Let me preface by saying that spectating is a sport not to be taken lightly!
I had so much fun at the Galena Triathlon this past weekend cheering on the 1400 athletes including my husband. Mike did an incredible job and I'm so proud to have a husband I can call a triathlete. He has definitely inspired me.
Now, for those of you keeping score, I was signed up to participate. And a few weeks ago, after much consideration, I dropped to the du for fear of combining all three disciplines (when in reality the swim isn't a problem for me...the bike is my weakness). Clearly, I didn't even toe the line in the end...but that's probably a good thing. Driving the bike course on Friday night from Apple Canyon Lake (note the key word there--CANYON) to set up Mike in T2 all I could think was "Oh shit, these hills would have been the death of me." There is no way I could have survived that course. It was seriously ridiculous. After each hill, a bigger, steeper, crazier one awaited you. These weren't even real hills...I'd argue mini mountains...or hills on steroids and crack. There wouldn't have been any walking the bike up the hill...if I had participated, I probably would've rode my bike off the side of a hill to merely end the insanity. Anyone who was able to complete that course is a rockstar in my book.
So the morning of the race I dropped Mike off at the start line and headed back to T2. I wasn't able to stay at the Lake to cheer on the first leg of the tri because I would've been stuck there until at least 10:30. Once I got back to T2, I went and set up Mike's transition area for the run and made friends with a few other "cheerleaders."
I had a blast cheering for everyone...included the first guy to reach T2, which ended up being the son of one of the ladies I was cheering with (he went on to place 6th overall and first in his age group). In the process, ended up getting burnt to a crisp (and I'm in so much pain right now) and basically exhausted myself from being a cheerleader extraordinaire!
Rather than go into a lot of details with minimal context, here's a few photos from the day...
This homemade good luck picture was drawn by a small boy and girl for their father who was participating in the Tri and placed by his T2 stuff as a surprise...the pair, along with their mom, were decked out with matching "Team Dad" t-shirts. Too precious!
The beginning of the run was a straight up incline of a few hundred feet.
Mike dismounting his bike in T2...
Preparing for the run in T2. 
This dad was too cute as he picked up his little girl in the finish chute!
...about to officially earn the title of triathlete! 
Assessing the sunburn damage. It's a lot worse than it looks here. I'm just waiting for it to start peeling. The prospect of sun screen never once crossed our minds. Oops.
Today I was so inspired from watching the yesterday's tri, I decided to make myself get on the bike this afternoon and practice the art of clipping in and out of my pedals. Lucky for me, I wasn't too difficult! I was out there for about 30 minutes and really got the hang of it. I haven't fallen yet, but I know my time will come. It was quite cold out today (like 30-40 degrees chillier than yesterday), so I bundled up in a sweatshirt and my biking shorts and headed to an empty parking lot. Mike joined me for two reasons--one, to make sure that if I fell, I had someone there to help me...and two, to make sure that if I fell, I had someone there to point and laugh.
If that's not love, I don't know what is :)
But the bike? It's not so scary. And...judging from today's performance, I might just be good in the saddle.
Labels: Galena Triathlon, I think I may be the next Lance Armstrong
15 Camper Comments:
Yay, first person to comment.
Awesome -- great job Mike! I've actually ridden my bike in Galena before, as part of a two-day bike tour through Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. I was relatively out of shape at the time, and I honestly can't imagine having to "race" those hills. Ouch!
First, Congrads to Mike! Second, sunburn - I know your pain. Owww! Third, take your time getting the hang of the bike. I was FORCED to get back on the bike after 10 years hiatus. YIKES! Just don't fall because it does HURT.
Yikes - sunburns are not fun, especially with toddlers climbing on you (as would be my case).
Before you try a tri...you might want to 'test the waters' so to speak with a duathlon. :)
as painful and bad as the sunburns on that picture is too cute.
I swear triathlon spectating is harder than teh triathlon itself! Great job out there!
Sunburns - they are the only way I get any color other than pale. :)
If your current job ever fails you, you could always apply somewhere as cheerleader!
Many thanks for the RaceAthlete cheer, on entrance to T2. Made me smile after all those hills. It was much appreciated.
Congrats to your husband -- that's quite an accomplishment. And good luck with your endeavor as well!
Also, I doubt the bike will be the death of you, something tells me skin cancer?
Nice pics. Lesson learned I hope re: sunscreen. You'll get to do you're du or tri eventually. Congratulations to Mike on his finish!
Nice job Mike!!! Hope your sunburn heals fast!
yeouch!
congrats to mike!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I think we should support barb in doing the tri, not discourage her. You will kick some ass baby at your tri! And i will be the cute cheerleader!
Amen, Mike! You can do it, Barb!
Love the pics!!! It looks like you guys had a great time. OW for the sunburn!!! I use spray on Solarcaine, it works great.
Post a Comment
<< Home