Tri-ing for Childrens Recap

To all of those who were in the Tri-ing for Childrens Triathlon, I just have to say AWESOME JOB!  It was really neat that they raised a ton of money for Children's Hospital.  Also, I just have to say "Thank You". 

 This was my first triathlon and I was really nervous.  I didn't invest in any of the major gear (wet suit, road bike, etc) because I wasn't sure if this kind of thing was for me.  As I was waiting in line for my numbers, I overheard one guy say this was his warmup to an Ironman and I hear another guy say this was his third triathlon this month!  Needless to say, intimidation had set in.

As I started going to the transition area, I was blown away by the types of people that were in the race.  It was comforting to see that those involved were of every age and size (and for a big guy like me, it eased the jitters as well).  When I first setup my bike in the transition area, I heard someone bark out the standard "EEE AWW!"... I just had to laugh knowing that I was in the presence of "the regulars".  

 The other reason for the big "Thank You" happened during my run.  This guy (obviously in way better shape then me ) passes me and says "keep going, you're doing a good job."  Here I am thinking to myself "Yeah, right... easy for you to say!".  Then, as he passes, on the back of his shirt, I see a huge cartoon carrot.  I first thought "WTF?  Who puts a carrot on the back of their shirt", I then realized the whole putting the carrot in front of the donkey thing.  At that point, I started running and didn't stop until the finish line. 

 I read all of your messages and hear about how you push yourself and how the pain is so excruciating at times and how it can be so rewarding.  For a first timer, experiencing that pain felt GREAT! My goal was 2 hours and I finished in 1:51:36, if it wasn't for the little comments along the way, I'd be over my 2 hour mark.

 So, for all of you who took part in the triathlon, thanks for the support.  I've caught the bug, now I have to convince my wife to let me buy all the gear I need... 

Dan