Another one down...

Well, my 2nd full triathlon is over! Last Saturday, I did my 2nd tri with a 1/4 mile swim, 14.7 mile bike and 3.2 mile run. It was the perfect weather day...lots of sunshine and a cool ocean breeze. I was so nervous the night before asking myself why I was doing this again. And, up until I got in the water to swim, I had major butterflies. I was worried the water was going to be unbearably cold. When I did a practice swim in the same spot a week before, I could hardly put my face in the water because it was so cold. But, during the race, I don't remember even noticing the cold at all. I think I was just too focused on getting through it. I know I didn't swim the best that I could. That part is something I'll have to work on for next season. I know I'm a strong swimmer, but in the open ocean it's a little scarier for me. Plus, it's the first event of the race and my nerves are on high gear. But, I completed the swim in 13 min. (usually takes me 9 1/2 in the pool). The bike was a beautiful ride, partly along the water. It seemed like everyone was passing me on their fast, road bikes. I just have a mountain bike. But, I didn't care. I was peddaling as fast as I could and trying to enjoy it all. You get your age written on the back of your leg, on your calf. So, as all these people were passing me, I could see that many were 10-20 years older than me. I just laughed to myself and kept going. My shoestring got caught in my chain at one point when I was almost to the end. So, I had to jump off and pull it out. Could've been a lot worse!
The run was actually my favorite part of the whole race, which is a big first for me. I've had a hard time really getting into and enjoying the running part of my training all these months. But, I could tell that my practice running paid off for this race. I ran with no problems, and didn't feel the need or temptation to walk once. I was close to tears at one point as I was running because I couldn't believe I was doing it and really enjoying it. The run was right along the ocean, and it was breathtaking. I could hardly contain my praise to God! I was able to pass some people on the run. I kept singing praise choruses in my head as I was running along. By the time I got to the finish line, I felt like I could just keep on running! I guess I finally experienced that runner's high that several people have mentioned to me (that I couldn't believe existed). But, boy did it feel good to run through the finish line! My total time was 1 hour and 42 minutes. My goal was under 2 hours. My run actually took me less time than I thought (25 min. compared to my usual 30 minutes). So, I am glad it's over, but I had a blast!!
For the Fall and Winter months, I want to continue working on my run and swim 1-2 times a week. Next spring, I'll have to get some more open water/ocean swimming practice to feel more comfortable with that.
I'm still on a high from the race! I'm definately up for another one next summer. (although I'm not sure Kevin is ready to deal with my pre-race anxiety... ha!)
All through the run, I was just praising and giving thanks to God that I am physically able to do this (whether I'm fast or not) and that He created such a beautiful world to enjoy through swimming, biking and running! He's so GOOD!

What's New?

Well, we are back into the school schedule and routine. It's hard to say good-bye to summer, although I love Fall. I just don't love what comes after Fall! :( So far, the kids are enjoying the school year. It's nice to be on a regular schedule for the most part now.
I am keeping busy. I still have one more triathlon to go on Sept. 20th. What am I thinking? :) The ocean swim is going to be COLD! I have been trying to run more and work on that part of the tri. I'd like to continue doing all 3 events (swim, bike, run) as long as I can through the winter (obviously swimming at the Y). And, who knows? Maybe next summer I'll do another race or two??!!
Things are getting busier at church as the Fall schedule begins, as well. Kevin and I will be teaching the Level 3 discipleship class. We have a mission trip in November (that we both will be on), and Kevin is leading a Financial Peace University seminar (13 weeks long)--which are excited about. So, we'll definately keep busy...but it's all good.
Not much to write right now...I'm sure as time progresses I'll think of more to say. :)