Anyone who has asked me about it (and why would you?) would know that I love Triathlons. And at Amy's reunion recently I told quite a few folks that was going to do one this weekend. Well to those who did not believe (and for the many who did not care) I did one.
Sunday was the Cleveland Triathlon and I was one of over 800 participants. The race started very early in the morning with a Super Sprint race beginning at 6:45am. My heat, the Sprint race, began at 7:15am.
For those who don't know, a Sprint is generally a 1/2 mile swim, 20k bike, and a 5k run. This particular race was slightly longer in comparison based on the fact that it had a 16 mile bike.
There is nothing like race day. A huge group of us gathered before sunrise on the banks of Lake Erie. We checked and double checked our bikes, water, goggles, etc. as we tried to shake off the nervous energy that all of us were feeling. It is a strange feeling for me, as sports go. Everyone is there wanting to do as well as they can, but genuinely wishing well for the other racers. It is a very cool fraternity.
When my time came to get in the water, there were lots of us! The largest group in the race was the Men's Sprint, 35 and under. We with the blue caps gathered by the ladder to get in the water. Normally the race starts on dry land and we run into the water to swim. This race was different in that we all started in deep water--treading. So when the siren sounded, we all started off on the swim from a very dead stop.
To my credit I managed the swim (my weakest event) well. I came out of the water (by my watch) at about 11 or so minutes. I took my time in the transition area trying to catch my breath and hydrate as I got ready for the ride.
As a side note, the feeling that I sort of had to pee (which was minor before) was really starting to get my attention. But no time for that! It was onto the bike course I headed!
The bike course (that 16 miles that I mentioned earlier) was two loops of I90 in Cleveland. We started from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (that was the hub of the whole race by the way) and headed east. Then we came back past Cleveland Browns staduim and on past. We did this loop twice. Though I am confident on the bike, it can be a humbling experience too. There are times when I felt strong and was going 25 miles per hour and have someone fly by you like you are standing still!
But I finished the bike strong and was coming into the transition area when I first saw my chearing section! Amy, Skylar and Jade were there when I was getting off the bike. It may sound hokey, but it gives you a boost to hear your fan club cheering your name! Amy yelled, "How are you doing?" I replied, telling her what I had been thinking about all during the bike. "I really have to pee!"
After the bike it was time to head back out on the run course. The run is usually my best leg of the race, but I started pretty slow this time due to the energy I put out on the bike. But after about 3/4 of a mile I found my stride and began to pass a few folks.
The finish ended in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an announcer called my number and name as I crossed the finish line! It was a great race...and I must say that racing is SO much more fun that training!
As we were walking away, my wife in an attempt to make me feel good, told me that I was one of the "oldest" in my division. To which I laughed and humbly agreed. We headed back to the hotel and readied ourselves to come home. But really all I could think of is when I was going to find a restroom!
Fun stuff!
