It is done, the day was cold wet and mentally challenging.
I had arrived with my bike in one hand, husband next to me and a strong determination to achieve what I set out to do back on 1/1/11 the completion of my first indoor pool/outdoor bike and run triathlon would not be described as fun or enjoyable.
But none the less, my hands rose in the air as I crossed the finish line breaking through the race banner with the biggest smile on my face.
The anticipation to reach that starting line where I would jump in the pool and glide off into the deep blue water was unnerving. I checked my heart rate monitor frequently as I tried to calm myself down and stay focused on the task laid out before me. It had been a long time since I have felt race day jitters. It had been almost 10 years ago in fact. I can remember waiting for the start of my first marathon through the streets of New York City as I sat on Staten Island waiting to cross the Verrazano Bridge.
Having a long history in biking and running, I thought that adding the triathlon to my resume was my next logical move.. Inspired by one of the most energetic spin teachers I have ever had, who has completed the ultra race Ironman himself, I set out on my quest to conquer my first triathlon I knowing that the greatest hurdle in front of me was going to be swimming in competition.
I thought I would remember how to swim, but I quickly realized that I was going to need some help. As time passed, my anxiety grew as my training sessions came and went, none of them being “swim” days. It wasn’t long before anxiety turned to panic but just like all things in life, it worked itself out. Seeing me in the 25 meter pool for my first lesson left Deidre, the Pool Director of Life Time Fitness, with no doubt in her mind that she had been called to serve a mission and that was to offer this poor woman some desperately needed help..
Deidre has years of experience in managing pools as well as teaching children and adults swim classes which when coupled with her strong willed personality and mentoring nature made her the perfect hero to come to my rescue, Her ambition and strong will also filters into her family as well. She takes pride in preparing her kids to reach remarkable goals such as her youngest who wants to compete in his first Ironman race when he turns 18 and her oldest who is in the top 20 triathletes in the country in his age group and is preparing to qualify for the Olympics. My coach gave me paddles to help me with my stroke but the equipment couldn’t match the expert coaching that simply came from only a few quick vocal cues. I was on a short deadline and needed to increase my endurance, correct my form, and most importantly learn how to relax in the big blue pool. No matter how flustered I became, Deidre never showed any concern about it what so ever.
Then came the day of the race, and it only took 50 meters in the pool to awaken the demons of hyperventilation. I struggled to catch my breath as the last few swimmers that were in my time corral swam by me. My immediate goal became to reach the end of the pool without needing someone to pull me in. I finally touched the cement wall and looked around to see if anyone else was concerned. The refs seemed uninterested and I forced myself to focus and calm down enough to perform my turn into the next lane. I felt a calmer rhythm come over my swimming as now I found myself passing people with confidence. It was then that I suddenly heard Deidre and her son screaming my name from the stands of the Aquatic Center. Suddenly my whole demeanor changed. I was on stage in front of a crowd comprised not only Deidre, & her son, but my husband and 100’s of others as well but I still never envisioned myself on stage with a finishing medal around my neck. The next thing I knew, I was pulling off my swim cap and goggles and I was running outside in my tri-suit towards the transition area where my bicycle and the next mind game waited for me. With rain pouring from the sky and 40 degree temperatures I now found myself battling the outdoor elements.
The cold rain pounded my legs as the wheels of my bike spun in puddles of cold water at every wet tight turn. I rode conservatively as to not risk an injury from wiping out . I had just completed my hardest leg of the race and didn’t want to have to slow down now. With only a light long sleeve shirt on over my suit, I had to keep myself in check keeping the thoughts that I was absolutely freezing and uncomfortable as can be at bay. For goodness sake, Deidre’s son just won the kids triathlon in the same ugly conditions I was in and he was only 10 years old! The key to my success was clear and simple, I had to remain strong willed.
With mud covered legs and a soaking wet body and hair, I ran into the finish line corral with many people in mind. I was more than thankful for having so many wonderful people in my life who had helped and educated me to reach another milestone in my life. Most importantly, I am a healthier and wiser person for the entire experience.
