My own strange triathlon

I got up at 4:30 a.m. this morning. Tropical storm Hannah blew through over night and the rain had stopped by the time I biked out of here at 5:15 a.m. What was I thinking? "Don't pick me up, I'll bike over to the race since I won't be able to officially participate. I need a workout too!" That is what I told my sister. I did not even realize how dark it would be and how stupid (unsafe?) it was to bike 13 miles, alone, along some pretty desolate country roads. Along the way I congered up all sorts of bad endings, but luckily I made it unscathed. I checked in as a Lifeguard/kayaker/volunteer and helped out body marking. There were 700 women racing (SOLD OUT) and lots of newbies. It was fun to share their excitement.

I grabbed a quick coffee and headed down to the beach to chat with my sister and get my zone for the the kayak. The water was cool, choppy and the wind was stiff. I wanted to get aclimated to my kayak and in hindsight we went out way too early. I had to paddle all the time to maintain my position, and it was quite a workout trying to throw rescue tubes, paddle and not run into other swimmers. I personally helped 4 women rest; though they went on to finish. I think only 2 people had to be pulled out; which isn't bad considering the conditions and the number of new triathletes. I think I got out of water by 9:20 a.m.

I walked up to the transition area and traded my Crocs for running shoes. By the time I finished I saw my sister approaching the dismount area and I jetted across the street to meet her for the run. The first mile was up hill and I started walking and let my sister catch up. I ran with her for the rest of the way and was actually able to keep her running through a few cramps. She finished in 137.21 and I completed my own "BIKE, KAYAK, RUN" triathlon. My tendonitis is KILLING me from the 45 minutes of paddling. I ate a decent diet today - though I didn't journal - I'll pick it up again tomorrow.