Had to try it

Travis thinks I'm a masochist,

(def. gratification gained from pain, deprivation, degradation, etc., inflicted or imposed on oneself, either as a result of one's own actions or the actions of others, esp. the tendency to seek this form of gratification)

and after doing this sprint triathlon I may agree with him.

It was bloody hard!

Given, I didn't really follow a training schedule but I figured, hey I work out, I can handle 4 laps in the pool, a 13 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.

That is called precockulation,

(one who is cocky before attempting a feat they have never ventured. ex) starting a softball game with the notion of striking out every batter, strutting to the mound like you own it, when all of a sudden you have thrown the first pitch and the ball lands over the center field fence... Mandy?)

Okay, it wasn't torture, but I was bright pink and out of breath when I finished.

The race was at the Ft. Leavenworth army base. It was fun. I have never really been on a base before. The not fun thing about it was that it was crawling with hills. They say Kansas is a very flat state, but not this part of Kansas.

To sum it up in a nutshell, Travis, Avery, my neighbor Rachael and I left at 6:20am for the fort. We got there kind of late, but made it just in time. Actually we had a lot of time to burn because we signed up late and therefore we had to start the race last. They space everyone out 15 seconds to start the swim. I was number 261, so had to wait about an hour to start the race. My heart was pounding because I really didn't know what to expect. I knew my worse event would be the swim, but it wasn't too bad. It was really quick. Getting out of the pool is a very unique experience because you feel really woozy, you have to run to your bike practically naked, then you have to get all your stuff on. Putting on more clothes made me feel a lot better! I felt great on the bike. Probably because I borrowed one of the nicest bikes ever. I covet that machine! It actually did all the work. I had a great time on the bike... even with all those crappy hills. So going into the run I was totally pumped! Running is my forte. I was so going to kill everyone. That is when the precockulation occurred. As soon as I got off my bike, I could have sworn my legs were made of green jello. I couldn't believe how weak I felt. Suffice it to say, I manned up and finished the 3.1 miles, but it wasn't delightful at all! The thing about these sprint triathlons is that it literally is a sprint. With a marathon, you can pace it because you know that you will be running the whole time, but with this race, I felt that there were 3 short events so I didn't really pace myself. I was breathing pretty hard for most of it.

Now here is my acceptance speech: I would just like to thank the Washburn's for letting me borrow the most kick A bike, my butt will be sore for weeks because the seat is as narrow as a toothpick. I would also like to thank Rachael for beating me by 50 seconds... She beat me in the swim and run and I nailed her in the biking... but it came down to the transition times and that girl can change her clothes and put on her shoes faster than me! I would also like to thank Amy Elmore for just being Amy Elmore. It was so fun to have my running buddy back even though she started an hour before I did, I could feel her presence. I would also like to thank the YMCA for allowing me to work out and feel a little bit ready for this race, oh and for watching Avery while I do it. They have the best child watch! I would also like to thank my pink Saucony running shoes. I fear that your time is running out (pun intended). There have been many miles of tears, laughter and pure joy. I will never forget you. And last but not least I have to thank Travis and Avery. The most rewarding part of the whole thing was knowing that Travis and Avery were there rooting me on. Trav was going to do the race but he forgot to train at all so opted not to do it. But he was still there the whole time taking pictures and watching our little girl. I loved crossing the finish line and seeing him and her there. Next year babe!

I really had a great time!

Me and Rach before the race

I was saying hi to Avery

Finishing the bike

Rach, Amy and me after the race... I match my shirt