I did it!

I did it! I completed my first Triathlon. Half mile swim + 12 mile bike + 3.1 mile run = a big goal accomplished. As I wrote in A Healthier Me, Encouraging Eagle and Sometimes You Have To Sweat The Details, it's been a year long journey. This time last year I was battling fibromyalgia and constantly fatigued and plagued with migraines. I might have been able to walk the 5K but I couldn't have finished the swim or the bike.

I am so thankful for the encouragement of my family and my friends. It's been quite a journey. I've lost over 20 pounds in the past year, gained tremendous fitness, radically changed my eating habits to fight the cholesterol and triglyceride battle and had a lot of fun.

The past five weeks were frustrating as I dealt with a persistent foot (bursitis) injury. It forced me to rethink my race goals and focus on the whole experience of where I came from and not on a specific time goal. The athlete in me wanted to go faster and push harder, but as I was forced to stop running I had a choice to make: fall into self-pity or rejoice in the moment. My God, my family and my friends helped me choose the right focus. Even though my foot hurt as I took the first step out of the water, I could still walk. Thankfully, it didn't hurt on the bike and I was able to jog most of the 5K.

As I gained fitness I set two goals. One, I thought would be very easy to surpass - 2:00. Well, it ended up NOT being easy but I did meet it. I finished with 53 seconds to spare. Am I disappointed? a little. Now I have a goal to shoot for next year (under 1:40).

Trying to train in three events is hard but it's fun as well. The variety is nice and it certainly gives your body a chance to rest from the rigors of just running. I want to keep the increased energy and fitness levels that come with training. Allison, my 12 year old, is looking forward to doing the triathlon with me in the future. We're shooting for 2012 for her goal.

Right now, I'm trying to figure out what is causing the bursitis. I want to be out exercising but walking hurts. Another challenge, but I'm sure God will lead me to the right person to guide me in how to fix it. I'm looking forward to a half marathon this Fall, a full marathon in January or so (possibly Disney) and the Danskin Tri next May. Let me know if you are interested in joining me in these next journeys.