Monday, August 1, 2011

I Finally Get It!

I now completely understand how and why people love running and biking in races so much! I never understood it before, but after my biathlon on Sunday, I understand the adrenaline rush and sheer pleasure of racing. Not that I've never raced before, but it's been a while, and it's never been this intense!


This race included over 200 people. We had to be at the start very early to register and get our numbers. Even though I had to wake up at 5am, I was wide awake and completely excited.

The sunrise was beautiful as everyone was getting their bikes and other gear ready for transition.




Most of the racers were doing the triathlon (120 meter swim, 30k bike, 5 k run) and some others (pro athletes) were doing an even longer triathlon (200 meters, 40k bike and 10k run, crazy!). I did the 30k bike and 5k run, which was difficult enough....for now ;)

A couple of my co-workers did the race too. The two men on the end did the triathlon, then the girl in the middle (Kristen, another dietitian) did the biathlon with me.


Here's my bike, hanging from the pole and getting ready for a nice ride!


After the race we decided to take a picture with the large blob of FAT that was at a nutrition booth at the end of the race. Yeah, random, but we were giddy. My final time was 1 hour and 39 minutes. Not bad considering my goal was to get under two hours! Next year my goal is to get under 1 hour 30, and I may do the swimming as well, we'll see.

23 comments :

  1. Yay, I'm glad you've seen the light/greatness of races haha. How did you do injury wise with running? I know we've discussed that you don't run for this reason so I was just curious since I seem to have similar issues :)

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  2. Congrats on the race!! Glad you had such a great time. I love to run (and do races) but I wish I was more competitive. The whole atmosphere of races is just so fun, invigorating and inspirational! What's gonna be next on your race calendar?

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  3. Great Job Gina! I am training for my second marathon. I want to finish under 4 hours. I hope to move on to the triathlon in a few years. Got to work on my swimming skills.

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  4. Awesome job! I would love to do a sprint triathlon at some point in my life but the swimming portion freaks me out a little. Congrats on the race! I really enjoy races (running only for now). The energy at those events really makes me want to try and do my best!

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  5. Awesome job! So proud of you!

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  6. Holy crap! You're FAST, Gina! Isn't it hard to run after getting off that bike? Yowza! That was the hardest part for me! GREAT job!!! Now I'm wishing I would've tried!

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  7. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You did great!!! Great that you enjoyed racing so much!!!

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  8. Congrats on your race!!! Looks like fun! It's addicting isn't it? Bike racing is different because you're not really racing against your own time, but you have to hang on for dear life and not get dropped! lol the first time I was able to stay with the pack in a crit race it was amazing! I would like to try a sprint tri someday. Go girl!

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  9. Awesome! Such an inspiration. Every time I catch a race and watch everyone involved, the adrenaline always makes me want to run alongside them.

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  10. Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations on a GREAT race Gina!!! You are a rock star in runners!!! Have a great Monday!

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  11. Yay congrats! I haven't done a race yet but I've really been wanting to do a 5k.

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  12. Woop! Glad you had such a blast, girl! Nice job :)
    My fav sport is volleyball!

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  13. i'm so happy you had such a great time! do i smell a marathon or dare i say an IRON MAN in your near future..

    also you look gorgeous in those pictures! you have like a race glow hahaha

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  14. Congrats on your biathalon!

    My fave sport is synchronized skating - I loved competing for years! Sadly, I've had to give it up due to funds and time, but hopefully I can go back. I miss the ice. And yes, I am a horribly competitive person.

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  15. I never understood it either, but now after each race I experience a high that feels like nothing else. Once the race is done, all I am doing is planning about the next one :)

    Congrats on completing a biathalon!

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  16. This is a terrific race, it leaves you wanting more. It takes real physical strength and determination, not for the faint hearted.
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  17. Congrats, girl!

    I am terribly un-competitive but I really enjoy watching competitive events. My sports are more individual, like hiking. I do love some beach volleyball and ping pong though!

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  18. so glad you enjoyed it so! i so love cycling and get just a bit competitve when i feel good......keep it up gina :)

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  19. Congrats-great race! I used to do a lot of running races which were always fun. Not so much anymore, as I get too many injuries from running. I did manage to run with my daughter in her first 5 k last December and that was so cool to run with her. Just got my bike fixed, so I'd love to get in to riding, and trying to play more tennis. Oh, and really love skiing!

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  20. congratulation Gina! I totally agree about understanding the race adrenaline. I was skeptical about races and running for few years until I became of them and I totally miss the training and the racing! Hope I can get back to that soon! :)

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  21. Congrats on the race! Racing is a lot of fun - my favorite races are marathons.

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