Triathlon extended review

Lois and I had such a blast yesterday! We rode our bikes to the event so that the husbands could gather the children and supplies at their leisure (!) and meet us there. It was so fun riding in, and we were so anxious and excited and nervous the whole morning. We got in the river for a warm up, though short, just to get a feel for the water. It was so nice! Then we waited for what seemed like eternity for our swim heats to leave. By the time my heat left, I think all of the elite racers had started their run (the last leg!). I really had fun at this event. I felt really good mentally almost the whole time. Lois was able to calm me down after Fern refused to nurse right before the race (which meant she was going to be going like 6 hours without nursing, and that I would race with full breasts...ugh). Once Lois calmed me down, I was able to get in the zone. During the swim I really tried to keep my cool. I wanted to not look up to much (wasting energy and speed) and not worry too much about swimmers around me. I just tried to focus on my technique, and using just enough energy that I was moving quickly but not burning myself out. I felt like my transition to the bike was kind of slow...I should've gone through the steps while I was swimming to remind myself. I got hungry before my swim heat left, and that worried me. I knew I had a gel packet, and two water bottles of carbohydrate drink, but I also knew that the first lap of the bike is filled with excitement and just getting your bearings being on land and getting a feel for the course. I drank a little bit on the first lap and then ate the gel as I was finishing my first lap. It definitely helped. There is always a fine line of over-hydrating vs. under hydrating. I know that when my stomach is full of fluids, I get cramps and feel sick while I run, but I also know that you are supposed to take enough fluids with your gels. I wanted to go fast on my bike ride, but I also wanted energy in my legs for the run. Running is my weakest link. Anyways, the transition from bike to run felt faster, and my run went really well. I was able to do my goal of running the whole thing...NO WALKING!!! I had bad cramps in my upper abdomen for the first half, but I just focused on small accomplishments (a technique I learned the day before...just focus on getting to the next light post, then set a new goal) and I also pretended I was on the training run I usually go on, visualizing, "Ok, that next light post/sign is like Poplar St., and the next goal will be like Brown...etc. etc.) and that was really really helpful. Also helpful were the people cheering, saying things like, "The beer is so close! You're looking great 1202 (my race #)!"
Overall, it was awesome. I am really glad that Lois and I trained for a tri together and I was so proud of her, seeing her on the bike course and seeing her on the run course I got so giddy. I am sad I had to leave so fast (Tray had to work at noon!) and I couldn't see her cross the finish line or hug her! What an accomplishment for another mama and I am so proud of her hard work and determination, especially with her swimming. Let's do lots more Lois! Olde Kenzo!