Monday, October 20, 2008

i'm planning the next one

My second triathlon was yesterday. Thankfully, Henry's consistency with waking up at 4:55 AM is spot on, because otherwise I would have missed the race since my alarm clock malfunctioned.

(If you can consider having the volume turned down too low a legitimate malfunction).

While I sat on the couch nursing him, I kept thinking HOW NICE it would be to go back to bed. It was pitch dark and cold. Yet because I had already blogged about how I was going to participate in this race, I felt compelled to do it. Darn that computer and my conscience.


So I put the baby back in his crib, changed out of my warm jammies, got in to a freezing cold spandex triathlon suit, tucked all the kids in, gave my snoring husband a kiss goodbye, grabbed a bagel and slipped out the door.

Once I arrived at the race, I unloaded my bicycle and made my way over to the transition area to join 1,000 other women who had also climbed out of their warm beds and were questioning aloud WHY they were doing this, again. I kept checking my watch and was surprised that at 6:40 AM, there was still no sign of the sun. It seems that the only thing less appealing than jumping in to 62-degree water, is jumping in to 62-degree water in the dark.

Fortunately, by the time my "wave" started, the sun was poking through the dense marine layer and it was high tide. I could just make out the buoys that I needed to swim to, and could see the bike route that I had to ride twice, and the run loop that I had to complete once.

Or was it one and two?

Once again, I felt anxious when I looked around and noticed that I was standing in a literal sea of fit women who looked like they could be gracing the cover of a sports magazine. Just as I was starting to doubt my physical ability and wondering why I keep pushing myself to do these grandiose events - I saw that the woman standing directly in front of me, had her wetsuit on inside out.

Seriously.

All of the tags were facing out. The zipper was on the inside of the suit and there was even a little patch across the bum that read "this side in". Just then, she turned and asked me, "Do you have any idea where we are supposed to go?"

Oh, the relief to know that I'm not the only clueless one!

Although I'm not sure of my exact time, I'm fairly certain I made better time than I did during my first triathlon that I had actually prepared for. My transition this time around was a little slower, but unlike my first race, this time I got to experience the excitement of fumbling with a wet suit and in the process, knocking over 10 bicycles in the transition area.

The most notable event during the race was when I saw Charlie and the children during my bike ride. He woke everyone up at 6:30 AM, loaded them in to the car, gave them juice boxes and cinnamon rolls, and found a spot to set up a blanket on the course so that he would see me twice on the ride and once on the run.


It was so great to see my family. I'm already thinking about the awesome relay team I should be able to pull together within the next five years.


In other news.

To Red Sox Nation: I had been holding out hope that perhaps the Red Sox flag that I had flying at the front of our house would be enough to pull them through this year, but alas, it does in fact seem that winning the World Series Championship is entirely dependant upon my ability to reproduce. It's no mystery. 2004 = the triplets were born. 2007 = Henry. When I told Charlie that we needed to have a fifth in order to clinch the Championship again, he looked at me perplexed and asked, "A fifth of what?! BOURBON, I hope!!"

Sure Charlie. Maybe the bourbon will come first...

21 comments:

  1. WTG Jane! I said I was going to run a half-marathon in Dec..but I really don't see me doing it LOL.

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  2. Nice going J! I wish I'd been there to see the wetsuit/bike knocking incident. That is so something I could see myself doing.

    Congrats on your second triathlon!!

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  3. Nice job, Jane! You're such an inspiration. I've been pretty consistant with my running. Not as consistant as I'd like (4x two weeks ago, 1x last week, so far, 1x this week). But now...I'll have to step it up! I think I might register for a 10m.

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  4. I had better start training for our measly 5K... you're gonna kick my butt! Maybe I should make you run in your wetsuit... worn inside-out!

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  5. It must feel really great to think about what you've accomplished (2 triathalons AND your 4 children!)! I've been trying to deal with my arthritic knees naturally but it just isn't working. You've spread the triathalon bug to me, so I've finally given in and have a prescription to hopefully conquer the arthritis/swelling/pain so I can conquer a triathalon (btw, I hate running!). The Rx takes up to two months to kick in so it may take me some time to get going. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the inspiration.
    ....and Congrats on your 2nd triathalon!

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  6. Although I follow your blog often, I had forgotten you were competing in a triathlon. I was recently bitten by the tri bug too and am now training for a sprint tri in March. You have given me a lot to look forward to (knocking over bikes, seeing my family on the route, etc.). Congrats on finishing the race! That is my goal, just to finish.

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  7. congratulations on having an enjoyable race. you are an inspiration to your children (and many others).
    katie

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  8. Ha I can't believe someone would put their wetsuit on wrong side out, wouldn't you think the zipper would give it away? I went to a REI store in our area today, my first time, and as I walked by the wetsuits I thought about you. You are such an inspiration to so many and you (and Charlie) are setting such a good example for your children.
    I have been trying to decide what my next goal would be and it came to me today when I was at the Dr.
    I have been extremely worried (and depressed) about it (the appointment) and have let that stand in my way of exercising. After my operation (4 yrs ago) I had regular checkups. First one month, then two months, etc... I was up to every six months. Well after today he decided no biopsy at this point but come back in two months. Well two months is just enough time to lose 20 pounds. So my goal is to do whatever I can to lose 20 pds by the next checkup.
    I think that would be the best Christmas present I could give myself and hopefully I can send some positive vibes throughout my body and get good results from my next appointment. Thanks again for the inspiration, if you can do all you do while working and taking care of four children then I know I should be able to do this.
    Kathy

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  9. Did you tell the lady her suit was inside out?

    I can't believe you do this stuff! You are hysterical, "JANE"! Go Jane Go!

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  10. Just noticed the "thumbs up", just too cute! And sweet! You have such a sweet hubby to load up the kids to come and support you.
    Kathy

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  11. That picture! My heart would have soared to see the kids - one with a biking helmet. One with a swim cap. And one with a baseball cap and metal!

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  12. You can do it, Kathy! Or at least make some good progress toward your goal by Christmastime. Keep us updated!

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  13. WAY TO GO! Congratulations on completing another triathlon. I can't tell you how impressed I am!

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  14. Congrats on doing the triathlon! Way to go!

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  15. I think it s funny that they put there wet suit on inside out. I think its hilarous.

    I am glad that you did the race. It is cool.

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  16. Congratulations! I must say that you are quite the inspiration to me. I just had my first child and stumbled upon your blog while I was looking at "mommy blogs" during my pregnancy and have been hooked ever since. I can only hope that one day I can be as great of a mom as you. You seem to juggle everything with such ease. My baby is only 4 weeks old and I just can't imagine having 3 to manage plus the surprise Henry! Way to go! Keep up the great blog!

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  17. Jen I hope it is okay to borrow your comment section (if not I am sure you will delete;) Sandy thank you for the encouragement, it helps to have some outside accountability.
    Kathy

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  18. I am the biggest cheerleader out there. I love triathlons! (My dh and I went to Ironman HI three years ago; for our anniversary, lol!)

    I would love to cheer you on, but I think I would drown if I tried to join you.

    You inspire me!

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  19. Good for you and a wonderful example for your family---including me.
    MOM

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