My First Triathlon: 2014 Seattle Rainman Indoor Tri

9:20 a.m. - Arriving at the Seattle Ferry Terminal.

Sunday, March 23rd, was my first triathlon. I was eager to test myself and see the results of all the workout sessions I had done since September. Being new to the sport I chose the Seattle Rainman Indoor Triathlon for a few reasons: the location, the swim portion, and the brevity of the race.

When I registered for the race I chose the 10:40 a.m. wave for my start time; much later than my usual workout times but that meant I would not have to wake up before 7:00 a.m. Green Lake, a neighborhood just north of Seattle, is only a fifteen minute drive (without traffic) from the ferry terminal which makes travel time short. The photo in the top-right corner shows the fabulous weather I had and was a great omen for the day ahead.

Right before my wave ...

10:20 a.m. - Ready to warm-up, but first we had to capture the environment.

The Seattle Evans Pool holds six lanes and is twenty-five yards long. According to the pool's website, the water temperature is eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. To swim laps that temperature is very warm, but it sure sounds nice and gave me a nonchalant feeling before the swim.

Almost time ...

10:39 a.m. - Am a little anxious - happy for my love's support.

 At this triathlon, the pool portion would be measured in laps. My goal was to swim twelve laps in fifteen minutes; or six hundred yards, if that gives you a better idea regarding distance.

The first length ...

10:40 a.m. - Look, I can swim.

The above photo shows me being on pace with other participants. Shortly after I slowed down and it is most likely that everyone was one whole length ahead of me. However, I have never had a better swim session. There was no crazy splashes, water swallowing, extreme hip-sinking, or zigzags. Everything felt coordinated and all I had to do was swim.

Now we bike ...

Once out of the pool the thirty minutes for the bike portion started. So, as I walked quickly (running is not allowed on the pool deck) to my spot I took off my swim cap and goggles. When I reached my stuff I gave my feet, and any bare skin, a quick brush with the towel, put on socks, and shoved my feet into my biking shoes. Then I grabbed half of a Snickers candy bar and was the fifth person to start biking.

Time to run ...

Do not let all the sunshine deceive you, it was quite brisk outside and I was happy to have grabbed my sweater. This run was easy for a 5K; one lap around a lake and a flat course, but I learned some interesting things.

1. Completely dry feet before putting on socks after the swim.
2. Five kilometers seem much longer when you are on a straight clear course.
3. Green Lake is huge but barely five kilometers around (sorry this is what happens when you run in the woods, your visual perception regarding distance is skewed).
4. Green Lake is the place to be and be seen - Last I knew my race was in Washington not California.
5. I hold myself back on the run; My body is physically fit to go faster, I just do not think I am able to sustain it so I never try. Must change that.

Mission accomplished ...

11:56 a.m. - I crossed the finish line and officially became a triathlete.

The triathlon was over. I had completed my first race and felt comfortable during all three portions. I could have pushed a little harder in every activity but my over all goal was to have fun and enjoy my first triathlon. After all the workouts and time, the last thing I wanted was a bad experience that could turn me away.

Official Results:
Swim - 12 laps; 600 yards
Bike - 7.19 miles
Run - 0:31:50 (time)

My number one fan ...

Cheddar Pancakes and I

Cheddar runs with me every single morning no matter if it is dark outside, rainy, windy, or icy. She also gets me out of bed on said mornings because how could I take her run time away. So, of course, we had to celebrate with a picture together.

After the race ...

1:15 p.m. - Ferry ride home.

Thank you to my husband, who always supports and nicely listens to all my daily training reports. To my mom, who over the phone gives me nutrition advice, which consists of 'Eat, eat'. To friends and family I appreciate all the happy vibes because as Cheddar will tell you, "Cheering is hard-work".