Rigby Tri 5-28-11

Our trip to Idaho Falls started Friday morning at 4:30am, I got up and ready then woke the kids up and in the van and we hit the road at 5:30. The drive was beautiful and peaceful (kids were asleep). We arrived a little before 10, met up with my hubby and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with our great friends. After we checked into our room, my hubby took the kids swimming while I took a nap and then we went to the race mtg. We met up with our friend who was also racing. The mtg was so confusing that I got anxiety from listening to everyone. The directors warned us about the water temp, which was around 58. Luckily I already had my neoprene cap and wax ear plugs! My hubby took me on the bike route, which looked pretty good. Then we went back to Fairfield inn and ate dinner and got in bed by 10.
The night seemed to last forever! I got okay sleep, but kept waking up thinking I had over slept. We got the crew up at 6 and went down to eat breakfast and then we were off to the race. When we got there I put my bike in the transition area (only one area for T1/T2) and got my number marked on my calve and arm. I went to the potty and then with the help of my honey, we put my wetsuit on. It was suggested that the participants get acclimated to the water by putting their whole body in and getting our faces used to the freezing water. By the time I walked to the water my feet were already numb. I stood there a while and then got in. OH MY HOLY CRAP!!! It was completely horrible, I wanted to quit so bad. I got used to the water, submerged my face and swam a little bit. I gave Joe, my honey, a thumbs up and got ready for the start. We did a combined men/women start. I started off great and then it happened AGAIN! I couldn't breath, the water was so cold. I couldn't feel my hands or feet. I tried to do breast stroke, but with the loss of feeling, I wasn't moving very fast. I was so ready to quit and be done with the whole thing. I kept thinking, "why? Why am I doing this to myself? I must be crazy! I want to be done!!" I turned over and did backstroke, the rest of the race, I believe my time was 35 min for the swim. When I got out of the water I couldn't breath and was gasping for air, my feet were so numb I could barely walk. One of the directors was there and he was holding me up, Joe came over and walked me the rest of the way. He had to take my cap off because my hands were numb. There were "strippers" there to take off our wetsuits, so after mine
was takin off I immediately started shaking. I made it over to my bike and started layering my clothes. It took me forever to get ready, with the loss of feeling. Luckily it was pretty laid back so Joe was able to help me out a lot. He wasn't allowed in the transition area, but he
helped me out over the barrier. Joe had to help me put clothes and helmet on. I was even having trouble putting my bike shoes on which had Velcro on them, so lame! My transition was pretty long, but I didnt care, I was just thankful to be out of the water and alive!
Once I got on my bike bike, I couldn't shift because my hands were so numb. About 5 miles in I finally could move my hands and then
realized it wasn't my hands that were the problem, it was MY BIKE! My rear shifter was stuck! I was peddaling fast but not going very fast, I
was so mad. I couldn't catch up to anyone, well I did catch one guy, he had tennis shoes on so he was at a disadvantage too. Joe drove
next to me for a little while and the kids were cheering me on, it lifted my spirit. :) other than the bike issue, the ride was encouraging. As I
passed each olymic rider we all gave each other words of encouragement. It was really great. The last few miles of my ride I saw runners
from the Olympic and sprint and gave them all thumbs up. As i entered the transition area my kids and our friend cheered me on while they
played on the playground. At the transition I took the extra pair of shorts off and the cycling jersey off. I kept my under armor on and slipped
on my running shoes. Now by this time I was in need of a potty break, so I quickly grabbed my inhaler and water bottle and went to the girls
room as I left the transition area. When I got out the LDS missionaries, who were volunteers, directed me to the running path. One of the
elders ran with me for about 20 yds to get me going and wished me luck. I went around the lake with the heavy awkward feeling in my feet
and legs you get from riding the bike and got a cheer from Joe and my baby as I headed out for the rest of the 10k. According to my watch I
was 2.5 hours in so my goal was to finish the run in 1 hour.
By mile 2 my legs finally felt normal. There was a tall guy, the one I passed on the ride, ahead of me by about 100 yds. He was my motivation to keep going. The run was actually my best leg for this race. I was able to keep my 10 min mile pace. Towards the end of the race a lady came zooming by me, my first instinct was to take off, but I reminded myself that this race was a training day for me and I didn't want to risk any injury before the 70.3, so I just kept my pace. My oldest daughter was waiting for me and ran with me towards the finish line, it was great to talk with her and know that I was almost done. I was the 3rd to last person to finish the Olympic race, and I did it in 3:25!
I was so happy to be done! It was great to hear my name being said as I crossed the finish line and wonderful to see my family.
So all in all I finished the race in my goal time. I'm praying for warmer weather and no wind for the 70.3 ;)