My First Triathlon

Before race

The last couple months, I have been training to do my first triathlon. A triathlon is a competition consisting of a swimming, cycling, and running.  This particular race was going to be a 400 meter pool swim, 13.5 mile bike, and a 5 kilometer run.  Finally, after two months of hard training, I did the triathlon.

That morning, I had to wake up at four a.m. It was pitch black outside, drizzling slightly, and very cold.  It wasn't the best morning to do a triathlon, but I was determined to do it anyways. I was the only child competing in this race, and I was ecstatic. We loaded my bike on the rack and drove to UCLA where the race was taking place.  When we arrived, we saw a gorgeous sunrise, and 30 minutes later, the race began. We had to arrive early to set up all the equipment at the two transition points, from swim to bike and then from bike to run.  After the swim, I quickly put on my tennis shoes, helmet, and jumped onto my bike.  After the bike ride, I went to transition area two and parked my bike, took off my helmet, and put on a running belt that had my race number. I was number 196. Swimming in the pool and running around the campus was the easiest part for me, but the bike part was difficult.  The bike course was a very hilly and biking the 13.5 miles was very hard.  During one of the bike laps, another competitor cut in front of me too closely, hit my front tire, and sent me falling to the ground.  Luckily I wasn't hurt and was able to get back onto the bike and continue the race.  It was an exhausting two hour race, but a very good experience. Here are some photos from the race.

The sun is just coming up over the pool

My race number, 196

Standing with my bike in transition area one

Getting ready to jump into the pool feet first.

Swimming

Running to the finish line

After the race

Have you ever trained for something? 

How did you feel when you completed the race?