Sunday, April 13, 2014

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?

13 comments:

  1. Dear Miriam,

    Wow! That was quite an accomplishment! You impress me with your physical ability and commitment! Way to go!

    That must have been difficult when you had that collision. I'm surprised that more competitors don't collide. Sometimes there are so many people in such a small area.

    When I was in college, I trained for a 5K! I thought it was a long way, but it is nothing compared to what you did!

    Do you think you'll try another one?

    Your proud former teacher,
    Mrs. Y♥llis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Mrs. Yollis,

      Thank you for your wonderful comment. There was a lot of people at this competition and most were students from all different colleges in California. I really liked training and then completing this triathlon, so I think I will try another one, but maybe one that is not on a hilly course. Thank you also for tweeting out my blog!

      From,
      Miriam

      Delete
  2. Hi Miriam,

    What a great post! I love all the descriptive words you use in your post. I felt like I was there with you during your race.

    I bet it was challenging to bike up and down hills. I admire your strength to keep going after been knocked to the ground. That takes a lot courage and determination to get up and keep going.

    Thanks for including pictures in your post. They really capture your special day! Congratulations on completing your first triathlon. That is quite an accomplishment.

    When I was in college, I trained for a bike ride across the state of Iowa called RAGBRAI. We had to ride our bikes all the way from one side of the state to the other. We all rode bikes for several months to get ready. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to make it all the way across the state to the Mississippi River where we finished the race.

    Are there more races in your future?

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Ms. Feldman,

    Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I really enjoyed running this triathlon. Even though it was really challenging, I think I might do it again next year. I usually compete in running events. Right now, I am competing in the 3000 meter distance.

    I can't believe you biked across a state! How did you train for this type of distance? How many miles was is? Did you do it all in one day?

    From,
    Miriam

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Miriam,
    Congratulations on finishing your first "tri"! You have so much to be proud of by completing this event. No, the fall wasn't part of the plan, but it happens. I got lost on the bike event in my first one and my friend had to send the officials out to find me!
    I hope you will "tri" another one soon. Training in 3 sports keeps things interesting and never boring!
    From Your WA Librarian friend,
    Mrs. Hembree

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Miriam,
    You did a great job and we are proud of you, it's not about winning and loosing, it's all about determination and challenge. You are brave girl to compete with adults and finish the race.
    We love you,
    Grandma Tanya and Grandpa Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love your pictures. They are very terrific and I love your video. They are sooo cool I can't forget it or take my eyes off your blog. I am a grade three student from Saskatoon Canada and I am learning to blog too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome! Miriam, we would like you to be a Mocostar on Mocomag- mocomi.com/magazine. Please tell us if you're interested.

    Thanks
    Best
    Nupur

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Miriam
    I have just discovered your blog and enjoyed reading some of your recent posts. I wanted to invite you to post at College by Kids. College by Kids is a new online learning space where kids are the teachers.

    You can have a look around the website at http://collegebykids.com Keep in mind the website is brand new so there is not a lot posted yet.

    After reading your blog I think you could share some really interesting things for other kids. If you would like some ideas the "Help Others" pages has a suggested list of topics. If you'd like more details you can send me an email or use the contact form on the website.

    It would be fantastic to have one of your posts on College by Kids. I can't wait to hear from you.
    Warm regards
    Trudy

    ReplyDelete
  9. That must have been super fun right? Way to go! :D

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Miriam,

    I am a teacher in Wisconsin. Thank you for setting a good example for my students who are taking a summer school class on blogging! Your blog is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Miriam

    I am a student, you are a very interesting kid it must have been hard in that race.

    sincerely
    Cameron. P

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Miriam,
    I am so fascinated that you can play the piano. I have always dreamed of playing one. you have a great talent!

    ReplyDelete

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