This makes me happy.
Very, very happy.
What race you ask? Where? Well right here in Pittsburgh. At the North Park Triathlon - a race so small that I don't even think it has a website. GASP!
Guess how much it cost to enter? $37! You read that right - $37! Not $370. Not $3700 (the approximate cost to race an Ironman in NYC in 2012). But just $37. I almost fell off my chair when I read that!
I've done this race before. In 2006, the very first year I did triathlons! North Park was actually the 5th triathlon I had ever done. You can read all about that experience here. And here is a picture from that race (had to dig way deep in the archives for this one)!
Yes, that's a road bike (that wasn't mine). Oh, and I wore my wetsuit also. FOR A POOL SWIM. I kid you not. I am embarrassed to even mention it!
But despite my lack of experience and relative triathlon fitness, I was still kind of fast. Because back in 2006, I still had some speed left in the old legs! So my goal for Sunday is to beat my time from 2006. And that's not a weak goal either. I knew how to go really, really, really hard back then. Let's see if I remember how 5 years later!
Also, it should be noted that just because it's a smaller, local race does not mean it's not competitive! The race director added a little prize money this year so many of Pittsburgh's finest will be there to fight for it.
So I'm definitely looking forward to having a great time on Sunday with lots of great friends, racing hard, gutting it out to go under 1:09:01 and then driving back home in under 45 minutes. :)
Happy weekend to all!
GOOD LUCK! Love it. My first triathlon was a pool swim too! LCM! Um, I usually don't say much (well..) but you look a little skinny in that pic!!!! AH! :)
ReplyDeletebeth, how is the heck did you ride in a swimsuit?!!!!! i would love to find a race that costs $37; thats just amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! :) Love it!
ReplyDeleteToo bad about those spammers. 1500+ comments/day? ARGH. That should be illegal!
Enjoy your $347 race. That's awesome.
A showdown in the 'burgh!
ReplyDeleteMy first and only tri was in a pool in Schaumburg. I rocked it. Pretty sure I broke the world record. :) LOL it was fun. :)
ReplyDeleteDang, I sure have spent a lot of time reading about triathlons never to participate... And I think I am the sane one. :) LOL
Good luck really, you'll have a blast. :)
GOOOOO BETH!!!
ReplyDeleteexcited for you to race and can't wait to hear all about it! you kinda look more ITU and less newbie in that pic though (ie. FAST!!)
$37 race with prize money, whoa, something you never see these days. I'm positive you will crush it, though you may not go as hard these days, you are a lot smarter so you won't have to.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. In my first tri I wore soccer shorts - ON THE BIKE. Yeah, it was pretty great :) haha - have fun!!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to do great! Can't wait to here about it!
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Good Luck! :)
ReplyDeleteNew Course Record!!!! You beat everyone's old time!
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