Lisa – The Triathlete

Last Saturday, October 4th, Lisa accomplished something that no one else I know has done…finished a triathlon. It was a “Sprint Triathlon” which meant it was 1/3 mile swim, 18 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run to finish it off. The triathlon was held at Pensacola Beach and it was an absolutely beautiful day for one. The only other time she did an “open” water swim the water was really rough, but on this day it was as calm as I have ever seen it. Lisa had been sick leading up the race and she still had a nasty cough the day of the race…but if you know Lisa you know that she wouldn’t let a cough keep her from meeting her goals. The swim was her hardest event. 1/3 of a mile does not really sound like it would be hard to swim. However, seeing how far they had to swim; there is no way I could have swam that far. I was getting worried about her though as I was waiting where the athletes were getting out of the water. She left with the “yellow” swim cap swimmers and all of a sudden I noticed there were only a couple of yellow caps left in the water. But eventually she emerged from the water much to my relief. She said her coughing definitely made it hard for her to breathe while she was swimming, so she would lay on her back and float for a while to catch her breath. The other two events she made up some time on and did well. She wasn’t thrilled with her overall time but considering it was her first time and she was sick, I think finishing is quite an accomplishment.

Water before the race

Lisa before the Race

Lisa’s group running into the water to start the race

Lisa getting out of the water

Finishing the 18 mile bike ride

Running out of the “transition” area

Finishing the running

Lisa and her fan club minus me

~ by legmaker on October 11, 2008.