The Tri - Part 1

Five months of perfecting my swim, five months of picking up my pace on the hills in the park, and five months of learning to bike distances all paid off when I jumped into the Hudson River at 6:23 AM and raced to the finish line of the 8th Annual Nautica New York City Triathlon on July 20, 2008. The day was amazing. I pushed myself harder than I ever have in my life. It was an incredible day that I doubt I'll ever forget. I realized as I crossed the finish line, that if I really put my mind to something, I can make it happen. 5 months ago I could hardly run 1 mile. Today, I'm a triathlete!

There's so much to tell- so to get through it all- I'll break it down.

Friday afternoon I headed to the Racers Expo at the Hilton on 5th Avenue with my Mom who came in for the weekend. I attended a mandatory participant's meeting. In the thirty minute meeting a race official went through the race day, the important things to note, and rules of USAT. He answered questions and calmed nerves. Afterwards Mom and I walked around the expo and I purchased The Stick. The best item I could have bought. I've been using this incredible massage tool regularly and the pain in my calf all but vanished before race morning.

From the Expo we headed to Central Park for the Chipotle Underwear Run. Check out pics below. The run was hot and sweaty but fun and light. A great way to forget about my nerves and just relax with tri friends.

Saturday I biked up the Westside Highway to the transition area to check in the Contessa. It was a nice ride, I stretched my legs and got my bike into the easy gears I needed to start the race. All bikes had to be in transition the day before the race. Most women, the pros and some men were in Yellow Transition. The majority of the men were in the Red. The different transition areas had pros and cons. Yellow was further from the swim which meant a longer, barefoot run. But it was closer to the run out. The red was closer to the bike start but less time to get going before the first big hill. The red however was much closer to the swim exit- so less time running on the concrete. Based on my race number, I found the spot to rack my bike. It was right in the middle- so I had easy access to both exits. Each race number had a quote below it. Some were inspirational. Others, like mine, just made me laugh. Very fitting, right?!





Toga Bikes had a tent set up in the transition area. They were pumping tires and looking over the bikes. I had a guy check mine out. Even though I had taken the Contessa in for a tune-up the weekend before, my brakes, still didn't look right. With a quick pull the bike guy was able to adjust them properly so the pad didn't rub along the tire.

After I wrapped the Contessa up in plastic bags (in case of rain) LW and I walked around the area and checked out the scene. It was crazy to really look into the water and now that we would be swimming in it. Everything was set up and as we stood at the exit and looked down to the swim start I got nervous- I could hardly see the dock 1 mile away.




Saturday night was a fun Pasta Dinner for our team. We chowed down, decorated jerseys and encouraged each other about the big race. A few friends mentioned they weren't going to wear wet suits because of how hot the water was. JS tattooed my right arm (temporary tat) with the TNT logo. I put one on the back of his neck. Why not, right?! We were all excited and nervous-- by 8 I was home. By 10 I was in bed. By 4 am my mom and I were up and on our way to pick up LW and RB and head to the race! To be continued....