Spudman Olympic Triathlon

This was my second year doing the Burley, Idaho Spudman - which is an olympic triathlon. This year was so much different. I wasn't worried or stressed at all. I have been consistently working out for the past year - and thought my body would for sure be ready. I didn't really 'train' for this triathlon - which I regret. I did a few bike rides, and ran a bit - but I didn't swim at all. I just took for granted my body being prepared to run this race. I talked my dad and Troy into running it with me this year. It was both of their first triathlons. Troy thought he was going to drown in the water - and my dad is looking into a road bike - instead of his bike - that made him take a lot longer on the ride than it should have. My goal was to beat my time last year - and I did it - by 12 minutes! I actually beat my time in every category - by a few minutes. The bike route was backwards from what it was last year - and was so hard for me - I chalk that up to my non-training. I should have gone on more bike rides! Even with it being so hard - I beat last years time by a minute or so! The race was not as spread out as last year - and on the bike, I was really worried - with the hordes of bikers - that I was going to wreck. I didn't, which was a relief! The run was hard for me again - but it was my stupid shin splints! I could barely walk when I got off the bike - and if you've ever had shin splints - they hurt so bad! Sometimes I don't think people believe me - but they totally do! To make myself run - I would sprint between telephones - it worked, and I made it to the finish line 12 minutes sooner than I did last year! I am so proud of that! I am proud of Troy and my dad for doing this also! It is a big accomplishment. I don't think I want to do it next year. The cost to do it adds up - and I am happy to just work out around home...we will see who can urge me to do it again! We will see...