Philadephia Triathlon

Today was a dream come true as I completed my first triathlon. Although I didn't follow a formal training program, this was the cummulation of 15 months of training.

Swim: 1.5k
I looked stunning in my sleeveless wetsuit. I waited until a minute before the start to get in the Schuylkill River. I slowly but steadfastly breast stroked my way to the end. The wetsuit kept me warm and acted as a floatation device. Stroke by stroke, I reached land sooner than I had given myself.



Swim-to-Bike Transition (T1)
I looked around and saw that a lot of guys in my wave were in the transition area. I took less time than some of them even I had some problem getting my feet out of my wetsuit.

Bike: 40k
I though the swim portion would be most challenging for me. The bike portion was most difficult by far. I paced myself out, so I kept getting passed. Uphills, downhills, and turns slowed me down as I had little experience on the bike. By the second time going up the Strawberry Mansion hill, my thighs were tight. I moaned and shieked as I inched myself up Lemon Hill the second time around.

Bike-to-Run Transition (T2)
I almost forgot to take off my bike helmet until a volunteer reminded me!

Run: 10k
Wow, the first mile took about 15 minutes as my thighs cramped up. Luckily, a drink of Gatorade gave me a quick recovery. I started passing people after 5k and had a spectacular finish.



It was nice to see my parents, my cousin Ro, and Eric Cheung at the transition area. I was also happy to run into familiar faces: Craig (Philadelphia Falcons); the three David, Jan & Chelsea on the Philadelphia Fins Aquatics Club (lanes 2, 3, and 4); Troy and Michelle from work.