Chattanooga Tri- From a Different Perspective

About a week ago, I competed in the Chattanooga Waterfront Tri.  I had done this race twice before (2009 and 2010) and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to be able to do it again. I know I have wrote numerous times about my awesome support team that I have including Matt, my husband, and my parents who all traveled up for the race as well.  Probably the most exciting part of the weekend was that my parents were not only there to support me, but were there as participants with the goal of finishing their first Olympic distance race.

Getting ready to go

My mom has wanted to tackle this distance for awhile and so a few months ago when I was talking about doing the race, she bit the bullet, signed up, and realized there was no turning back. While she had a few setbacks and minor injuries during her training, she showed up a little nervous, but ready to tackle the challenge.
My dad initially had signed up to do a relay with Matt where he was going to do the swim (if he felt up to it) and the bike and Matt was going to do the run, mainly because my dad hadn't run more than 5 times in the past 8 months due to a foot injury.  My dad has always struggled with swimming and not too long ago couldn't swim more than 50 yards without stopping, but after really focusing on it and taking some lessons, he has really improved and felt like he was up for the challenge. Going into the race, he had half-jokingly mentioned that he might just do the run if he felt good, but that's exactly what ended up happening.
I figured I've written enough about my races recently and I'd do something a little different this time, so I asked them a few questions so you could see things from their perspective. Here goes...

From my mom's view: My thoughts before the race:  nervous as usual---will I be able to do this??  Will l be able to finish?  Oddly enough, having a late start kind of calmed my nerves!  I kept telling myself that I had done the training and was ready for this.  Dustin, you are a great coach and give me confidence!

 So at 8:25 am I slid into the water and was told to get going!  Down the Tennessee River with about 1000 people in front of me ( I started at 1055 out of 1068 entrants!)  The swim was great.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought, wow, I can do this!  Got help out of the water and into transition on the bike.  OK----this is where things got challenging.  I have always been afraid of the bike.  Too much potential for injury!   Chattanooga bike course is not for sissies.  6 hills (mountain-like) each direction.  On top of that, I couldn't get my hydration bottle out of the holder, so was slowly dehydrating myself!  Still, my legs felt great and I was in a positive mood as I entered transition 2.  Took my time changing shoes, taking a Goo and setting off on the run.

 All of a sudden, everything fell apart.  I started seeing stars in front of my eyes and having tunnel vision.  I thought to myself, "should not have taken my blood pressure pill this morning"---something is wrong.  I set out on the run course determined to finish the race, but knowing that I was going to have to take it very easy!!  So I walked most of the 6 miles, with a few runs thrown in.  Now running is my strongest skill, so I thought this would be a piece of cake.  Not so in a triathlon.  Expect the unexpected!! My favorite part of the race was the swim and the finish!  To be able to complete an Olympic distance event is something I have wanted to do since watching my daughter, Dustin, complete the challenge.  It has given me the cofidence to even train for a 1/2 iron man race.  If I can do this, anyone can!!!  It's all about the training and having a good coach.  My thanks go to my lovely and smart daughter, Dustin---the best coach ever!!  


From my dad's view: Thoughts going into the race:
 - Concerned about the swim.  Knew that if I felt bad I would just go rest at the kayaks.  Swam close to the kayaks the whole time. - Was debating whether I would try to do the run or just let Matt do it.  I appreciated Matt making it easy for me to decide at the last minute.  Wanted to do the whole race but didn't want to do anything stupid and hurt myself since I had only run 6-7 times since September. Synopsis of my race: - Didn't feel good early in the swim.  Felt a bit of panic as I looked at how far I was trying to swim.  The bridges seemed a lonng way away and there was still farther to go! Decided to just swim from kayak to kayak.  After stopping at two kayaks I felt better and only stopped once more to get water out of my goggles.

Dad's in the pink cap

 - Didn't push on the bike since it was a long ride for me.   Found it interesting that my slowest speed going up hill was 6 mph and downhill was 32 mph.  Huge difference!  Enjoyed the ride except my backside was hurting by the end.

 - Decided to run but quickly realized my legs were pretty dead.  Just ran/walked as best as I could and tried to enjoy the course.  Passed Sue and realized she wasn't feeling well so stopped and waited for her.  She had a strong kick into the finish line and I had to push it to keep up with her. 


Best part: - Finishing the swim!  For somebody who couldn't swim 50 yards a couple of years ago without being out of breath it was a huge accomplishment for me. - Also pleased wiith how good my foot felt after doing so little running in the past 9 months. Worst part: - Having that feeling of panic early in the race.  Afterwards I thought its good to do something every once in awhile which scares the heck out of you.  It teaches you how to control your fear and still get the job done. Will I do it again: DUSTIN FIND ME A RACE!!!!!


As for me, I had an okay race. The swim and bike were good, but like many others, I just had nothing left for the run. The heat was brutal and having to be one of the last people to start because of a computer glitch only made it that much worse. It was a fun trip though and I can't tell you how proud I was to see my parents cross that finish line!!