The Huntsman World Senior Games triathlon on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 was my first in two-plus years. Annoying elbow issues kept me from swimming. So how did I do? No medals won. No ribbons earned. I finished dead last in a field of 38 women, 56 men, and 25 relay teams.
I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. You can see my big ol’ smile in the photo above (a big thank you to my dear friend, Marianne Hamilton, for catching that moment!).
Now how can I be so happy with myself despite finishing so far behind everyone else (even those older than me). Let me tell you why!
Triathlon Race Recap
- The swim took place in an outdoor pool. My time for the 450 meters was 15 minutes, 27 seconds (do know that includes the time getting out of the pool and getting to the timing mat near the transition area). That’s an awesome time for me because I only got back into the pool last month!
- My swim time was just a tad slower than one of my fastest open water swim times from several years ago!
- The bike course was pretty flat given the usual hilly terrain in the St. George area. On the first loop, I made the slow gentle climb from the Summit Athletic Club to South 3000 East and again from South 3000 East to the top of the rise on 2450 South Street. My time on the second loop was slower but I kept pedaling. I made a final push on the downhill on River Road back to the athletic center.
- I still had gears left to use on those hills!
- I didn’t ever feel the need to get off and walk my bike!
- The run course was through a neighborhood and on wide streets. To get my legs into “walking mode” I power walked the first half of the 5K. At the turn around, I went into full-on race walking mode on the return (I feel faster even if I’m not LOL). My finish time was an amazing 51:47.
- Three days earlier my 5K race walk time was 51:35.
- I was only eight seconds slower today after first swimming and biking!
- By crossing that finish line, I also qualified to compete in triathlon at next year’s National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama!
Rainbows & Unicorns — Not!
Don’t think for a moment that this race was simply all “rainbows and unicorns” — far from it and I don’t like admitting to that fact.
I felt crushed when I realized I wouldn’t finish the bike course within an hour. All my training sessions seemed for naught. My inner critic chastised me for not doing more to prepare. As my spirits fell, my bike speed slowed. Sigh…why can’t I get better at this?
Somewhere along East 2450 South Street, my inner “Athena” called for me to rise to the moment. I could either shut off the inner critic tap and turn on the joy…the joy of doing this!
So I did. I challenged my self to go a little faster, to keep my momentum steady, and to feel gratitude. I focused on the horses in the farm fields, how blue the skies were, and enjoying the surprisingly cool late morning temperatures. As I passed volunteers, I shouted my thanks.
Besides, this sprint-distance triathlon was a cake walk compared to the IRONMAN® World Championship happening the same day in Hawaii. I wondered how two good friends were faring in their race. Would they finish and realize long-held dreams? What was I doing whining about my race!?
Will I Do This Again?
Oh heck yeah! I’ve got my sights on doing this again next year.
Yes, I want to be a bit faster in the pool and be at least 10 minutes faster on the bike. Both are realistic and achievable goals.
Besides, triathlon is just plain fun!
Originally published as “No Medals, No Ribbons, Still a Winner” on Oct. 11, 2016 / Updated Aug. 31, 2023