Tri To Help - Mesa Edition

Last weekend, I completed my first triathlon - Tri To Help in Mesa, AZ.  For people who have never completed a triathlon, this is an EXCELLENT start.

My ONLY issue was I thought they needed signage.  I know it was a VERY small even (limited to 8 people per wave), but I was still LOST walking around.  It probably wouldn't be like that at every event, especially if you attend the YMCA - oh yeah, it was held at a YMCA.

The awesome thing - it was mostly indoors.  First, you grabbed your score sheet and some Activate, then headed to the locker room to prep.  Once you meander to the pool area, they marked your calf and arm with your number.

The swim was 10 minutes long and the water was super warm.  I'm a terrible swimmer even though I have been practicing.  I hate sharing lanes because I'm terrified I'm going to knock someone out...sure enough I was the only one who ended up sharing a lane.  The guy was big so it didn't make a lot of sense to me how that was figured out.  He had a huge wake which threw me off my game a little bit, but I survived and managed 16 one-way laps (that's how they count them).  They marked my sheet 15, but the hash marks were 16 and I know I was an even number based on how where I was when I finished.

I then had 10 minutes to change into my cycling gear and get to the Spin room.  I clearly need some better gear - like the kind that glides right on when you are damp.  I used a camp towel which is great for light drying, but not so great for the heavy stuff since it feels like it just pushes the water around till it evaporates.

The biking wasn't so bad.  It was hard to get comfortable and you obviously lose time if you have to stop and adjust your bike every so often.  Plus, there was no tension on the bike so I bounced a LOT.  My poor butt killed me pretty much all week.  I was still happy with my pace and made it about 8.34 miles before time was up.

Next, you had 5 minutes to get down to the treadmill.  I managed to run to the locker room and get my iPod and head phones and get my ankle brace on just in time.  I've never been so frustrated walking before though.  I wanted to run so bad.  Oddly enough, at a 4.2 mph pace, it was more painful on my posterior tibial tendonitis than running felt.  The last minute and a half I gave up and broke into a run.  It was GLORIOUS! I'd missed it so much.  And for some reason, I find it easier to run on a high tech treadmill.  It wasn't nearly as annoying as being at home doing it.  Maybe it was because it was bigger, more roomy, not as claustrophobic...  Anywho, I made it 1.42 miles in 20 minutes.  Not bad for mostly walking.  I am short afterall.

There weren't a lot of women to compete in this - 22 I believe.  I placed 14.  I'll take it and maybe next year, I'll do better.  I'm still pleased with my first time results.  However, it did not cure my nervousness about doing one outside with "real" transitions.  There is one coming up in April that will be local.  I look forward to it (pending ankle surgery decision/outcome).