The End of A Journey

The other day, I went for my last workout at Gold's Gym.  I nearly cried.  I went for a swim (that's all I am really able to do as I pulled my quad badly 2 weeks ago plus, I really love it) and as I walked in the pool I was thinking about everything I've accomplished over the last few months and how much I've enjoyed myself, then to think that this was the last time I would be swimming in the pool for the forseeable future, I was a little overwhelmed.  Another almost that day was that as I was getting my swimsuit on and grabbing my cap and goggles, I had the urge to put it all on and walk into the pool like an Olympian... I think that I've been watching too much of the olympics. haha.

For those who don't know, I set a goal at the beginning of this year to get into shape again.  I wanted to feel energetic and strong.  To accomplish this, I set another goal to compete in the Magrath triathlon, sprint distance.

The journey was amazing!  I watched as I started to run faster and farther.  I enjoyed my long bike rides.  And I learned that I love to swim!  I think the greatest progress was in my swimming.  The first time I went I did 1 1/2 lengths of the pool before I had to stop, sputtering and choking on water.  My last swim: 35 minutes of solid swimming, easy and Amazing.

I worked hard, and it was worth every minute.  Here's some pictures from my "victory lap"(race)

Just before the race, nursing Emmy :)

I have the best sister(Amanda made the sign) and awesome family support!!

Think I look rather professional here... and a little excited

yup, still excited

swim to bike transition

bike to run transition

Finished! A little under 2 hours.

Kim and Adam Layton, friends of mine and the reason I decided to try triathlon!

Feels SO good to have completed a goal.  I'm thankful for my Husband who supported me throughout and never seemed to tire of listening to me talk about my training and the race.  I am blessed to have great parents and siblings who all were able to make it to my race or wanted to be there.  And, great friends who I was able to train with from time to time and share a common interest in health and fitness. 
I'll have to try again next year and see if I can make an improvement in my time.  Maybe next time I will actually use a road bike, then I'm pretty sure I'll be faster, but again, it wasn't all about the race, it was the change I made in my body and my overall health.  That's really whats matters.