With all of the training that happened this summer, I thought I'd be ready for Detroit 1/2 Marathon.
In a nutshell my summer nostly consiste of 7mile runs at max and lots of triathlon training.
Swim Bike Run....repeat.
Many hours at the lake preparing for this race. The Island Lake Triathlon was the goal.
The night before, chicken, baked potato, and lots pf water. I was in bed around 6:00pm. I do not know how that happened. Woke up around 3:30 am to get ready. Feeling great and strong I began to check off things on my list. Goggles, swim cap, number, cell phone, bike, pump, shoes,etc etc. As I pulled the car out of the driveway arounf 5:00 am, I called my friend. "I am going to forget something, I swear!!" She said to go through each transition---I did, I was prepared.
I hit the road around 5:10am for Brighton, Mi. I turned on my radio and started to JAM out to some music. I was ready!
Before the sun was up, I pulled in. Thank gosh I had my head lamp---life saver. I pulled my stuff out and rolled my bike over to my station. After my number was written on my legs and arms---my heart started to race.
Kira and I sat and watched the calm water around 7:00am, people were still coming in attempoting to register and get a number. Her heart was racing according to her HR monitor. Soon we would be wainting in the water after the first wave.
When I was walking back I hear "Margaret!!" My boyfriend and boss were standing by the fencing waving---now I have a audience.
Waiting in the water was the worst thing ever----unable to know exactly when the airhorn was going to go off. Suddenly my heart raced and I started to swim. Unable to contain my excited I panicked. I began to swallow water, going to the side every second I could. I practiced, and practiced---but this swim was going to be a rough one. People swimming by me, me pasing others----unable to get a full breathe of air. Thinking, "Keep swimming, you can do it! You're almost done, keep going!" This swim felt like 3 miles----and finally I made it to the end, I emerged from the water, ripping off my swim cap and goggles. My legs felt like jelly, and my arms were stiff. I began to transition and cstch my breathe at the same time.
As my head started to spin as I put my cycling shoes---"one down two to go!"
I looked for Kira's bike, I did not see her.
I hit the road---coming out of the transition area I motion for others to go ahead--I was just tired! the cycle was rough at first, the Olympic and men athletes were FLYING past. Their 3 grand tri bikes were just showing off at this point. It was beautiful music to my ears.
I struggled most of the ride, ranging from 13-20 miles per hour. Wanting to just stop. But around mile 10 I finally got into the groove of things. A woman and I were battling on the hills---she'd pull ahead, I would pull ahead.
Once I was in the transition area again, my boss yells, "How much fun are you having right now Margaret??" I said, "Lots"
Soon onto the running portion, I walked up the hill. Calves on fire---I lovely lady asked, "Do you want someone to run with??"
We talked, and began the 3 mile run. I was thinking, "I am a runner, I am a swimmer and a cyclist, WHY IS THIS SO HARD?? WHY AM I STRUGGLING??"
I finished 1:40, I was 5th in my group and 7 minutes away from placing 3rd. SO CLOSE!
My run was slow, and my swim was even slower!
Next year right?
In the end, Kira and I hugged, happy that we finished.
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