Finish Line Report- Finally!

This might seem a bit anti-climactic, but I thought I'd blog about the Triathlon last weekend. FINALLY.

It went beautifully. Despite temperatures low enough to make our breath visable, pouring rain until we got in the water and a flat tire in transition one, the Nation's Triathlon went off without a hitch for me and my wonderful team. Seriously. It did.

I had a personal best swim, getting out of the water in 38 minutes. I was feeling strong when I got to transition and put my helmet on. Sadly, Blue Steel wasn't feeling it. Not sure how it happened but my back tire was flat. I mean, it couldn't have been flatter if it tried. I couldn't get the tire off to save my life because my arms were so tired- total mush.

Thankfully my friend Tori was just behind me and gave up her time to help me. We labored over that tire for 29minutes until it was finally road-ready. Wow. I think for the first time in my life I really experienced, or at least allowed myself to experience, the true meaning of "teamwork." It was incredibly humbling to have a fellow teammate and friend blindly give of her time during transition, sacrificing her race time, to help me. I couldn't have done it without her and I think the only way I could adequately pay her back is to simply pay it forward. I look forward to that opportunity.

Biking did go well though after I was finally rolling. The course was gorgeous. We circled through some of the monuments and then out into Virginia. Rolling hills and babbling brooks dotted the course. It was nice and cool and I didn't even finish my water bottle. And, Blue Steel and I made it in in just under 1:40:00-a personal best for sure.

Running couldn't have gone better either. Since we were on the same time frame, I was able to join T for the run and it was really awesome to get to cross that finish line with the person who talked me into this whole ordeal in the first place! We proudly trotted that 6mile stint out in just a little over one hour- pretty awesome considering there was a bathroom break in there and some back pain to boot.

Never in my whole life did I think I'd do anything like this. 6 months ago, if you'd ask me to go on a run, I would have laughed in your face and tell you I don't work out. Well, now, I'm preparing to run a half marathon in December, and may even do another Tri in October.

Having a goal again has been life-changing. I don't mean to diminish the significance of what our team accomplished- cumulatively, we raised over 200k for Leukemia and Lymphoma research and helped our fellow Triathlete Rebecaa Holmes countdown the last days of her precious son Gage's chemotherapy- and he's the real reason we were all there.

But selfishly, I gained so much. I think we often forget that people go through great pain and challenges because they might look fine or talk a good game. But really, you never know what's going on behind closed doors. For me, having this goal, and crossing that finish line has helped to exorcise alot of demons. Some are more stubborn than others, but regardless, it's caused a shift. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

I plan to keep blogging about my training- stay tuned.

Claire

The Countdown's On

I cannot believe it is only 12 days until THE BIG DAY! Dear Lord. Training has flown by. This is the last week of intense workout and then we taper off until D Day on September 12. I've been running and biking and swimming galore this week and am feeling really strong. Health-wise, I'm well. The steroids have really bought me some time and I'm very grateful. However, tomorrow will be my last dose of the wonder drug and I'm anxious to see how I feel off of them. Pray that this calmed version of my colon lasts through the event.

I'm planning to swim tomorrow evening after work. Now that I'm working full time again, early morning workouts are especially brutal, so in an effort to maximize my energy, I'll be going for a 7pm dip instead of a 5am ride! I have to say, I'm totally happy with that decision. Saturday morning will be my last major bike ride until the event. Again, I could not be happier about that.

Blue Steel and I have definitely bonded on some levels. We groan at the same time, so I think that's a form of solidarity, and you know what, I'll take what I can get. I've actually come to like the little booger (my bike) and no longer plan to sell BS post race. Might even take him out for a spin every now and again. (seriously, I'll need some carrot to dangle in front of me as incentive, so if anyone has any bike dreams you're interested in living out, fill me in. I need the motivation).

Now it's time for bedtime. I go to bed at the same time as all local 3rd graders these days. Never would I have guessed I'd happily turn in my night-owl ways for lights out by 10. Growth folks. Major growth.

Sweet Dreams,
Claire