It all started yesterday, when i got my number. Number two, meaning i was the second fastest (seeded) person to swim in the race. That made me feel a little bit nervous, at least at the time. I was nervous because i was thinking about all of the people who were going to be behind me, just waiting to tap on my feet and pass me from all directions. And as time went on, and i was able to hear other people's opinions (like my mom's, who i should learn not to listen to, she thinks much to highly of me) i felt a little bit sure of myself. It used to be soso hard for me to give myself even an ounce of credit, but it is definitely getting easier. anyway, so i started to feel better about myself and my swim.
This morning i woke up feeling terrified. I felt like throwing up, but the nervousness soon gave way to a nervous/excited mixture of feelings. All i know is i got my contacts in with little to no mishap, i ate an entire bagel and drank some gatorade, and i felt awake and happy enough this morning, even though it was about 4:45 in the morning.
i felt good, proud, impressed with myself when i got there this morning, watching all of the other contestants come and set their bikes up at the transition station with numbers like 154 and 78 and 204, when i had a measly little number two drawn on my arm and had the first bike on the first rack. (however i did spend quite a bit of time looking for number one. She, disappointingly never showed, so i had to be the first to jump in the water.
when i warmed up i felt pretty good too, knowing people were watching me, watching how pretty my stroke was, watching how i was doing. but as the time finally arrived for me to go over and prepare to jump in the pool for the silly little 300 swim i had to do, i felt more and more nervous, but mostly about numbers three and four, a girl named Lainey, and a guy whose name i didn't catch, both about 25, and both looking like trained swimmers. I was mostly worried about being overtaken, at least in the swim. It happened, but i had a good 150 where i was a double flag's length ahead of both of them. one of the most exhausting parts about the whole triathlon and the part where i had the most trouble breathing was that awful run from the pool to the transition station. we had to run up these steps, and it was definitely pretty difficult, seeing as i had just swum a 300, something i would kind of call distance.
Being in the top three was beautiful while it lasted. Soon enough into the bike ride i was overtaken by many people. I guess that really was the thing i had to worry about not training in the most. But, however bad i was doing, i made it through all eight miles, and it could even have been called kind of relaxing, at least around the downhill parts where i was able to coast, (riding my brakes the whole time), and breathe.
By the end of the bike ride, i was so freaking thirsty i knew i had to get something to drink before i died. Luckily there was a watering station, and i took two cups of water before taking off into the 5K. That thing was brutal. I walked a lot during the beginning, but as time went on, and i saw more people near me, i walked less and less and ran more and more until i wasn't walking at all. (I really barely walked, just to clear things up). Anyway, i finished the race, though i felt a little lightheaded at the end, but i definitely felt the adrenaline rushing, and it was
So that was the actual triathlon. not as interesting as what happened afterwards. I learned afterwards that many people were incredibly impressed with me. i heard this from my mom and dad, (after they finished going on and on about how proud they were i finished at all) but i heard that people were asking about me, (like Lainey and number four) and how people remembered me, were shocked at how well i had done, especially at the swim. Like i guess i forgot to mention before, Number four got out of the pool first, followed by Lainey, (closely) and followed by me (closely). After me, there was about a three lane gap between the people behind us. I think a lot of people were shocked that i was able to keep with Lainey and number four as well as i did. And i'm glad i was able to impress them that much. But i definitely lost it in the bike. Oh well, something to work towards, because i definitely think i will be doing more of these. I think i will grow to love them. Not as much as i love swimming, but i will grow to love them too.
Anyway, i learned another thing today. That apparently i have a lot of talent. Not just as a swimmer, but as an athlete in general. My dad said people remembered me like they did because they know talent when they see it. And apparently i have a lot to offer, and there is a lot of potential in me just waiting to burst through with the right kind of training & equipment. It was fantastic to hear that i impressed to many people, and i hope that if i come back to this same triathlon next year i can impress people even further by doing even better.
I think it was a great experience, and i will certainly never forget it. Watch out triathletes, I'm gonna train more and more and get better than anyone will ever peg me to be. Don't judge me by my little stature, my nervous biting on my thumbnail habit, my quiet voice, or the tiny little number written on my leg, i'm going to come back as an insane competitor, rivaling people like Lainey and number four.
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