Commit to be Fit Giant Eagle Women’s Only Triathlon - Triathlon

Was advised to start towards the front since the water was shallow and there would be many women walking the swim course. Started about 20th, only had a few people pass me. There was lots of open space for the swim. Never felt crowded.

Swim was harder than I expected it to be. Have only swam twice since shoulder surgery in January 2012 and clearly I've forgotten most of what I learned! Time includes a fairly long walk into transition

I had to sit down and get my bearing before I could do anything. One of the race officials yelled at me this was a race, move it. I didn't say anything to her, but I slowly got my stuff together and headed out when I felt ready. The swim took more out of me than I expected.

Felt mostly good on the bike except for going too hard on the uphill portions. Kept telling myself to quit working so hard and relax. Have fun. Roads were wet, so I was cautious on the turns. Overally pretty happy with this ride. I pushed as hard as I could. Very positive attitude among the competitors.

Most of this time was walking my bike to my area and getting the danged thing racked. Took off my helmet and gloves and headed out.

I saw my friend not too far ahead of me, so I pushed too hard almost the entire distance trying to catch her. Had my heartrate up too hgh and was very uncomfortable. At one point, I almost had to stop until I felt better. Did lots of run/walk, but left just enough to run the finish line

Sat down at the finish and caught my breath, then cried because it felt good to be here again. Took some pictures with friends and the triathlon 101 group from Granville. Had a yummy pb bagel and some orange juice and went to pack up my transition crap.


I went into this knowing that I was limited by my blocked artery, so my goal was really to prove to myself that I could do it. Honestly, I expected it to be easier. It wasn't this hard when I was healthier and in better condition. ;) I had trouble carrying my stuff from the car to transition, so I wondered about the soundness of my decision to do this before I even started. I'm really happy I did. This finisher's medal felt more special than any of the others I've earned. I'm not sure what my future is in triathlon, and I'm not in a big hurry to do another, but I will probably do some next summer. I really loved the atmosphere at the Women's only triathlon. It was not a highly competitve atmosphere and there was lots of support and encouragement. Just what I needed for my first time out after being sick.