Swim, Bike, Run

This morning we got up at 4 AM to get ready and on the road so Susan could participate in the inaugural Triathlon for the Cure. The event was at Alum Creek State Park, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Sara found us a quick, back road route and we managed to get there almost two hours before the race began. The plus to this was no line at registration. We got registered and then waited on Erin and Julie. (Erin just got in from California and was doing this on very little rest and a messed up time zone clock - she's a stud!)

It was interesting to see how the transition area was set up. There are lots of bike racks set up in rows and each athlete has their own spot (race number = rack spot). Only the athletes are allowed in the transition area, so there is no need to lock up your bike or other stuff. It looked like there was the full spectrum of participants - seasoned triathletes to beginners, road bikes to mountain bikes. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves getting their stuff ready to go.

The race materials said the parking area was going to be closed during the race, so I decided to head home and get some sleep while the girls swam, biked and ran. Having never done one of these before, we weren't sure how long it would take. They finished in about 2 hours (this was a mini tri) and Susan called to let me know they were ready. Of course, I had not left the house yet. We estimated 2 1/2 hours for them to finish.

It sounds like it was a good day for all of them. I'm especially proud of Susan because I know she had some anxiety about what to expect, how to do the transition, etc. Very normal stuff to think through. On top of that, she had an extremely long week at work, back and forth to New York, and generally burning the candle at both ends. Now, she's full of energy and talking about doing another one. I figured this wouldn't be our last triathlon and am looking forward to honing my emerging skills as Susan's soigneur/mechanic.