Triathlete...5 years later

6 years ago this week, I had a big knee surgery.

I made a goal with my PT, who became a great friend, to compete in a triathlon the following August.

Today, I celebrated my 5 year anniversary of doing triathlons by finishing the Culpeper International today.

This race has been the one I hadn't checked off my list. For me, it was the Bigfoot of races.  The one that would be extremely challenging and for a while was out of my league. It is sooo hilly, even the run.

In the last 5 years, I've competed in more races than I can count from sprint to international distances, from Cpep to DC to ocean water swims at VA Beach.

I've had so many great training partners, my family has alway supported me, and I've been able to have friends throughout the years join in for a race.

The sport has been a great avenue to continue to set goals, while the training helps me mentally. There's nothing better than cruising on a bike in the backcountry of Cpep or a runner's high. At times, it can be my worship or the perfect therapy session with a friend.

I've learned so much about myself, because in the end it's only me out there doing it.

I think the most important thing I've learned is consistency of discipline

I must train. You can't just wake up and go swim a mile, bike 24 miles, and run 6.2 miles. So, I must get up early to do so. I must fit it all in. During the race, I must be disciplined and not blow my energy or at times I have to make myself pick it up or heck finish what I started.

As for the race today, I placed 3rd in my division. The race was real hot, but I didn't really notice until the end. I was so thankful for the people who rode with me over the summer to prepare.

I have 3 top triathlon race memories from the past 5 years:

1. Finishing the inaugural DC International. Swimming in the Potomac (yes, my skin burned), but biking the monuments was awesome.
2. Placing 1st in my division at the Lake Anna International.
3. Today, a group of hockey players ran with me into the finish line. 

I never would have dreamed that 5 years later, I would have enjoyed this journey and the relationships and life lessons so much. There's a camaraderie like no other. 

Moral of the Story: Full circle, I had a voicemail from my PT after the race. I called her back for some race talk.  We're thinking of adding on a brand new sport.