Dead Last

On Sunday August 16th I finished the Hanson Dam Triathlon, Olympic distance, but that's not to say it was awesome.  This was the worst race of my life.  An Olympic distance triathlon consists of a 1500 meter swim followed with a 22 mile bike ride and finished with a 10k (6.2 mile) run.  It was my first triathlon at this distance, my third triathlon overall and it was a challenge from the moment the air horn went off.

1500 meter swim, somehow I forgot all of my pool training: head down, breath every two strokes, relax.  I was a mess.  The sun was coming up and I couldn't spot where I wanted to swim to.  Half way into the first of three 500 meter laps the lifeguards started asking if I was in distress or needed help.  Are you kidding me?  I'm not drowning.  I'm struggling out here.  Finally, somewhere on the last lap I was able to swim as I had trained and I finished and got the hell out of the water.

22 mile bike ride.  This was the best part I felt good throughout the two 11 mile laps.  Somewhere along the first lap I realized I was riding with riders on their second lap.  But that didn't bother me.  I knew I had a second lap to go.

10k run.  On the bike ride I was feeling a pain at the top of my right calf.  After about 200 yards into the run, my right knee started to hurt.  I injured my knee long ago in college, tearing the meniscus.  This pain today wasn't sharp like that, it was more on the side and back of the knee.  Ligaments.  Really, now the ligaments in my right knee are hurting and I have 6 miles to go.  It is hot, aid stations are running short of water and electrolite drinks and I have to deal with a bum wheel.  The run portion became a walk/run.

When I finished, I was greeted by my family and I went immediately to the medical tent.  The race coordinators were already handing out the podium medals.  Do they give one for dead last?

Post Script
The victory does not go to those on the sideline, the critic or naysayer who never try but are quick to comment and advise against.  It is those in the arena who with their effort, sweat, and heart tho beaten and last will rise again and again.  For it is far better to try and fail then to live like poor souls who know neither victory or defeat.