1st annual Tualatin Stake Women's Triathlon!

Just over a month ago my mom let me know that Tualatin Stake (LDS church in that district) was putting on a Triathlon for women and asked if I was interested in participating with her. At this time I had just found out I was pregnant and I wasn't ready to tell anyone until I had an ultrasound with a confirmed heart beat. I agreed to do it without telling my mom that my pregnancy could possibly change my mind.. I had been running 3+ miles regularly since being pregnant. Swimming should be low impact and biking couldn't be that hard right? Since I was being so active I figured that I could manage a triathlon while being pregnant. This specific triathlon was perfect for me. It was a triathlon sprint which means there was a 1/4 mile swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. The main goal was to get women active. There was no competitiveness in it. Nobody was keeping score or times. It was only $10 to join and that included an awesome t-shirt and a large lunch. I got my doctor's permission and proceeded to somewhat train. I was terrified of the swimming portion. I had never swam a quarter mile. I attempted to swim during the rafting trip but felt stressed out when being away from the shore, even in a life jacket. I went on one bike ride before the triathlon. That didn't seem too bad although I wasn't sure how far I'd traveled and I had to borrow my brother's bike because Max's was too big. The running wasn't a big deal because I could always practice on our treadmill when I couldn't get out of the house with Charlie. 

Anyway, I felt ill-prepared in the swimming but other than that I felt pretty confident. In some of my training I started to feel pretty nauseous and needed to take a rest. I was praying that this would not happen on race day.

So, we started the swim. In total it was 18 lengths of the pool or 9 full laps. Nothing I've ever felt the need to do. It turned out that it wasn't so bad. I was able to rest if I needed to when I got to the wall, I took it slow and steady. Charlie and Max were at one end of the pool cheering and clapping. I could also see through Max's expressions that he was bragging to the others about his pregnant wife doing a triathlon. This motivated me to keep going. I made it with energy to spare!

My mom waving to Charlie!

And that's me!

Thankful my boys were there to cheer me on!

 After the swim, while I was waiting for my mom I took an applesauce break. I still have to eat constantly to keep the nausea at bay.

Charlie was wondering why I was eating his food and was a little mad I didn't share with him. 

After the swim getting ready for the bike ride. 

I liked the scripture...at this point I just hoped I could finish the course. Finishing the swim gave me more hope.

The biking ended up being much harder than I thought. The bike I was using was pretty heavy and unfamiliar and there were some pesky hills on the course. I made it though, I didn't even have to walk my bike up any of the steep hills. My mom cruised right on through with her speedy road bike. This was her best event!

When we got to the place to start the run I called Max to come meet me so he and Charlie could run with me. It took him awhile to get there so my mom started out on her run. She thought she would end up walking a lot of it anyway. I was able to take a somewhat long break while I waited. When he got there we started on our run. It was fun to have him with me. I was amazed at how tired my legs were. I was running very slow. I ended up taking some walking breaks but feel I jogged for the majority of the race.

Here are some pictures that the professional photographer took of the runners at the finish line.

Apparently this is the face I chose as I crossed the finish line?

Max told me to run ahead when we saw the finish line as he was somewhat slowed down pushing the stroller in bark chips...that's why he and Charlie are not in the picture.

My wonderful family! They were so proud of me..and frankly, I was proud of myself! And for the record, Charlie was really grumpy in this picture because we only let him play on the playground for a couple minutes then we had to take this picture and leave. 

More family. Proud of my mom too! 

We will definitely want to do this again next year! Hopefully there will be one for men too. Max and I would like to do a whole triathlon together!

FYI...I'm on a blogging record so if you've missed other recent posts...keep scrolling!