
My First Triathlon..and my second one too I registered for my first sprint Triathlon on Dec 31, a New Year resolution I was going to keep and quickly put it out of my mind. On June 1st, after my spring running season I realized I had better start training as I had nine weeks until my Tri and I was unprepared. I had been on the swim team as a teen and running for 2 years but cycling was new to me. I floundered for the first few weeks and found a 6 week training program in a Canadian women’s magazine and quickly adapted it to my needs. I was also training for my first half marathon (Sept 23) so I had to fit everything in.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]6 weeks, 6 days a week, 9 workouts a week, I was ready. Aug 4th came and it was a hot, sunny Saturday, it was 40C with humidity. I spent the days before reading about hydration and warm weather racing and I was a nervous wreck. I was determined and focused and I was going to succeed, as I had in the past with my running events. I had a great swim and started on the cycle leg, it was 2x 10K loops along our canal and even though it was hot, I was right on target as I finished my first bike loop and felt great. On the second loop, disaster struck and I had a flat tire. Well, it’s a setback but I would get it fixed and finish anyway, maybe not in my expected time but I would finish. As I set out on the cycle loop again, the same tire blew again, oh no. I knew my Tri was done for that day and took my ride back to transition. I still did the 5K run for the experience but I did not take my finishers medal and asked for my results to be changed to a DNF. I told my husband, I would be back to try again.
The race organizer gave me free entry to their next event Sept 1. I opted to do the Try-a-Tri this time as my half marathon training was increasing and I did not have time to keep up the same level of tri training as well. In fact I did not swim in the 4 weeks in-between and has only 2 bike rides and one brick workout. Sept 1 was a sunny but slightly cooler day then before and I was a totally different participant that day. I was not nervous and I was not focusing on the finish but the day itself, I was going to have fun. The swim was a water start, not a beach start and it was not my best swim but it was still a good time. As I set off on the bike loop I was keeping thing cool, I was going to treat it like a training ride. I had to run 18K the next day so I did not ride as hard as I could but kept a comfortable pace. I was passing more riders then passed me, some were struggling so my cheerleader mode kicked in and as I passed them I would call out and tell them they were doing a great job and looked awesome. I was so happy when I finished the bike loop; just the run left and I knew I could do that. I started out on the run and I did not feel great, I felt I was going slowly and my legs felt heavy. I realized I was dehydrated and downed my water bottle in the 1st k. It was a 3k run and I kept up my cheerleading and encouraged others to keep my mind off me. As I entered the stadium for the last 100m, I really felt ill but nothing was going to stop me now. I was so happy I finished my first Triathlon, 4 weeks later then I had planned but it felt great.
I learned a lot through this process. I learned that I was stronger than I thought; I did not quit after my first failure and I said I will try again and did. I learned that I need to remember the fun, I can be focused and train hard but it is supposed to be fun, I had forgotten that the first time. The biggest thing I learned is it is the journey that is important not the destination. Getting a DNF did not define me; it made me a better tri-athlete.
Allyson Chisnall
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2562″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://projectdemotest.com/triathanewbie/triathlon-stories/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2563″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://projectdemotest.com/triathanewbie/profiles/”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1488619970998{background-color: #f5d078 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”TriathaNewbie.com Recommended Resources:” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23990000″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1488619979406{background-color: #f5d078 !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3155″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Triathlete-Magazines-Essential-Week-Training/dp/0446696765/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=XI4MNQVEAQR7CHTQ&creativeASIN=0446696765″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2915″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Womens-K-180-Goggles/dp/B005Q475YY/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=BARVHEENMMCEZ2F5&creativeASIN=B005Q475YY”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2918″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Triathlon-Beginners-Everything-nutrition-motivation/dp/1484946790/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2DYKRAH3UE2II52W&creativeASIN=1484946790″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1487921034167{background-color: #eadcca !important;border-radius: 2px !important;}” el_class=”home-border”][vc_single_image image=”3448″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1488776542968{margin-top: -30px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”2943″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1488776575912{margin-top: -30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Swim: – Get the low-down on gear, workouts and read tips for training and events.
Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Run: – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.
“First Triathlon” Stories
Read stories written by people like YOU who talk about their first triathlon.
“Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.
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Pennsylvania Triathlon – Connellsville Parks and Recreation Triathlon –-Great sprint triathlon for beginners!
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon – This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Is My Bike Ready for a Triathlon? …My concern is I will start ramping up my training and my bike won’t last…
Buying a Triathlon Bike– Learn how to buy the right bike without breaking the bank from experts in the field
Running: Good for the Body and the Brain – Could running make you smarter? The answer may surprise you.
Triathlon QuestionWalking Instead of Running in a Triathlon –– The race promoters presented an award to a 69 year old female who had had 2 knee replacements…
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon –This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Georgia Triathlon – Tri for the Shelter Sprint Triathlon – USAT sanctioned, This triathlon takes place in the gorgeous Rocky Mountain Recreation..
My First Triathlon, Nicholas D’Angelo – It was the end of my life as I knew it and the beginning of the beginning. I decided that I wanted to live. I wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend…
First Triathlon Story – Greg H. from Texas – just to raise your arms at the finish line and know that you accomplished a triathlon is such a great feeling.
Age Groups – Can you tell me why the age groups are 25 to 34 … while most races use 20 to 29, 30 to 39, and 40 to 49?
Triathlon ResourceWhat to Wear for a Triathlon – Is it insane to think I can bike/run in shorts and a sports bra that I swam in?