As athletic as I've become in the last couple years, I am NOT a swimmer. Don't get me wrong, I can hold me own in a pool, because at a moments notice I can grab hold of one of the sides, but I never go in a lake without a life jacket buckled, usually in three separate places, safely around me. Call it peace of mind. Call it safety. Call it what it is: I don't want to drown.
Since life jackets are not allowed in a triathlon (silly, rules!) I decided I might need some practice. In retrospect, I probably should have considered it long before. But after doing my first practice swim in a nearby lake only two weeks prior to the race, I quickly realized I needed help. Professional help. And FAST.
So I called in a favor to my wonderful cousin, Crissy Lemieux, who just so happens to be a swim coach, and arranged my very first lesson a few days later. The lesson went pretty well, giving me more confidence with my swim form and strokes. (Thanks, Coach!) Now all I had to do was transfer that knowledge out of the pool and into the murky lake water. Easier said than done.
I did two more practice swims of the same third of a mile distance as the upcoming race, but never quite completed the full distance without at least once stopping or touching bottom. I was disappointed in myself and, needless to say, still extremely nervous.
On the morning of the race I awoke earlier than usual to the sounds of birds singing just outside my window. It took about three seconds before my brain registered the date and my heart began a sprint of its own. From that point on I was a walking, talking bundle of nerves.
The butterflies-turned-angry-birds flapping in my stomach did not dissipate on my way to the race, and were even captured in the photo above just as the first wave of swimmers was entering the water. (I'm the one bent over in silent prayer.) I took a few deep breaths and as the gun signaled our own start time, my legs began to carry me forward as everyone around me began their strokes.
My nerves instantly switched gears, straight to survival mode. I spent the next seventeen minutes trying desperately to avoid being kicked in the face, choking on lake water, and going off course--all while being lapped by other waves of swimmers and trying to avoid the ropes or buoys so I wouldn't inadvertently be disqualified.
I knew as soon as I made it out of the water I'd won what I set out to do. My family and friends cheered my name and, though as I stepped on shore I felt like Bambi first learning to walk, I knew I completed the lofty goal I'd set for myself.
I love seeing the Before and After pics above, because it reminds me how triumphant I felt finishing what was, for me, the hardest leg of the race. I hope it can also be a reminder to anyone else who thinks they can't do something, whatever it is, to just try. You will be amazed at the strength you'll find within yourself, if you give yourself a chance and dig deep. I believe in you...
...and now I even believe in myself too.
Here are Five Fun Facts I learned from my first triathlon experience:
#1:
It's best not to pack up your wetsuit during the transition time. No one will take your belongings and you will waste several valuable minutes. (Oops!)
#2:
Only first timers use a hybrid during the bicycle portion of the race. Many first timers have been known to borrow or even rent road bikes to greatly improve their time. (Oops!)
#3:
Seemingly strong and energetic legs turn to logs you are forced to lift with every step during the last section of the race. (Holy crabgrass!)
#4:
You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. All you have to do is want it bad enough. If others tell you that you can't do it, or that you shouldn't bother trying because you might get hurt, use their comments as fuel to push yourself closer to your goal. Surround yourself with positive people who are working toward a similar goal. You CAN do it!
#5:
As lovely as it is to receive a medal at the end of a race, keep in mind, the only thing that truly matters is how you feel afterward. Did you accomplish something new for yourself? Did you do your best and give it your all? Well, then you're a winner in my book!
What will your next challenge be for yourself? Please share in the comments below. I'd love to cheer you on!
