Race Day

Well Friday night, the day before the race and Joe made a scrumptious meal. Blackened salmon and Indian rice. Yum. Full of antioxidants and protein. I knew I would need that for tomorrow. I am not one to eat before a race and especially this one. So we set the alarm for 5. You could begin to set up the transition area at 6. Well I didn't have to worry about that I was up all night. Between the high winds and crashing waves and the train, I heard everything. So excited was not a word that would be to describe me but I was up and ready. It was still too dark to see the water so we continued on to set the bikes. I only forgot a few things which made me go back to reset. Joe (more prepared than I). Forgot nothing. He was ready and all t's crossed and I's dotted. Hard to believe someone more ready than me. I think I met my match.
Well anyways went back to camp and it was getting lighter. There where white caps! It was cold. With the wind I think it was about 45. Water was a chilly 58. So with a few announcements and a prayer for 9/11, the game began.
First was the half iron men and women, 1.2 miles swim, 56 miles bike and 13.1 mile run. WOW. Then Olympic people next, not sure of the distance at this time but long too. Then it was our turn...quarter mile swim (13 laps or so) 13 mile bike and 3.2 mile run. Seems a lot less but believe me, it is a challenge. So in to the water I go. Can't feel my feet in less than a minute or so. Off we go. The water is very shallow. Most could walk the first half. I tried to swim but many walkers in front, so I walked as long as I could touch. I then began to swim. The waves were crashing over my head every time I took a breath. (Oh my God I am going to die.) I came around the turn around and I thought I need to get to shore. I started to work my way inward and I came up to a guy on raft. He was out there to have a rest if you need it. I did! I grabbed hold and took some breaths and rested. It seemed like forever. I started to see my group going on and I didn't want to be alone so I took off. I realized that side swim would shield me away from the in coming waves. So that is what I did. I couldn't wait to get to where I could touch and then it came. It seemed like hours I was out there but in actuality it was less than 15 minutes. I started running up to shore and passed the timing mat. I was on land!
Now sprint up to transition which is across the road and behind G's pizza. I was less than 3 minutes to remove wet suit and dry feet and put on new shirt and I was on the bike. I don't think I really started to think about anything until I was out of the town area. It was warmer and I started to enjoy that which I was going thru. I was passed by many but I didn't care. The swim was out of the way and I could coast now. A quarter through the race and there was a girl off the road, working on her tire. (off). I asked if she was ok, she said yes. I thought of stopping but with a tire off, there was no way I could help. I continued on. A bit up the road, another girl off the road, "Do you need help?" Yes. Ugh. I knew in my heart that if it was me I would want someone to stop. So I did. Chain all kinked up. I tried to figure it out. But nothing I tried worked. She finally told me that her husband would be coming soon. So I got on and continued. There was only one large hill that we had to conquer. I knew that coming back that hill would be time to rest. I was very happy to see the turn around. Even though the biking was quite easy, I knew that the 5 k was a head of me. Running had become very challenging for me this summer and I just wanted it too be done.
So coasting into transition once again and less than 1 minutes there I was off and running. Side note...I had one co worker and two very good friends and their daughter cheering me on all the way. They where loud and very visible during all three events. I am thankful for that. Support during this is key! Another side note, I passed Joe on the bike event about half way. They started after the women in the water. I almost missed him.
So off and running. Well I wouldn't call it running, my feet where still numb. They felt literally like jello. I felt like I was standing still. I made it to big boys(restaurant) and made a turn. Surely I was half way done. No upper around a blinded corner was a mile marker 1 mile. Are you kidding me? So I continued on. I was tired. I was looking for Joe. I should pass him soon, I thought. Finally at the 2 mile I see him. We meet in the middle of the road for a quick kiss. Then we both where off again. Ok now I am on a straight away to the finish. One mile to go and it is done. I want to finish strong so I walk for a bit. Regain my strength and go. Less than a quarter to go and the crowds are there. Cheering. I hear my name but see no faces. I know they are there but I just want to finish. I sprint across the line. I am a finisher of a triathlon. I am proud. I set a goal and I did it. So sweet, so happy soo tired! Rachelle, Michelle, and Jamie where there to hug and congrats me. And the tears began to fall. WOW Emotions of every kind...feeling. I composed myself and waited for my husband. What seemed to be forever, I see him. He finished too. I was so proud of him. His knees are shot and he still did it.
After taking a break, we went out for lunch with our good friends. I just wanted to rest and enjoy our anniversary day. Mid way through our lunch, Joe pulled out a box. He told me that he wanted to continue on our journey. I was super surprised to see and anniversary ring. It is a thin band of diamonds that compliment my wedding ring. It is beautiful. If you know Joe, frugal doesn't begin to describe him.
I am very blessed in so many ways. I am strong. I am looking a head for the next tri. It will be in 2011. I know I can and I will continue. I know that I have encouraged others to do it too. My co worker will be doing the next one with us. This has be quite the experience. I know that if I wouldn't have been on this journey that was started 10 years ago, I would have never been hear and writing about this. Stay with me and enjoy it too. The best is yet to come!