Tri tagging is going Around and Around
I was tagged by IronMomJenny, I think I got her thinking about UltraRunning for 2008. Anybody else? Plus check out her pillows, it's for a good cause.
So here is my story:
1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever.
It was the Batavia sprint triathlon in 2004. I taught myself to swim that year and it was my 1st open-water swim. It was in a man-made quarry, kinda of like a giant pool. The water was so low at points you could walk 75% of the swim. I zig-zaged the whole way but I swam it. The best part was my wife cheered for me and one of my best friends did the duathlon portion of the race.
2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon.
It was IronMan Wisconsin in 2006. It was one of the hardest races I have done to date so far. The rain, the cold, and the wind. I was so tired on the bike I wanted to take a nap and probably could have rode my bike while sleeping (for a little while anyways).
Peed on the bike for the 1st time (just wanted to share).
My hands swelled up during the marathon and if it was not for chicken soup broth I would have had a DNF. Racing with fellow bloggers and my tri teammate made the whole race bearable. Since I'm a slow swimmer, passing some of them during the race was even more fun.
I can't wait for IronMan Wisconsin 2007.
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
In one of my Olympic triathlons. I traveled to Michigan and totally forgot about the time zone
change. I arrived at the race still unaware of my error. Tried to pickup my packet, they told me the real time. I begged for my race packet, telling them I was "dazed and confused" and yes from Chicago. Didn't even have time to unpack my Transition gear. Threw on my wetsuit and got to the water as soon as my wave took off. And yes, I think I was the only idiot who couldn't figure out what time it was...
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
It had to be crossing the finishing line of IronMan Wisconsin with my daughter and wife. I relayed a message to them that I would just meet them after the race, because of the horrible weather. To my surprise my wife was at the last corner before the finish line along with my Tri Club teammates who also braved the weather all day. It made it all worth while that day.
After crossing the finish line, I hugged my wife, gave the medal to my daughter, and dropped a couple of tears. (I still get choked up thinking about it)
5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
Many people told me I was crazy even attempting to finish the IronMan race with my hernia injury. Maybe so, but sometimes you have to believe in yourself. Only then can you know how further you can really go. "Impossible is Nothing"
6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?
Sometimes things consume me, where it be Martial Arts or triathlon/ultra craziness. To find "balance" with my family is a goal that supersedes all others. Because for me at the end, that is what really matters, even-though I need some reminding alot of the times.
Okay, I also have the goal of finishing every North American IronMan Race, more UltraMarthon craziness (yes, one day, 100 milers), Xterra, and do some adventure races.. That's my 5 year plan anyway.
So, TRIteacher and LISA, you have been TRI tagged. I want to hear your stories.
I was tagged by IronMomJenny, I think I got her thinking about UltraRunning for 2008. Anybody else? Plus check out her pillows, it's for a good cause.
So here is my story:
1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever.
It was the Batavia sprint triathlon in 2004. I taught myself to swim that year and it was my 1st open-water swim. It was in a man-made quarry, kinda of like a giant pool. The water was so low at points you could walk 75% of the swim. I zig-zaged the whole way but I swam it. The best part was my wife cheered for me and one of my best friends did the duathlon portion of the race.
2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon.
It was IronMan Wisconsin in 2006. It was one of the hardest races I have done to date so far. The rain, the cold, and the wind. I was so tired on the bike I wanted to take a nap and probably could have rode my bike while sleeping (for a little while anyways).
Peed on the bike for the 1st time (just wanted to share).
My hands swelled up during the marathon and if it was not for chicken soup broth I would have had a DNF. Racing with fellow bloggers and my tri teammate made the whole race bearable. Since I'm a slow swimmer, passing some of them during the race was even more fun.
I can't wait for IronMan Wisconsin 2007.
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
In one of my Olympic triathlons. I traveled to Michigan and totally forgot about the time zone
change. I arrived at the race still unaware of my error. Tried to pickup my packet, they told me the real time. I begged for my race packet, telling them I was "dazed and confused" and yes from Chicago. Didn't even have time to unpack my Transition gear. Threw on my wetsuit and got to the water as soon as my wave took off. And yes, I think I was the only idiot who couldn't figure out what time it was...
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
It had to be crossing the finishing line of IronMan Wisconsin with my daughter and wife. I relayed a message to them that I would just meet them after the race, because of the horrible weather. To my surprise my wife was at the last corner before the finish line along with my Tri Club teammates who also braved the weather all day. It made it all worth while that day.
After crossing the finish line, I hugged my wife, gave the medal to my daughter, and dropped a couple of tears. (I still get choked up thinking about it)
5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
Many people told me I was crazy even attempting to finish the IronMan race with my hernia injury. Maybe so, but sometimes you have to believe in yourself. Only then can you know how further you can really go. "Impossible is Nothing"
6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?
Sometimes things consume me, where it be Martial Arts or triathlon/ultra craziness. To find "balance" with my family is a goal that supersedes all others. Because for me at the end, that is what really matters, even-though I need some reminding alot of the times.
Okay, I also have the goal of finishing every North American IronMan Race, more UltraMarthon craziness (yes, one day, 100 milers), Xterra, and do some adventure races.. That's my 5 year plan anyway.
So, TRIteacher and LISA, you have been TRI tagged. I want to hear your stories.
posted by RunBubbaRun at 10:15 PM
2 Comments:
Okey-dokey, I'll get on it. But first, I love your swim story! You first taught yourself to swim that summer?? (Head-shaking, jaw-gaping!)
You take crazy to new levels, Bubba.
That was interesting to read.
I have posted my answers, albeit not as interesting a read, I must say.
Good luck and have fun this weekend.
Post a Comment
<< Home