Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The Road to Rock Star

Well, the road to becoming a rock star triathlete was a little bumpy for me. At 11 pm before boarding a plane at 7 am to head to the Triathlon weekend, I started vomiting. Peter suggested it was just nerves. I was very nervous about it all and flying with my bike. I agreed and headed to bed only to wake up and hour later to more of the same. Lillian woke too and joined in the fun with vomiting of her own. Lets just say that it was a multifaceted sort of sickness that did not lead to toilet sharing and we wished we had two bathrooms. So, we were super sick all night. Peter was going between the two of us. At about 3 am, Peter got it too. So, at 5:30 am I seemed okay enough to fly and we headed to the airport. I was crying and both kids. People were sick on the way home. It was ugly. I did manage to get my bike checked and make it to Memphis on the first plane. Well, I took something for motion sickness before the second flight where I was seated between two huge men. Thankfully, I didn't puke on them put rather snuggled up and slept with my mouth wide open. So, I made it. My step mom got me to Melissa's where I was put to bed for the next few glorious hours. So, I slept and hydrated and got super nervous about the race for the next day and a half.

Saturday arrived without fail, we loaded our bikes and were off. It was a great atmosphere. The tri was about 600 women and their families. Everyone was very supportive. We set up for our transitions and got in groups based on our swim times. We swam in the LSU natatorium. Once I hit the water and swam a few strokes the nerves were gone and I just focused. Every time I came up for air, I could see my dad and I just kept swimming toward him. I could hear Dad and Sara cheering. Well, mostly Sara. So, the swim went well and I ran to the transition station and somehow got my shorts on my wet body. I'll get a trisuit for the next one. I hopped on my sweet new bike (thank you Peter) and hit the road. I passed and was passed by some people. Most people said, "You are doing great and we can do it." The ride felt really good and was fun. I was thinking to myself that I was doing it and that I would finish. So, as I hopped off the bike I was surprised that I couldn't really feel my legs. They were like noodle legs. I thought I was running straight, but seemed to be running at an angle. So, I ran and walked. I started mentally beating myself up for the walking then remembered my goal was just to finish and have fun. I realized that I was definitely going to finish.
As I rounded the corner for the finish, I ran with everything I had left. I could hear my family cheering. As I got to the finish line, they announced my name. It was an amazing moment. I was only sorry that ESPN was not covering it. Truthfully, Peter and the kids watching would have been the only thing that could make it better. My sister caught me and we cheered. I mean, wow, I'm a triathlete. How cool is that? I would have never thought I could accomplish such a thing. I rewarded myself by eating everything I wanted for the next three days. So, tomorrow I hit the gym again and start training for the next one. I think I'm hooked!

6 comments:

amy said...

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!

Tirzah said...

you are great!!!!

Leslie said...

You ARE a rock star!!!! I think I'll start announcing your name each time I see you - to try to help you recapture the moment!

Lora said...

Congratulations!!!!It is really quite a feeling to set these goals & then have the thrill of finishing them. IT IS ADDICTIVE!

Anonymous said...

I'm so proud of you, Melanie, and have never loved you more. You ARE a rock star!!!
Peter

Andi said...

this made me tear up.

i want to do the next one with you...