I should definitely do my race report the next day, this pregnant girl can’t remember anything these days! The first triathlon of the season can be checked off the list, so glad I survived. I have to say the day before I really had my doubts on whether this pregnant chic was going to even make the start line. I started Friday out feeling horrible, which is kind of par for the course these days. My spirits were lifted on the way to Parris Island though, Jeff and Sarah know how to make me laugh. I was also grateful coverage at the bank came through and I was able to leave early. We (I) opted to do take out rather than our typical dinner out b/c I was wiped. Thankfully Jeff and Sarah helped prepare my bike, I just didn’t have the energy. I think Sarah was still trying to make up for almost making me pee my pants in the middle of Bilo, it wouldn’t have been pretty.
The morning alarm went off and I mumbled a few unpleasantries. My mornings aren’t quite as chipper as they used to be, which isn’t saying much. My sleep (which is a joke!) is often interrupted by either peeing or tossing and turning for hours. I’m sure the crew was just glad I didn’t get up at 3am and turn on the tv like I do at home. We picked Eric up on the way to the race site and provided the typical amusement that innocent bystanders get while around me these days. The morning went pretty well other than this sick feeling that I was about to enter no mans land. I felt a mixture of first time race jitters and what do I care attitude since I’m not “racing”. After seeing the time I was seeded to go off I instantly knew that whatever swim time I had originally put, I could no longer hang onto. How do you gauge how much slower you’re going to get? Especially when you refuse to go to the pool. I tested the waters a couple days before the race and felt great endurance wise, so I didn’t stress too much. Finally, my time comes for me to start and I’m as ready as I’m going to be. I tried to start the swim nice and steady and strong, but with enough for the end. I was mentally prepared to be passed, and had already apologized to the couple people behind me. I wasn’t prepared to be passed that much and hold that many people up. By the 2nd half of the swim I really started feeling bad. Now don’t get me wrong, I let people pass me and as soon as feet were tapped I moved over but I am a little larger now and just started to feel plain guilty. I stopped at many walls letting people go, and knew my HR was above what it needed to be but think it was mostly out of anxiety. The last 50 I just tried to settle back down and mentally get myself back into the place I should be. I knew there wasn’t anything more I could do about the people behind me and I needed keep myself in check and not worry so much.
I started off the bike only to be stopped by a marine formation. I have done this race 5 or 6 times and NEVER had this happen. I had begun to think it was something like an urban legend . . .not the case. I figured my pregnant butt needed a breather anyways so what does it matter. The bike started off pretty well until I started to remember I had left something very important to me, my gels! Sure enough with all my apologizing I forgot to grab my nutrition. Right now that is not something I can do w/o. This girl has to get gel atleast every 30 mins. or else I’m toast. All I could think of was that Sarah started 2 mins. behind me and could catch me any day now. By about 25 mins. into the bike she caught me. I wasted no time in whining about needing a gel, and she was gracious enough to give me hers just as she took off leaving me behindJ. The gel gave me the renewed energy I needed and I spent the rest of the time alternating b/w aero and not so aero. Addison and I had come to an agreement that if he’d work with me on the bike he could go back to comfort on the run.
Rolling into transition I felt good, and was happy to be back. I knew if I could just get through the first two parts I would be fine to the end. I’m not saying the run is “easy” but I can stop and walk if needed and not as much risk for accidents. I remembered a couple gels when I left transition this time, I wanted to make sure sarah got one if she needed it and I took off. I had no idea what the splits were and didn’t bother with the garmin, after all I’m just going off effort anyway so it doesn’t really matter. I started the run feeling pretty good other than the need to pee. I was excited to see everyone out there and for a first was able to talk to everyone during a sprint. It was amazing that after the swim from hell and not so aero bike ride that I could feel so good on the run. The breathings not quite the same and the urge to pee is constant but this was the best I had felt on a run in ages. I finished the race feeling satisfied with my good effort, happy that I still continue to do this, and like I had accomplished something. I guess when I train these days I just need to do a trainer ride first!
I truly haven’t had that much fun since I have been pregnant. I was wiped after the race and being in the sun all day but it was well worth it. Some people think I’m crazy for doing this and I can understand their concerns. Luckily, the close people around me know that I’m responsible enough to do the right thing for me and my baby and right now it’s continuing to try to race for as long as I can. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate my husband family and friends for their ongoing support. That’s right, ongoing . . .you guys aren’t done yet!
Lastly, thank you to my sponsors! I’m sure you think I’m just as crazy as some people do but you helping support my healthy lifestyle means leaps and bounds to me and I couldn’t do it without you!!!!
