How did your first podium finish feel? (Page 2)

First, only, and possibly last podium finish was just last week.

I finished 3rd in the 40-49 age group in a local super sprint.  I knew I had a chance to podium.  I finished 5th last year.   I looked at last year's results and at those registered for the race this year, and one of last year's top finishers was back this year.  I figured I could stay with him in the water and on the bike, but he is a much faster runner.  It turns out I beat him out of the water, put some time on him on the bike, but at about the 1.5 mile mark he passed me.  After yelling "crap," I tried to stick him, but he left me in the dust.

For me, the podium finish was nice, but what felt really good was the feeling of actually racing, instead of just feeling like I was out there doing my own thing surrounded by a bunch of other people.

I tried to savor the feeling.  This was a very small race, and it was on a college campus and most of the athletes were college kids (there were only 8 in my age group).  It is now back to being MOP for me.

Get used to it dude, it might have been your first taste of hardware, but it is definitely not the last

Oh, and one of these days you will quit saying the word "Never". Statements that include that word have a funny way of coming true long before your ready for it.

As in "I will never run another marathon" or "I Will never run an Ironman".

My first podium spot was just a 10k.  I placed first in the clydesdale division.  I was happy about it, but felt a little sheepish because even at 240lbs, I was lighter and in better shape than the other clydes.  I might have felt a little better if I was in my AG.

The second time was 4th in my first HIM (clydes again).  Again, it was nice, but they gave out 5 awards and they only had 8 people or so in the division.  So most of us got them.  It's still nice to remember and show off the hardware though!  People that see it don't have to know the circumstances!

Great job Spokes and congratulations!!!!

I can’t remember exactly my first podium.  It was a sprint in HI Leeward or Windward something in 86’ or 87’.  I know it’s sad.
 

I do remember my first BIG podium x2, 1st in military and 1st in age group.  I was also in the top 20 overall.  This was the 8th annual Bud Light Tinman Triathlon in Hawaii.