Did it!

I did it! I still can't quite believe it, but I completed my first duathalon ever last evening in a torrential downpour and with gale force winds for an extra added bonus. Thinking back, I really should have considered wearing my wet suit-and I could have sprayed the PAM all over my body without worrying about a sunburn scenario-Oh well, maybe next time!

The race was much better than I psyched myself up for. I was even keeping up with the 20 something young boys out there on the course-not bad for an old lady! I am so thankful I did the race, and now feel like at least if I have bad weather conditions out in Calgary, I will have at least one dreadful day of weather experience (actually two if you count the first time out with Mr. P when the wind was gusting to a gazillion mph). Thank the good Lord for Snaggle (aka Seema) who also insisted that I complete the course even if the race got cancelled. I needed to do this, even though I was freakin scared out of my mind!

The physical component of the race was very doable. However, I did elect to take a Red Bull Shot prior to the race which spelled disaster for me when I tried to sleep (or lets say I didn't sleep) last night! Funny, the can says that consuming a Red Bull shot is "equivelent to consuming a premium cup of coffee". Crap I say-it's more like consuming 10 cups of coffee-and trust me I can drink a lot of coffee!

The one thing that I did not prepare meself for was the cold I felt after the race. I was soaking wet from head to toe and I am sure that the temperature in the Park was roughly 7 degrees (that's not taking wind chill into effect). Hence, when I was done, I was shivering uncontrollably and had a hard time holding onto the steering wheel of my vehicle for the 40 minute drive back. Once at home, I think I used up all the hot water, showered for over an hour, and put on two layers of PJ,s my wool socks and wool toque. I also needed an extra comfortor on the bed as I had such a hard time getting warm.

Since I went out and did this all by myself not knowing a soul, I must admit I felt rather intimidated. But everyone was so nice. When I told one of the race directors that this was my first duathalon, he smiled and told me that once I completed my first race I would be hooked. I am not sure if I am hooked, but I do know I am committed to doing the series (4 more races) and that I will feel a lot less anxious going forward now.

The best part you ask? It's not my time, its not the endurance. Its's the fact that I faced fear in the face (with a whole lot of encouragement) and did it!