Two Years

I first decided I was going to really attempt a triathlon back in May of 2010.  My super supportive husband gave me a membership to Tucson Tri Girls for Mother's Day.  I attended my first meeting and was impressed, inspired, and welcomed.

I completed my first triathlon, the TriTucson Tinfoilman in October 2010.  Yesterday I was supposed to have completed my third Tinfoilmcn but had to drop out.  With my recent injury and general lack of training I just wasn't in a good place to compete.  I have too many goals to risk further injuring my bad toe.

I am not sad that I didn't race.  In the last week or so I've spent some time thinking about how far I've come in the past two years.  Honestly, it feels like much longer.  I sat down and looked through all my race photos and remembered the events, the drama, and the fun surrounding each.

This is going to be a photo-essay blog.  Enjoy!

Tinfoilman, October, 2010

With new friends at Tinfoilman 2010.  Pre-race jitters.

I survived my first ever competitive swim.  This is an important picture for  me.

And I'm finished.  So proud of myself and ready to tri again.

Tri for the Cure, March, 2011

Pre-race photos.  I felt so strong for this race.

Happy to be swimming.  Swimming is my new favorite sport.

Even happier that I bring my own photographer.

First race on my "real" road bike.  Still too afraid to clip in to my pedals after crashing.

Excellent ride and now off to the run.  Told Jamie I had no speed, he told me to find some.  Love him. 

Big sub-1 hour finish.  Goal achieved.  Third in Athena Division.  I run with the big girls.

Gladden Farms Spring Duathlon, April, 2011

There are no pictures from this event.  Thank goodness for no evidence.  Race report is here.

Tucson Triathlon, May, 2011

This race was excellent.  I felt strong and fit.  I dropped 15+ minutes off my last TriTucson race time.

Sharing this because it makes me laugh.  I have a sense of humor. 

New bike on the repeat course.  World of difference and I'm finally clipped in.

My run was improving dramatically.  Still hurts though.

The first time Emma saw a race.

Firecracker Triathlon (Relay), July, 2011

Racing is better with friends.

I raced the bike leg of this triathlon.  Good times.  Did 12 miles in record time.

Summer Aquathlon Series, Summer, 2011

I completed enough of these races to take park in the series championship.  It was a fun course that included a water slide.  

Smile hides the nerves.  I was terrified about the water slide.

Really, this is fun.  Don't I look like I'm having fun?  

Hummingbird Sprint Triathlon (Relay), August, 2011

I did the run leg for this relay.  My run was in such good shape at this point, I ran 3 miles sub-30 minutes.

I had to be fast though, we were chasing down billy goats. 

There is no Tri.  Good friends,and great times.  

Tinfoilman Triathlon, October, 2011

With all honesty, I can say this has been my best race to this point.  I trained consistently and very hard to get into shape.  I was motivated to reach a time goal and I was so prepared.  I dropped at total of 20 minutes off first tri.  This is what success looks like.

One of my favorite pictures because my friend and training buddy is sending me out.  She knew my goals and told me to run like hell.  I did.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon, January, 2012

This was  a super special race.  I love all things Disney and had always wanted to run at Disneyland.  I don't know why I decided this was going to be the time to race.  I just signed up and went for it.  A strange series of events unfolded.  I ran this race with a new, old friend.  My performance was less than memorable but the experience was priceless.

First time running in wings.

Tucson Triathlon, March, 2012

I started this season in a funk.  For whatever reason I just didn't feel like I had much ability to improve.  I was also struggling with my weight and health and energy.  I made the decision to race this year just to participate.  This race kicked off the tri season.

Just racing.

Emma became a Junior Tri Girl for this race.  Silly girl.

This race was fun.  No expectation.  My time was good and I  even looked like was running.

Emma's First Duathlon, April, 2012

Somewhere along the way my little girl decided she wanted to race like her mom.  This makes me so proud.

Making her first transition

The girl loves her bike.

San Diego International Triathlon, June, 2012

This race was kind of a big deal.  It was my first open water swim.  I was terrified of swimming in anything without lane lines.  But, I did it.  I plan to go back and do this race again.  It was such a positive experience for me and the venue is beautiful.

Might have been my best swim ever.  Good bye lane lines.

I'm still impressed my super friends were there to take this picture.

I like this picture.  I wish I weren't sticking my tongue out but I guess that's how I run.

The view on the run course.

Swim Start.

Awesome friends who made the trip to support me.  I am a lucky girl.

Deuces Wild Triathlon Festival, September, 2012

There is no reason to relive this drama.  I am going to add a couple of pictures though.  I might not have felt like I was at my best and maybe it would have been a fun race if I hadn't injured myself right away.  However, this weekend was a great experience for my family and for Emma.  She loved it all.

This is a nightmare picture.  Life sucks sometimes.

Another less than stellar look.  Note to self, "close your mouth."

Picture looks fine.  Just ignore the finish time.  Damn.

Super Girl Emma

Awesome.

I wish I had seen this live.  So proud of her.

And that brings me back to Tinfoilman 2012.  I signed up for this race months ago and had every intention of making it my last race of the year.  It just didn't happen and that's okay.  My foot is not completely healed and I haven't put in the effort over the past couple of months.  I didn't completely miss the race.  I was there to volunteer and support my friends.

I am so lucky that I have been able to do all these things over the past two years.  It feels like so much longer.  Sometimes I feel like I haven't accomplished much.  In looking back I realize that this isn't true.  It is all about perspective.

What's up next?  I've got a full race schedule planned for the upcoming year.   I plan to race and not just participate.  I will be in better shape both physically and mentally.

I plan to own the Olympic distance.  Catch me in San Diego...

                "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream" ~ Les Brown