Newbie triathlete enters world of mini-triathlons
Just a few weeks ago I completed my first-ever triathlon at one of the country's largest triathlon events, the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon. After my Europe trip fell through due to an unforeseen event, I needed a personal goal to keep me focused through the summer. So I signed up for the epic tri event of the year. Here I was, just a little ol' tri-newbie-but I'm always down for new adventures so I thought, why not.

Training was rough at first. I'm no stranger to biking or running, but the water scared me silly. I was so scared of swimming as a kid that I sat by the side of the pool for 8 weeks as the rest of the kids splashed around at swim school. And even now, 23 years later, I felt that familiar knot twist my stomach when I toed the pool water for the first time. But in I bravely went. And I swam. And I swam. And I swam. I struggled more than anything at first. I hated the sharp scent of chlorine that unpleasantly invaded my nostrils and slap of water against the tiles. I splashed helplessly at times and grabbed the side more times than I can count. At times I literally felt like throwing in the towel.

But on my third lake swim in mid-June, I had a total epiphany. "Lori," I told myself, "You need to breathe." It was so simple, yet so true. So I did-I started to breathe. And with that simple switch, I was able to let go of any doubt or worry. I brushed aside fear (and seaweed), breathed deep and pushed forward, effortlessly and evenly. I conquered my swim demons.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and it is the morning of the race. July 10th dawned sunny and warm. By 6:30 a.m., I had already gotten body marked, (there is something thrilling about getting body marked for the first time) and set up my bike, running shoes and dunk bucket at the transition station. I was way too wired to be tired despite being up and at ‘em at 3:30 a.m. The lovely Lake Nokomis was a warm 82 degrees and a shade close to uncomfortable at the start of my wave at 8:45 a.m.

The line of swimmers ahead of me walked down the sandy gauntlet to the edge of the lake. Every 3 seconds an athlete pushed off in a spitfire of water and waves. When it was my turn, I poked at my ear plugs one final time, took a deep breath, and jumped in. Swimming was a bit crowded, but it wasn't the shark frenzy that I had anticipated. I rounded each turn, encouraged by the ones I managed to pass. My strokes were defined by every breath. I could feel swimmers churning the water behind me, many passing me in the mad sprint to the finish. One guy kicked me in the shoulder, I yanked his foot. There's no crying in baseball.

Out of the water I emerged like some dripping wet sea monster. Friends and family cheered me up the beach and up the 100 yards into T1. I quickly stripped off my swim cap and goggles, wiped me feet, chugged some Gatoraide, and off I zoomed on my second leg.

The bike ride was really great. The course was gorgeous-we zipped along Minnehaha Parkway (one of the best running routes in Minneapolis) and up and down the West and East River Parkway by the Mississippi River. My 15-year-old bike was slower by most standards so it was usually a race of cat-and-mouse. I'd win on uphills and lose on downhills.

The 15-mile bike ride went by in a flash. I enjoyed the sights around me while keeping my eye on the potholes to avoid taking a digger. Less than an hour later I was back at the trusty transition station where I quickly switched into running mode.

The run was, by far, the hardest leg of the race. Yet oddly, my most triumphant. I passed close to 100 runners along the way, invigorated by the cheers and the water stations along the way. I was hot but focused. I kept my eyes forward and the last stretch to the finish I kicked it in. What an amazing feeling! I grabbed my medal and an ice-cold towel to drape over my neck. I just couldn't wipe my sh*t eatin' grin off my face, despite my aching legs. I learned later that I placed 13th in my age group.

Completing a triathlon was a milestone of a lifetime, and boy, I can't wait until the next one. I'm officially hooked. Kicking it to the finish Kicking it to the finish The finish of the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Post-race glow at the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon

I used my #1 running source, Runners World, for my 12-week training guide. They have some great posts and is one of the most comprehensive guides to dealing with injuries, etc. I also used Triathanewbie.com, another fantastic guide with news, tips, and an expert board for all those questions you have but feel dumb to ask. Trust me, I asked them all!


Lori from Minnesota (Check out Lori's blog to read more)

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Hi Lori,

Thank you for contacting TriathaNewbie.com and congratulations on completing your first triathlon!

We loved your story and want to thank you for sending it to us along with your picture -- you look like a professional even with the sh*t-eatin grin!!! We're sure our readers will be very inspired!

Again, well done and congratulations!!!!

Be well.
~Julie

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