Lake Michigan Duathlon

Since January I have really gotten into working out and to my surprise running. I know that is just crazy but for some reason I can't help it. It started out as a little dare I gave myself one Sunday AM at the gym-- go on Melyssa-- Run.. Run.. Run. So I did and 3 miles later I discovered that I could actually do it and I even liked it ... a little. As I started to talk about it a friend of mine, Brenda, brought up doing the Iron Girl Duathlon at the end of September. I gave it some thought and did a little checking.. hummm 2 mile run, 22 mile bike ride, 2 mile run..... humm that doesn't seem to bad. I found a 8 week training, signed up and felt good about it. Then I made the crazy mistake of telling my sister about it and she brought up doing the Lake Michigan Duathlon.... 5K, 25 mile bike, 5K hummmmm that seemed a little crazy. Now keep in mind that I have NEVER -EVER done a race in my life. Heck I was never on any kind of team at all growing up... unless you call bowling (which I was actually good .. but that is another story) a team sport. But I though heck why not give it a try. What a great way to bond with my sister! I had to squeeze 8 weeks of training into 4 but that was okay- I could handle it. My 10 year old bike got new tires and a tune up for the race. I swear I don't think that bike was ever that shiny! ha ha!

Then the race came. We drove the 6 hrs across Wisconsin for it. On the way found we out my sisters car was having car trouble but she would try to make it. She did but wasn't in the mood to race after her horrible experience on the drive so that left me to do it alone... I was pretty scared since I had NO CLUE of what to do! But Rich and the kids got up at 5:15 am to take me to the race. It had rained the evening before but it was a nice day for a run/bike. The Triathlon started first- swimming in Lake Michigan! We started 15 minutes later. The first 5K wasn't so bad. It was along Lake Michigan. The path was not the best- really uneven - but I had a pretty good time. Then came the bike... 5-5 mile loops. That was not the best situation. The uneven road and the same darn hills over and over again didn't make it any better. How those other bikers could go so fast was beyond me! But I kept at it. When realized I wasn't last as I headed into my final transition to run another 5K I felt a little better. This last run wasn't so easy! I had to do some walking. It had gotten hotter and my legs just didn't want to go any faster. But when I crossed that finish line I was extremely proud of myself. I had done it!! The gal that has never won a medal or award for any kind of physical activity was handed one at the end! YIPPEE! Even though it took me 3 hrs and 13 minutes - I did it! and wasn't last! HA HA. I wish I could have been faster but that speed will come in time. I have only just started doing these races so I can't be too hard on myself. As a 51 year old man that was doing the Olympic Triathlon at the same time said "thousands of people are sitting on their butts right now... look what you are doing.. you should be proud" And I was!

Before the race....

There I go....

Heading into the last loop of 5.

Crossing the finish line! YIPPEE!

I got a medal and a bottle of water at the end! I sure needed it. We headed to the tent where they had some food but I just couldn't eat anything. That was a mistake because we got in the car to head the 6 hrs back and I didn't feel all that well! Lesson learned.... 1- don't get in the car to drive 6 hrs after and 2- eat at least something!

I have done a lot of updating on our blog and I still have more to share so come back to visit soon and be sure to check out the other new posts!