Waking up at 4:32 in the morning is never something I have planned. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find me waking up before 5am – ever. Unless I’m taking a family member or a good friend to the airport, I’m not doing it.
This past Sunday was an exception. Not only was I expecting it, I was looking forward to it. I had a gear bag packed with swimming goggles, a towel, a bike helmet, water bottles and directions to my first triathlon…!…You read that right…
A triathlon…a real triathlon…no, not an ironman, but a legitimate triathlon sanctioned by the USAT and full of eager spectators, supporters and seasoned athletes. A triathlon that I was going to participate in as an ‘athlete’ … yep…!
After months of preparation and training, I was both nervous and excited.
Truth be told, the last few weeks before the event, my nervous: excited ratio was about half-n-half. The last few days, that ratio was closer to 80% nervous, 20% excited.
What was I thinking?!…I’m in over my head…!…I need to put in more swimming time…!….relax, it’s your race – it’s just you out there…you’re not racing for a specific time…!…I haven’t done nearly enough hills! …I need to hydrate more…!…what am I doing…?!…why…!?…breathe, Nars…just breathe…!
And then, before I knew it… it all began.
Endurance had an entirely new level of meaning to me. This is a freakin’ triathlon! Even though I had drills, regimens and plans that I worked on, it was still quite hard – physically and mentally.
I’ll even go so far as to say that it was a harder ‘mental game’ for me. Even though I put in some hours with my training, I was overwhelmed with a sensation that I don’t often experience (truly).
I was intimidated.
There were some stellar athletes there with incredible form and countless hours & races they had up on me. I showed up with a fresh out-of-the-box helmet and a rented (and quite nice) bike. But I remembered the advice of a good buddy a mine who’s a former marine (although they’d say there’s no such thing) – he said it came from some sort of British saying: “Stay Calm and Carry On.”
And that’s just what I did…
- as I was killing myself in the pool
- when I was grinding my way up those hills
- and even after I saw a 60+ year-old athlete pass me by (this guy was in incredible shape – a true inspiration)
I stayed calm and carried on.
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I’m glad I did. Cause even though it wasn’t a ‘pretty’ race for me, I can say three big things:
- I finished the race
- I fully intend on getting a BETTER time in my next race
- I can now say that I am a triathlete – a rookie, but a triathlete nonetheless
Just need to stay calm and carry on.
I am so truly impressed! This is such a tremendous accomplishment & a new beginning for you to reach new heights. That’s what it’s all about! Keep getting stronger and live life with enthusiasm and always have fun. Very well done Narciso You did it!!!
Thanks, Valerie! Coming from a respected triathlete like yourself, that really means a great deal to me! I can tell you this: getting my start at Kelli’s Boot Camp was the kickoff for all of this, as I’m sure people getting their start with your New Jersey Boot Camp – you guys are doing some phenomenal work for ALOT of people!
Narciso, congratulations! Great job on pushing through and crossing the finish line. What is that old saying? Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?
The competitors in your next triathlon better keep a close eye on who is gaining on them. 😉
Cheers,
Beth Harte
@bethharte
Gracias, Beth! While this thing didn’t kill me, it certainly did a good job at pushing me to my limits…so far. And you’re right, the next TRI will be an Onward + Upward event for me!
Look Out Seasoned Triathletes – I’m Coming Up!
Nars,
I’m so impressed. This is a huge accomplishment and one that you should definitely be proud of. I can’t wait until your next race. I will be there with a glitter sign, Gatorade and towels!!!
Glitter and Gatorade! Who Could Ask For Anything More..?! 😉
Thanks, Mariko! Perhaps the Next Go-Round, You’ll Be There With Me…?
I’m so proud of you, Narciso! So much in life is about pushing one’s self beyond one’s comfort zone and this is a great example and story. Who knows what you will do next, now that you’re a bona fide triathlete?!
Thanks, Shonali! You never know…I may find myself doing TRIs around the country – like San Francisco…or DC…! One thing is for sure: it’s onward & upward from here 🙂
[…] you may have read in a previous post, I recently completed a Triathlon…and although it was great to have actually completed this feat, it brought out more of my […]