Shaver Lake Triathlon

It has been a few days now since I completed in my very first triathlon. The experience was amazing to say the least. I will try to tell you about it via the ever popular "TOP 10" format!!

TOP TEN BEST THINGS ABOUT THE SHAVER TRI...

1. SHAVER LAKE: We arrived in beautiful Shaver Lake the day before the event. We took this extra time to ride the 12 mile bike course, get acclimated to the 5,500 feet elevation, brave the chilling mountain temperatures, and camp out in a tent.

2. SIERRA MULTISPORT PRODUCTIONS: aka: Faron and Heleen Reed - It was an honor getting to know Faron and Heleen. The two of them take it upon themselves to put on these events. They are both amazing individuals and triathletes that have competed in several Ironman competitions including the world championship in Kona. Steve and I were fortunate to be able to help Faron and Heleen with the set up. While working along side of them, I was able to gain inspiration from their knowledge and experience. During the event, they were right there cheering me on. And their encouragement was just the motivation I needed to finish the race!!

2 1/2: THE T-SHIRTS: Heleen and Faron would be disappointed if they knew I blogged about the event and neglected to mention the amazing, thick, long sleeve, colored, hold their shape when you wash them t-shirts that we received for participating in the event. I will wear mine with pride.

I just realized that my pictures don't really correlate to my top ten list. Please just deal with it and forgive me. But notice this cute picture of our Steve's and my transition station. He set it up all nice and cute for us. I know, sweet, right? Well, it was sweet right up until some girl set up her station right in between ours!!

3. SET UP: We were privileged with the opportunity to help set up for the event. It was fun to learn just a bit of what it takes to put together an event like this. Helping set up made me feel more than just a competitor IN the event, it made me feel as though I was a part OF the event.

4. MY HUSBAND: I think my favorite part of this whole experience was being able to compete along side of my wonderful husband. (Well not along side the whole time, he finished a whole 15 minutes before me with a 1:22:55. Way to go Steve!!)

5. 400 YARD SWIM: This, my friends, was probably the hardest part. I practiced for months swimming in a pool, but nothing compares to an open water swim. It was a deep water start. The water was cold. Really cold. Neither Steve nor I wore wet suits. I swam. I gasped for air. I dog paddled. I gasped for more air. I floated on my back. Gasped yet again for air and then swam some more. The best part of the whole race was when I was able to touch ground, knowing the swim part was over. I then hurried to the transition area.

6. 12 MILE BIKE: Next up was the Bike. I was excited. This was my strongest part. My legs were jello. I peddled and peddled. 6 miles UP and 6 miles back down. It was also my favorite part.

7. 3 MILE RUN: Then there was the run. At this point my feet were completely numb. Seriously, I could not feel them AT ALL. I had to stop for a second just to let the blood circulate to my toes. I continued to run. Then I walked. Then I ran. Then I walked. (you see the trend). Then I realized, if I just run, I will finished this a lot sooner, and I ran.... Right to the FINISH!!

8. TAKING IT EASY: Every one's advice was to just take it slow. That is what I did. I took it slow. And I finished. But I feel that I may have taken it almost too slow. I finished at 1:37:01. Would have liked to have been under an hour and a half. But hey, I finished!!!

I also need to give a special shout out to fellow triathlete Shannon Puphal for her inspiring advice. Thanks!! I really appreciated all the encouraging words from her and everyone that shared their advice.

9. TC3: This is the local triathlon club that Steve and I are members of. 22 members of this club competed in the Shaver Lake Triathlon. Those 22 members were put into a drawing to win a few prizes. Steve won an $25 gift certificate to Sierra Running Co. and I won a $50 gift certificate to Rubber Soul, a local bike shop. Seriously... We scored!!

10. WANTING MORE: Yes, this whole experience left me wanting more. I actually want to do it again!! I want to improve my time. Get under an hour and 30 minutes. The Merced Triathlon is on October 3rd.

I am seriously considering...