I had so much fun in Seeley Lake. I had no idea it was so beautiful there either. It was a cold chilly morning and I dreaded getting in the water, until I was told it was 70 degrees compared with the air temperature at 50 degrees. Who would have thought the water was warmer than the air. Kaysie Guymon was my inspiration to attempt this triathalon due to it being an open water swim, but it was almost too easy of a swim.
The gun was fired and Kaysie and I ran off the beach into the water. I dove in kicking with my feet. But the water shoes I thought were a brilliant idea (I was planning to use them on the bike) slowed me down instead, so I kicked them off in the water, never to be seen again. The surge of people diving into the water made swimming difficult as with every stroke of my arms and kick with my legs, I bumped into someone. I got tangled up in the buoy and then I was done, running to my bike.
The 10 mile bike ride was next and it was wonderful, especially going down the big hill right before we turned to go back. But then I had to go back up it. Whew it was tough. Riding back into the transition area, I stowed my bike and headed back out for the run. Running for me is a love hate thing. I love the accomplishment of finishing the distances I can go, but I hate the running. At least in the beginning. There's always a wall to get through, before I can just run without the constant nagging in my head to stop.
All said and done, I finished the Triathalon in 1:30:17. Total distances were 300 yd swim, 10 mile bike and a 5K (3.2 mile) run. Not bad, I'd say. And yes, I plan to do it again next year. My new goal for next year is to complete an Olympic distance Triathalon which is usually twice as long in all areas.
