I’m Doing a WHAT!!!

Yes that is what I thought to myself when I registered for this race Esprit de She Duathlon.  To be honest What The Hell, is what I thought when my niece Keli sent it to me, I thought she thinks I can do what.  But I thought if she thought I could do it enough to send me the information on this race, I thought I had to give it a chance.

And so it began my first adventure to a Duathlon , to something that I had never in my wildest dreams though I would attempt to do, but never say never.

I signed up in August and the race was October 16 I was pretty sure that I would be able to get trained to at least to be able to finish the race.  So first step was to get a bike and I found the perfect one at Performance Bike in San Diego.

So for the next few months I did quite a few runs around Fiesta Island where the race is being held.  I was feeling pretty confident but still not getting used to the clip in shoes.  My biggest fear is, I get going in this race then wreck and take out a group of bikers, YIKES!

So it is package pickup day and the expo and a required orientation for the race, OMG what have I got myself into.  But down I go and I have to say this expo was pretty cool.  Some amazing vendors and lots of information and tips and hints.

I met the group Tri Club San Diego, such a nice group of people and so genuine, will look at what they can do for me next year.  I also had the previelege of meeting Patty People Resh and I was so impressed with this lady and all that she has done for this sport and she really gave a great presentation!!

Now race day is upon and I am so scared!!!! Flat Teri is ready and I know I have to be up early and I want to get a good spot at the transition area.

So RACE DAY IS HERE OMG!!!! I have never been so nervous in my entire life.  Kind of scared as I am by myself trying to get ready for the race.  I love my family but this is just not their thing to come to races.  But how amazing is it that one of my new and good friends Shawn P Gallagher was there and not just there she was there at 5:00 am and had just stopped raining, to make sure I was ready mentally and physically.  I love that girl to death.  I did also get some tips and motivation from my nephew that was down being a swim buddy as he is with the Tri Club San Diego.  He is an avid athlete and has done his share of these and way more.  But now its me, the road and a bike, again hoping that I don’t wreck.

And… No Wrecks!  so happy that I was able to finish and I finished way faster than I thought I would.  The first mile run was, I don’t want to say easy but it was a mile and I ran the entire 1 mile.  Then on to the bike and my transition went pretty smooth, I was in and out in .46 seconds.

The bike part of the race went better than I had anticipated although a little freaked out when I got to Fiesta Island entrance and the road was really wet, but no slips.  Next thing I know I am on my thrid trip around the island and heading towards my second transition.  This time though it took me a little longer.  as I get my bike set and head out to my second run my mind said yeah here we go, my legs said are you freaking kidding me.  I had a few scares as I try and run as I had a cramp in my calf but was able to shake it off and get going.

The last run was the hardest thing I have done, I was so tired and it was hard to keep going but I ran with some amazing ladies and they really kept me going.  I finished … and I finished strong and was super proud of myself.  What was even better was that Shawn was at the finish line and she put my medal on me, I felt so special!

I finished the race in 1:39 way better than I thought I would, I had not accidents or injuries and it was the best feeling ever as I crossed this finish line.  This has made me realize that I honestly can do anything and that there are so many more finish lines out there for me.  This was the best race ever!!!

So race #27 in the books and as always See You At The Finish Line!