Day 186 -- South Beach Tri

Coming out of the swim, I had a chance to see my favorite people cheering me on!

My dad got some good pictures of Colby and the kids at the beach while I was out biking or running.


The last 300 m of the course was through the sand on the beach.  Tough.

I got a photo opportunity with my girls and the South Haven Light House after the race.
Today was a GREAT day for so many reasons.  Almost all are somehow related to the South Beach Triathlon, so I will list them all bullet-style here for your enjoyment:

  • I did not drown on the swim portion of the race.  I thought I might for about a third of it, anyhow, but I pushed through and did indeed finish.  I am more proud of that fact than I can really convey in words.  The waves were massive and pounding; it was almost as if I was getting seasick just by swimming through them.  Every time I went up to take a breath, I was slapped in the face with water.  
  • I was really grateful that God allowed me to have a very healthy perspective on this race.  Being content to simply finish the swim, I went into the bike and run just wanting to feel good upon completion.  Normally, I tend to get a touch competitive.  Okay, normally I am flat-out crazy, strategically planning how to pass as many people as possible.  Today, the Lord helped me to see this race for what it was: a beautiful course, a confidence builder, and and opportunity for race experience in venue very similar to what I will be racing in August at the half-Ironman.  I was relaxed, had fun, and felt on top of the world at the finish.  And, I'm happy to add that I still finished first in my age group!
  • I have a supportive, loving husband who was willing to keep an eye on three small children throughout the duration of the race.  He kept them occupied and safe and even managed to place them on course in areas that I could see them as I went by.  I can't even begin to describe what a lift it was to see their smiling faces during the race.
  • My dad was here to help Colby during the race, which made it immensely easier for him and much more enjoyable, too, I'm sure.  My dad even took a bunch of pictures for me, so I have something to look at to remember this awesome race.  Later in the day, I got to spend some really quality time with him, just laughing and talking.  It was amazing.
  • My kids got to go to McDonald's 3 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner today.  South Haven's McDonald's has an amazing PlayPlace, and we opted to head out right after the race to let the kids play and eat lunch.  Then, as we were trying to decide what to do for dinner, Breslin suggested the PlayPlace again.  So, we indulged.  Could this be the sequel to Supersize Me?  Seriously, though, they had a blast climbing on and through all of those tubes and sliding down slides.
  • We decided to stay another night at KOA.  After all the work of getting packed up and the fun we had yesterday, we thought it would be great if we could stay again tonight.  So, today after the race we were able to swim in the pool, do some more bouncing in the bounce house, make a fire, and swing on the porch.  For me, it was even better than yesterday because I didn't have the triathlon hanging over my head the whole time.   I could simply sit back and enjoy the whole experience.

Thank God for the South Beach Tri and for all of the wonderful things that happened because of it!

Lord, thank you for the South Beach Triathlon today.  Thank you for all of the blessings that you showered me with before, during, and after the race.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Comments

MikeandJen said…
you rock! i love your competitive cheer\yell face in the first pic! awesome! :) we were camping at portage lake this weekend with mcclains and bowmans, and there was a triathalon going on sunday morning. we thought of you! :)
June 27, 2011 at 6:28 AM
april. said…
Darling... I am crazy proud of you... thought you'd want to know.
June 27, 2011 at 3:43 PM
Suzanne Gibbs said…
Absolutely amazingly wonderful!!! I am so very proud of your balance, your tenacity, your beauty, your loyalty, your sense of humor, your insight. I love you!
June 29, 2011 at 11:22 PM
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