Triathlon Tag

I got tagged by Real Life Triathlete on this meme. Here's one for all the tri spouses out there:

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever

The Serene One's first tri was a Pleasanton Tri-For-Fun. It was RT's first tri too. She played water polo in college so went out in the first wave for "pro" athletes and very strong swimmers. The swim was no problem, but in the bike and run she was constantly passed by other people. She said it was demoralizing. "Next time, I'm going in a later wave and I'm doing the passing."


2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon

I loved the stack of medals at the end. See the photo here. I really agree with the philosophy that everyone gets one for completing the event. It is truly an accomplishment.

3. What's the most embarassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?

I think spousal recognition has got to be it. The first few tris that I went to, it was hard to tell which of the many athletes racing by was The Serene One. Before he got a tri uniform from his race club, he would wear a different color in each of the stages. I would never remember to check with him ahead of time to see what he was wearing. Goggles, helmets and sunglasses didn't help either.

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
It's not thrilling, per se, but I remember this pretty vividly:

Last March, we went to a tri in San Luis Obispo. We pulled into the parking lot and it was 34 degrees. I huddled in the car while The Serene One started setting up in the transition area. I kept stepping outside and diving back into the car. Just as The Serene One's wave was about the start, I got out of the car and started heading towards the water. I heard a shout from behind me. It was my husband, gear fully packed, walking his bike to the car.

"Momma didn't raise no fool." he said to me. He had watched the first wave go in, and saw a girl come right back out again. She started shaking uncontrollably and they had to call the EMTs. Then, it started snowing. That's when he decided he had better things to do.

We loaded up the car and drove out of the park. The road out was the same road as the bike course. As we drove away, we saw bikes abandoned by the side of the road and athletes walking barefoot back to the transition area. There was misery on every face. It was way too cold.

It was the first tri of the season for many of the college teams there. A rough way to start. I also think that they didn't have enough cold weather gear to be able to cope. We heard later that they cut the tri down to two stages for the later waves. While they were finishing it up, we were holed up at Mother's Tavern over a nice hot breakfast.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?

I am embarrassed to say that I was surprised and touched to see so many men out there who are the "supportive spouse." It's nice seeing guys being the cheerleader, coach, gear schlepper and child minder while their wives, girlfriends, sisters are out there on the course. It's such a visible showing of guys that support strong women, since you know it's not a one day thing--there's training and nutrition and all that other stuff that has to happen ahead of time.

6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

I'm looking forward to moving up to a higher end lens for my camera. I am getting good action shots right now, but would like a better zoom feature.

Unfortunately, I don't have any blogger friends that do tris!! I'm afraid this game of tag will have to end with me.