The Mock Tri

All I can say is "Wow!" On Saturday, April 22, I swam in the cold Folsom Lake, about 500 meters, then hopped on my bike and went a very slow 13k (8 miles) uphill and uphill and uphill. I paused a lot to catch my breath, not caring if people passed me by. When I got to Auburn Overlook, I was nearly the last one there, but not the absolute last. I didn't ride back to the swim start, a mostly downhill ride. That's ok.

On Sunday, April 23, I walk/jogged the 3k (1.8 mile) course "in the Auburn State Park, featuring scenic, shaded single track trails and paved park roads (100% closed to autos) with a magnificent view of the American River below." (http://www.auburntriathlon.com/aitsprint/aitsprintindex.shtml)

So how did I feel about it? Great. After the swim and bike, I realized that 1) I could do the race because I had enough energy leftover to do the run portion of the race; and 2) I could do another race.

It slowly dawned on me as I watched my fellow teamates come into the finish line on their second time around the run course that I was a triathlete. Let me repeat that. I am a triathlete. I love all three aspects of of the sport. And I love improving in them. I'll probably do the See Jane Tri in September.

A word about the lake swim: The race is set up so that we can hope in the water and acclimate to it before the race begins. And let me tell you it was cold, very cold. I get so angry as my hands freeze in the water. I swear like a sailor as my hands go numb. But my feet seem to tolerate it. Then all that's left to acclimate to the cold water is my mouth and chin. I knew what to expect this time and had no trouble with that last bit. Then I said to myself, "May as well try actually swimming." So I did, in fits and starts, and stops to help a friend who had a panic attack due to her asthma. And then I swam some more, about a total of 150 yards. I know because I counted my strokes. I swim about a 26-stroke length.

The Mock tri showed me why I've been working so hard, and made it all worthwhile. I only hope I'll feel this way after the race on May 20.