20 Things I Learned in My First Triathlon

Congratulations to all the triathletes from the . 

Now that I am on the other side of the event, I wanted to share a little bit about what I learned. 

1. Train hard...it pays off. 

2. Eat a good breakfast and hydrate.

3. Invest in good gear for all sports involved.

4. By the end of June, if it's cold outside, the water will be warmer than the air.

5. Swim caps are tight but are great for managing long hair.

6. Weeds will not kill you even though they feel like they are about to drag you under.

7. Biking on windy days is better in a long sleeve shirt.

8. It would be great if a bathroom stop was included in the transition zone and time using the bathroom wouldn't count.

9. Running makes nausea go away.

10. It is OK to bike and run with sand between the toes.

11.  Finishing a race on an uphill is very challenging.

12. Finishing a triathlon comes along with a HUGE sense of accomplishment.

13. Every race should include a medal, no matter the distance. 

I will cherish this one.

14. It is nice to do something like that with family.

15. My Mom and step-dad are ROCKSTARS, placing first and second in their age groups!

16. It is really fun to find your name near the top of the list for finishing time.

17. Finishing fourth in my age group means I was one away from a podium spot (there wasn't a podium there, but if there was...)

18. To find out where your limits are, test them. Continuously challenging yourself leads to great rewards.

19. We never give ourselves enough credit when it comes to what we think we can do. 

20. It is WAY more fun to participate than just watch. 

I was so grateful to have to drive only five minutes to participate. We have a triathlon, sounds like it is going to be an annual event, right here in town.  How cool is that!?!?!  The event itself was very well organized, a HUGE thanks to the organizers and volunteers, and I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and sign up for my first triathlon. 

Come join me next time.