same time. I was thrilled to see her! I run up the hill and see Jonathon and Jeff at the TNT water stop. I was thrilled - having such a great time. I couldn't believe, I saw my friends!

The bike was great, shaving 5 minutes off practice times. 2nd transition was slightly faster, then it was time to run. By this point, it's gotten rather hot out. I can't complain though - the day was absolutly beautiful. As the end was nearing, two mentors jumped out on the path to cheer us on. They were jumping and yelling our names. As I crossed the finish line I saw our coach Patti. I ran into her arms for a great hug. I burst into sobbing tears thanking her for the newest accomplishment. It was a fabulous feeling! Not to mention, I knew two other TNTers at the finish line also giving out hugs.

I found my parents and Scott immediately, where we rehashed the entire event, word for word while talking about distances, speed, ages... etc. It was an awesome experience!