TRIATHAMOM 2014

Here it is, the big one! The post I've been waiting to write about for NINE MONTHS!

Yesterday was finally my triathlon. A sprint triathlon consisting of a 300 meter swim, a 12 mile bike ride and a 3.2 mile run. The event was Triathamom and it took place in and around the South County Pool, in Riverton UT. 

Triathamom was my very first triathlon, even though I feel like I've been doing this forever.  I knew I loved triathlon long before yesterday. There is something about pushing yourself to excel in three different disciplines that really appeals to me. 

For breakfast I made us a smoothie, it is much easier to digest food in liquid form before a race, and a smoothie was a great option for us to get the nutrients we needed to fuel for the race. 

So I put some banana, blueberries, spinach, almond butter and coconut water in a blender with some ice and the finished product was delicious!

Yesterday we arrived at the South County Pool around 6:20 am. The transition area was already busy and buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. Kathy and I unloaded our bikes from our new Thule bike rack and headed into the transition area to find a spot for our bikes. 

My Dad and Me!

There's such a great energy with all those people around, everyone there about to compete, and everyone has different stories about why they are there. It's an incredible energy that I think everyone should experience!

All set up

Staying warm in the cold air and wet grass

Each athlete gets about 2 feet of space to set up your helmet, shoes, socks, race belts etc on a towel or mat.

My amazing parents were able to come out and show their support for Kathy and I. I'm so glad they were there, they captured our entire day through pictures. 

Once we were all set up we headed over to the pool area, to test out the water and stretch. 

Arriving at the pool with cap and goggles in hand

The pool was crystal still.

The water felt nice and warm

Some pre race laughs

Getting excited as more and more women entered the pool area.

Me and my lady! Race Day!

The crowds begin to form

You can see me in the middle of the crowd, facing the camera behind the woman in the blue swim bra. We were lining up for the swim start. We lined up based on our swim time for 300 meters. The faster swimmers go first, the slowest last. However, your individual race time does not start until you kick off the wall and begin swimming. We lined up as follows

• Expert
• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Beginner
• Novice

I went in the advanced wave, knowing I could complete the swim quickly. I knew I could do the swim in 10 minutes, but I surprised myself when after the race I looked at my splits and my swim time was 7 minutes 37 seconds! Fastest personal time yet!

This one above is my personal favorite.

(splits refer to the amount of time you spend in each discipline/ swim, transition 1, bike, transition 2, run)

 After the 300 M Swim you run from the pool to T1 to get ready for the bike. Dad followed me and took pictures.

I'm the one with the all white back and black shorts bottoms in the middle of the path.

My transition 1 time was 2 minutes 9 seconds. That means that in that time I put my helmet on, sunglasses, bike gloves, socks, shoes-and tied my shoes, running belt and grabbed my bike and ran out the transition area. I'm pretty proud of that time!

Then it was off the the races on the bike ride! The course was beautiful, well marked and really fun to ride. It took us through the rural countryside and did sport 2 moderate hill climbs.

I found myself constantly smiling on the bike ride. I couldn't believe I was actually competing in a triathlon. And I kept reveling in the fact that the swim was already done and I was that much closer to the finish line.

There was a woman in blue on her bike and she and I kept passing each other. I'd pass her, she'd pass me and this went on and on for the whole race. It was great having her there, because she helped me find a good race pace. I knew I was as fast as her, and so when she would pass me it pushed me to push myself just that much farther.

Towards the end of the course there is a really steep s-curve climb, and she pedaled the entire thing, so I pedaled the entire thing. It was really fun having someone to compete with in my head. I wish I knew her name, I'd love to thank her and share a laugh about our competitiveness on the course.

The best part of the bike course was when Kathy and I passed each other and we were able to cheer each other on and fist pump to each others success!

Here I am coming back from the bike course, still smiling!


39 Minutes and 17 Seconds later I finished the bike course and came into T2, where I put my bike back on the rack, take off my helmet and gloves and put on my race belt with water and then it was off onto the run course! My T2 time was 53 seconds!

It was pretty crazy running out onto the run course, and passing some ladies who were just finishing the swim on their way into the transition area. It was then that I knew I was competing and had to be in the front of my pack, at least towards the front of my age group.

I was nervous for the run, because I had just gotten the clear from my physical therapist to run on Thursday. So I hadn't run more than 15 minutes since the beginning of June. And when I had run it was on the anti gravity treadmill in P.T.

I started out slow, and 30 seconds into the run, both my calves seized up and cramped like I've never felt before. The run uses an entirely different set of leg muscles than the bike does, so to transition your body so quickly to a new set of muscles, when your whole body is sore and tired is a really weird feeling.

I drank some water from my running belt, knowing that my muscles needed hydration, and I fought through the pain-hoping that my calves would eventually loosen up.

I put on my headphones, turned on my workout playlist and tried to focus on landmarks ahead of me and run towards them.

The run course starts off with a steep set of switch backs, then evens out into a beautiful paved trail through some trees and brush. I kept smiling, I couldn't believe I was running a 5K and I had just biked 12 miles and swam 300 meters.

At the turn around point they had a water station where they were mixing some gatorade powder with water and setting them out in cups for the runners. I'm sure it had sugar in it, but in the moment I didn't care one bit. My muscles needed the sugar and electrolytes in a bad way. I savored the sugary, orange drink for a few quick seconds then began running again.

The last mile and a half was hard. The head games began in my head. I had a split second thought of,

"I can't do this"

But immediatley in my head I said to myself,

"Oh yes you can, you have everything you need to finish this race. Air in your lungs and working feet-keep moving Swain!"

Just then I saw Kathy up ahead, on her way out. I "raised the roof" and fist pumped her again and sharing a smile and a "congratulations! good job!" with her was the fuel I needed to keep going. I knew the steep switch backs were coming and this time I was going to have to go UP them! But I reminded myself that just after the steep switch backs I would run to the finish line! The finish line that means so much to me.

I reached the switch backs and just when I thought about walking for a minute there was a dad and his two little sons there. They said, "Hey 690! Keep it up! You're doing so well!"

They didn't know me, I didn't know them, but when they cheered me on I knew I had to keep going! I reached the peak of the hill and there I could see the crowd of people, everyone cheering and yelling! The finish line was in reach!

My dad was at the top of the hill taking pictures of me. He even ran along side of me until I reached the finish line "chute". That was an amazing moment to run along side my dad!

This is the moment just after I rounded the top of the switchbacks, on my way to the finish line! Can't stop smiling now!

I crossed the finish line at a total time of 1 Hour 24 Minutes 42 Seconds. I am still shocked and blown away by my finish time! It stands as a personal affirmation to me that I not only competed yesterday, I crushed it. I crushed what I thought I could do, and did it even faster.

I don't say this to sound conceded, or arrogant- I say it because 9 months ago I weighed 233 pounds and couldn't run to save my life, and I had 2 inhalers I used daily. I say it because 9 months ago I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without being winded, and 9 months ago I made a change and a promise to myself to change, and I have blown away myself. I never knew this was possible and I still can't believe what I have accomplished.

After crossing the finish line I caught my breath and enjoyed some ice cold water and some baby food. Yes, baby food.

Then my parents and I went and waited for Kath to cross the finish line! It was so fun to see her cross that finish line. She was still smiling and having fun. She told me that the fire of triathlon has been reignited in her, and that in music to my ears!

Kathy and I enjoyed some time in the athlete village, having food and water and spending time with my parents. We went and checked our official race times and I am proud to say I came in 11th out of my age group!

I plan to come back next year, even stronger and compete again!

We left yesterday happy and the best kind of exhausted. The kind of exhausted where you can hold your head high and relax knowing you have given it your all.

This was truly one of the best days of my life and I think the best part was when, as we were leaving Kath said,

"Do you want to find another tri to do this fall?"

It was in that moment I knew she was back in the game and I can't wait to continue training with her for many more races to come.

4 Triathlons in 2015 is the goal. Now the fun part is we get to pick them!

Look for us doing another triathlon this fall as well.

 I'm behind the woman in the pink, running towards the finish line.

 Tired, Exhausted, Elated! 

 I wrote inspiration on the back of my race number.

• I came a long, I've come a long way to get here.
• Iron can bend, but never break.
• There are really just two types of people, those who say, "I can't" and those who say, "I can"
• Triathletes are made when no one is watching.

 FINISHERS!

 2 1/2 Months ago Kathy had gall bladder surgery and has spent all summer recovering. She has not been able to train nearly as much as she would have liked, and she still completed the entire event in 1 hour 53 minutes! I am beyond proud of Kathy and I am so glad she's my wife. I can't wait to continue to do triathlons together with her. I love that triathlons have changed our lives and made us better people.

The couple that trains for IRONMAN together, stays together.

 Meeting dad after the finish, leaning on the bars to catch my breath and revel in the moment.

US TRI SPORTS ATHLETES. OFFICIAL TRIATHLETES.

4:57am Race Day Morning

4:57 AM

Saturday August 16th, 2014

I just had to write down some thoughts since today is the big day. My alarm went off at 4:45 and it feels like Christmas morning. I am so excited. Not much can get me out of bed at 4:45 am, but Triathlon is one of them.

I feel calm this morning, I'm ready. I have put in all the hard work leading up to this for 9 months, the hard part is over- and now I can just enjoy the race.

As we fell asleep last night I was telling Kathy what todays race means to me, and I want to share it here;

Todays race is very symbolic for me. It symbolizes everything I have been doing with my life the last 9 months. Triathamom has been the object in my head for 9 months that I have been working towards, that I have been getting healthy and fit for. It symbolizes all the hard work and dedication I have committed to for the past 9 months, and really its a symbol of finishing one leg of my lifelong journey.

When I cross that finish line I complete the first chapter of my life where I made a change. That finish line for me symbolizes the close of that part of my life and the beginning of chapter 2. The journey has started, and chapter 2 will take me some amazing places in the coming year.

I predict the next chapter will include at least 4 triathlons in 2015, with continual health and fitness.

The finish line today symbolizes for me a lot of blood, sweat, tears and the hundreds of countless hours I have dedicated to getting my mind and body ready for this event. It symbolizes all those training workouts I did when no one was watching, when no one was holding me accountable for what I was doing with my time.

When I cross that line today I can put my stamp of approval on the last year of my life, knowing I did my absolute best everyday and with each decision I made leading up to the race. I am excited, I am nervous and I'm betting that by the time I get to the swim start I'll be nervous as hell.

Until then.....

Picking up our race packets and bibs at Orang Theory Fitness on Friday Night

Kath Carbo Loading

The Moment of Clarity

I would like to speak to the "Ah ha" moment.

That moment when the fog clears, the sun comes out and all of a sudden you see your goals right in front of you, attainable and ready for you. It's a moment of clarity, as my friend put it, where the B.S. and excuses are over and it's finally time for you. 

I was having a conversation with an old friend today. She has recently decided to give up caffeine. Red bulls she was having on the daily and she decided that she's had enough and doesn't want to be a slave to caffeine anymore. 

The first few days were pretty brutal for her, and she sent me a text saying;

"It is supposed to hurt this much at the beginning?"

And today, she sent me a text saying;

"Did you have a sense of clarity?"

Clarity. The Ah Ha Moment. The answer to both of her questions, was yes. Yes, it hurt so much in the beginning. Letting my body detox from all of the crap I was putting into it for years was hard, it hurt and all I wanted to do was fall face first into a pizza and diet coke. It hurt because my body was going through withdrawals, I had headaches that I could no longer remedy with diet coke and my comfort was and had been food. So yes, it hurts bad in the beginning. I think if it didn't hurt, it wouldn't feel like such an accomplishment once the fog cleared.

Yes, I had a moment of clarity. About 2 weeks into eating clean I felt like the darkness over me lifted. It was like I could see myself standing in front of myself a year later (from when I started) and I could actually visualize what I would look like and I was wearing a lot of spandex (my wife can already attest to the fact that it's basically all I wear now). 

In all seriousness though, I could see myself as an athlete, competing in races and being my best self. I realized then that the power of visualization is incredibly powerful. It pulls our universe towards those visual goals and makes them a reality. 

When I'm in the pool I have my best moments of clarity. There is nothing more peaceful than the quite of the water as I swim laps. It's there that I visualize myself, swimming in an Ironman, calling myself an IRONWOMAN. It's there that I visualize myself at my goal weight. 

For me, once I had that moment of clarity, I haven't looked back. It was the moment I (for lack of a better phrase) "Drank the Kool-Aid" of wellness for myself. I realized it was possible, it was no longer an" if", but a "when." 

Many people comment on my iron will power, when it comes to food and training. Yes, it's will power, but the will power is powered by something much deeper. It's powered by the knowledge of "I can, and I will" it's powered by that moment of clarity where I could see myself, an athlete, standing in the sun a year from then. It's powered by the drive to be better than I was yesterday and to be my best self. It's powered by those millions of small decisions I make every day that take me one step closer to my goal. 

The will power. The Drive. The Strength. The Kool-Aid are all powered by that Moment of Clarity. And that's the moment my life changed. Forever.

Have you had your moment of clarity? If so, share it with me in the comments- I'd love to hear from you!

6 am swim with a side of bike rack

This morning my alarm went off at 5:45. As I rolled over to turn it off I immediatley began grappling with myself about all the excuses in the world not to go. I turned back over in bed and I realized that I could either get up and swim, or spend the next hour in bed thinking about how I should have gone swimming. So with that I got up, slipped on my swim suit and was out the door. Thanks to last night Becca (the version of me from last night) who had the foresight to pack the gym bag and have it ready to go.

I was in the pool by 6:20 and, as I'm tapering my workouts right now, today only called for a 20 minute swim. Now, call me superstitious, but I swam 700 meters and got out of the pool. Lucky Number 7 is going to help me annihilate the race on Saturday. It felt really good to stretch my sleepy body in the pool. There's nothing like jumping into a cold pool early in the morning to wake you up. 

This Morning Swim at Steiner Spots Complex

As soon as I got home I decided to try installing the new bike rack we purchsed. I assembled it last night, now it just needed to be fitted to the hitch. I was pretty impressed with myself when a few minutes later, the car looked like this;

Let The Games Begin

Paddle Boarding, Kath's 30 for 30

Over the weekend Kath and I rented stand up paddle boards from the University of Utah Outdoor Recreation Program. They offer low rental prices on pretty much any outdoor equipment you can imagine, it's fantastic. 

We decided on paddle boarding, because it is part of Kathy's 30 for 30 bucket list. More on that later, keep reading.

She and I opted for the inflatable paddle boards, since we weren't' sure how we could transport full size ones on our car.

* For the record, inflatable is the way to go. Once they are blown up they are sturdy and surprisingly heavy, just like the regular boards.* 

Sunday morning we drove up to East Canyon Resevior and found a great spot off to the side of the road to park. This meant we didn't have to pay the $10 fee to have beach access from the road, but it also meant we had to hike down to the beach....

Upon first inspection the trail down to the beach looked fine, but then we remembered all the equipment we had to carry. Well, when there's a will, there's a way and we found a way.

The beach isn't THAT far, right?

Let's do This!

Well, after a very treacherous hike down, and after only a few "F" words we made it to the beach a little discouraged and disheveled. We rolled out the paddle boards and felt even more deflated (pun-intended) as we realized it was going to take us years to blow the boards up. 

So with grumpy attitudes we got to work, and to our surprise they both inflated within a matter of minutes. Our day and our marriage was saved!

Pumping, not just for nursing women anymore!

We spent the rest of the day out on the lake, which we had practically to ourselves *note, see no one behind me in this pic* The only thing that was missing was food- we didn't think we would love it so much and stay all day. We fueled with bananas and almond butter, and dates wrapped in coconut all day. Oops. Regardless, we both mastered standing up and paddling. We also paddled on our knees and occasionally rode around them like they were our own personal canoes. It was a riot and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Me

Kath

We're Doing It!

The reason we decided to try paddle boarding, having never done it before, was because of Kathy's 30 for 30 bucket list. She decided about 2 weeks ago that she wanted to accomplish 30 different and varied tasks before her 31st birthday which is November 7th. 

The list includes items such as;

• Eat at a Michelin Star restaurant
• Compete in a Triathlon
• Paddle Board
• See a Broadway Play
• Meet with a Financial Adviser

etc....

I really admire this idea and I admire Kathy for thinking of such an awesome idea, following through with it and really setting some challenges for herself in the next few months. Not everything on the list is easy to do, and not all of them have to do with entertainment.

I believe it will help make Kath's 30th year the best yet, and she'll enter 31 being a more well rounded, well versed individual. Go Kath!

A Beautiful Day At Brighton

Saturday Kathy and I woke up early and headed up into the cool mountain air. We drove up to Brighton Ski Resort-in Big Cottonwood Canyon and met our friends Shay and Dave for a hike around Mirror Lake. We got there a bit before they did so Kathy and I had the chance to walk around in the crisp air and enjoy the scenery.

We stopped in front of the general store and cafe and while we were sitting there we saw a beautiful bull moose walking around. He vanished into the trees before we could get a picture. 

When our friends arrived we did two laps around the lake, enjoying the fresh air and the smell of the mountains. It was truly a great way to get up and get going on a Saturday morning. 

Mirror Lake

Me and the Mrs.

The Crew, Kate, Shay, Me, Kath, Dave and Holland

I didn't have to do my triathlon training that day either, since I'm now in "Taper-Mode" with one week left til race day. So a nice leisurely hike around the lake was just what the doctor ordered. A great start to the weekend, indeed.