Since I’ve already exceeded my limit for ranting, whining, analyzing, and neuroses this week, I think I’ll send you into the weekend with a bunch of pictures from the seriously AWESOME duathlon two weekends ago. As nitpicky and crazy as I get, I certainly can step back and bask in the awesomeness.
A year ago, I would not have felt confident in my ability to run and bike back to back to back. I also would have definitely worried about the heat that day. Good thing I trained for a half marathon in the hottest spring/summer ever last year! …and honestly, I was worried about the bike/run/bike thing until I was able to complete the distance two days before. Also, a year ago Zliten would have not joined me. I’m glad he was able to finish the race!
Two years ago, in addition, I would not have had the endurance yet to run the 1st part of the race (5k), let alone the second and third legs. I would have felt completely out of place and intimidated among the athletes there. Good thing that year I worked my ASS off through long hours and particularly hostile-to-weight-loss situations, and worked on building my running base from barely 2 miles to comfortable at a 10k, and went beyond my comfort zone and entered my first race. And then another. And I was hooked.
Three years ago, I would have felt self conscious in pants (my uniform was skirts w/elastic waistbands). I would have been uncomfortable in the heat. Camping probably would have thrown my back out for weeks. I would have felt like the fat girl and stuck out like a sore thumb. I would have nothing to talk about with these people, as I wouldn’t have considered running unless chased and biking was something I hadn’t done since junior high school. Good thing that year I decided to change my life and lose the weight for good even if it took me a long time – and picked up a penchant for all things sweaty as I took off weight and built endurance.
This year, I went, and felt confident starting, felt comfortable (though awe-inspired) at these crazy distance runner peoples, and finished the race with a respectable time (1:18:45) 3rd to last.
Next year, 4th to last at least. And at least 1:18:44.
Now, I present to you, pictures.
Have a fantastic and healthy weekend, campers. I’ll do my best to do the same.
What scary/cool/outside your comfort zone thing have you done lately that’s beyond your previous wildest expectations?
I'm a video game producer and a lover of anything game related by trade. I'm a triathlete by hobby. I live for being on or in the water as much as I can - scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, water slides... you name it. The dichotomy between my outdoor and indoor realities are interesting, but they're all mine! Longer version
Diane Fit to the Finish
I don’t mind your ranting, etc! It’s your blog after all. But, I did love the positive writings today about your experience! And what wonderful pictures!
Congrats all the way around.