I'm a triathlete.

Last weekend I raced in my very first triathlon. Micah and I have been talking about doing a Tri for probably close to 2 years. So, when I wrote my 30 by 30 list (aka 30 things I want to do before turning 30), a tri was one of the things on that list. To be honest, I'm not quite sure what motivated me to want to do it. I suppose it was one of those strength tests just to see if I could. But, more than that I really enjoy the feeling of working towards something. Of making a fitness schedule and sticking to it. Of crossing off the days until the "big day." Of the excited, butterflies-in-your-stomach energy that comes right before the race.

Triathlon Breakdown: 400 meter swim, 11 mile bike, 3.1 mile run.

Finish Goal: 1 hour, 45 minutes

The weekend of the triathlon was also the weekend before our 3-year anniversary, so we decided to make a trip of it. To Pleasanton - where everyone wants to spend their anniversary.

The weather was HOT. And, I loved it! Living in San Francisco definitely makes me miss summer, so I soaked up every minute of being able to wear dresses and not have to tote along a sweater or jacket.

I could barely sleep the night before the Tri. I felt so anxious about the whole thing. I kept playing through possible scenarios, such as being attacked by some under water creature in the lake or having my bike tire pop (one of these is infinitely more likely than the other, but both seemed highly plausible at 3am). Finally morning came and we loaded up for the park. Seeing the sunrise over the lake was definitely a perk of having to get up so early.

(Top Right: Before picture; Bottom Right: After picture)

The lake seemed so oddly calm compared to the nervous energy pumping through my body. It didn't help that the race started in waves and the beginners were the last wave to go. Almost immediately after getting in the water, I thought to myself that there was no way I was going to be able to even finish the swim portion let alone the other two parts. I had not anticipated that the open water swim was going to be so hard and yet I (pun intended) felt like a fish out of water. But, I just kept swimming even though I had to keep my head above water. It was slower, but I made it.

The bike ride was my favorite leg. For the most part it was a pretty flat course. It had great views of the lake and a couple vineyards too. We made up some time on the ride; passing people gave me little bursts of energy.

Lastly, there was the run. I will never be a runner. I hate running so much. I dreaded it through our training schedule and I was dreading having to run it after swim and bike workouts put together. I'm not a fast runner, and I'm okay with that. I just wanted to complete the run to finish the race. But all the dread did not prepare me for the race course itself, which happened to be a trail run...with hills and then some more hills. It was brutal. But reaching that finish line never felt so good. All I can say is never underestimate the power of positive thinking ("I can do this"); that, and of course, huge incentives ("When I finish, I'm eating the biggest breakfast of my life!")

Final Race Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes

Did I mention it was hot in Pleasanton?

It was.

After finishing we went back to the hotel to rest a little, but then got increasingly hungry so quickly located some greasy breakfast food (and just as I promised myself, I ate a lot it).

We lounged around most of the afternoon, hitting up the hotel pool, me enjoying the hot sun while I could. We had already decided to celebrate our anniversary that night, so we did a little wine tasting a Wente Vineyards and then out to dinner at Oasis Grille and Bar.

Happy Anniversary Babe!

On Sunday, before heading back to the city, we stopped by another winery, Thomas Coyne. We sat out on a picnic bench, looking out over the vineyards. These last three years have been filled with lots of changes, and I'm so thankful that I have such an incredibly loving and supportive best friend and husband to "do life" with. Here's to many more happy anniversaries!

Cheers!