I DID IT! Completed my first Triathlon!

Tri For Joe - Triathlon to support Down's Syndrome Research!

First, let me say, I am just overwhelmed by the support I have received from all of you! It means the world to me that you are here, backing me while I try something so far out of my comfort zone. I have to say, the triathlon was truly one of the hardest things I have done, mostly because it is sooo different from how I usually train and compete. I have never been a huge fan of cardio and endurance training is super tough for me. With all my knee surgeries, including the newest one that is not quite healed, I did have to pace myself on the run (for me that meant cycles of sprint...pound...ouch!...walk...recover : ) but the biking and swimming were incredible. Ok, the swim was actually not so incredible. The water was about 55 degrees and the minute I jumped in, I felt like I had hit a brick wall. I just could not breath and swallowed what felt like a gallon of water! But, I guess in the end I did breath and I did swim because eventually I was out of the water and thanking God for it! Note to self - practice race events in the conditions that you will actually be competing in. Don't spending hours upon hours in a nice heated pool then jumping in the Arctic waters that can be present in May in OH!

I think the most important thing I have learned through the process of preparing for this event is that changing up your training program completely with a new purpose challenges your body and brain in brand new ways. I have been able to find a balance between eating healthy, feeling great about my body and loving training again. It was also amazing to 'Race with a purpose' as my new event t-shirt says. We raised more than $20,000 for Down Syndrome Research!

Overall, I ended up placing 30th out of 100+ women and 8th in my age class. Not bad given that I cannot run!

We will definitely have to form a group for one very soon! In fact, most events have a relay, so we could do that too! I call dibs on the biking leg!!!!

Congrats to Karrie Cheeseman who also braved the icy cold waters with me yesterday and kicked some booty at the triathlon. She was incredible and I loved having a team mate with me at this first event. GO KARRIE!!!!