I made it!

I'm glad to report that I'm still alive and kicking. In fact I feel great! I completed my very first triathlon yesterday. Here's a brief rundown:

April came Friday and stayed the night. We picked up my packet and listened to some inspirational speakers, including last year's Woman of Steel. We stayed up too late , but we were doing important things like talking about transitions and swim times, going through our list of gear to bring, hydrating, oh and the ever-important task of braiding my hair. Truth be told, we were just plain nervous and needed an excuse to be up so late. Even with my relaxation tunes playing softly in my ears and my yoga breathing, I still couldn't manage to fully fall asleep. We woke up at 5 a.m., ate peanut butter toast, a banana and lots of water and Gatorade and started to stretch. We lathered down with sunscreen, dressed, loaded the bikes and gear and were out the door by 6 a.m.

When we arrived, the air felt chilly and we kept hoping the sun would peek over the mountains soon. We got marked first, on both shoulders--my number was 181-- and a 31 on my right calf for my age; then we got our ankle bands. We set up our transition areas and listened to the "women power" music. Alanis Moresette I can understand, but Brittney Spears? Could've done without her. . .

We used the porta-potties about half a dozen times, until we were directed to poolside at 7:45 a.m. I spotted Todd and Kendra just as we were lining up--what a great sight they were. Nerves were in check and excitement was starting to bubble inside. The National Anthem was sung and then we started. A new swimmer entered the pool every 10 seconds and before I knew it, I was in the water swimming my first of 6 laps, 300 M in all. It went ok, I could have been faster, but a few problems I had were water in my goggles and two ladies who were behind me decided to duck under the ropes in front of me, making me have to stop, stand and wait for them. Agh! Oh well, it was over before I knew it and I knew all my swim training had paid off. I caught a glimpse of Nicole and Dawn during one of my turn-arounds and heard them, Todd and Kendra cheering for me. It's amazing the extra surge that gave.

I jumped out and headed for the transition area. I threw on my jersey, socks, shoes, gloves, helmet and sunglasses, grabbed my bike and was off. The ride felt good. There were a few hills, but I still felt strong and was able to get up them with minimal slowing. I noticed right away that I couldn't shift into my bigger gear and I think that slowed me a bit, but I did the best I could with my smaller gears. We made the loop twice, a total of 11.5 miles. I would keep my eye on the ladies' calves, their ages marked on them, who passed me. If they were younger, I felt ok about letting them zoom ahead. What really got me was when I would see 49 or 52 pass me up. What's up with that? With more time on my hands to train, maybe that will be me someday.

Back to the transition area where I racked my bike, switched shoes and ripped off my helmet. Just before leaving, I chugged as much Gatorade as I could and I was off on my run. People have asked me the hardest part and I'd have to say trying to get my legs to work after my bike ride. Jell-O, mush, spaghetti, or all of the above couldn't adequately describe how my legs felt, but once I got going, I started to feel strong once again. I got into a rhythm which must have been noticed by others because pretty soon I had two women behind me saying, "Okay 31 (meaning the age marked on my leg) you're our rabbit! Lead us in!" Unfortunately, I lost them as I started to pick up the pace for the home stretch, but I must give thanks to them because their confidence in me kept pushing me ahead. I kicked it into high gear around the last bend and heard my name announced as I passed the finish line. I made it!

I'm so glad to have had this experience and all I can say is when is the next one? Is anyone interested in joining me? It was fun, exhilarating, invigorating and habit-forming. Question though: Has anyone ever anticipated something so much that when it does finally come and is over, you sort of feel let down that it's all over and feel lost because now what do you have too look ahead to and prepare for? Should I just be content with the one experience I had and enjoy the fact that I did it or do I seek out new ways to feed my addiction?

Why I Tri

My journey began in early February when my dear friend, April, sent me a link to an upcoming triathlon and simply stated that she was looking for someone to do it with her. It was always something we had talked about doing together "someday". Well, she got serious much earlier that I thought she would, found our first triathlon, and so it began. I got excited and quickly signed up the the Woman of Steel.

I run on occasion and love to bike, but the swim had me worried. The swim leg of this tri is in a pool, which makes this a perfect one for me to start on. I put myself to the test one night and went to the pool. I can swim, right? I had taken lessons when I was a kid and there's nothing to it. After gasping for air every 20 meters or so, stopping at times, and nearly passing out underwater, I knew I was in trouble. I called April on my drive home and said, "What the heck have I gotten myself into?" Let's just say that the last several months I have spent most of my training in the pool. It has gotten easier as my body and lungs have adjusted, but I still can't quite master that darn flip-turn. One thing at a time.

Todd has been amazingly supportive throughout all of my training and fitti purchases. The kids, well, I wouldn't say they are fully supportive, but it's only because I don't think they quite understand. Just last night as I was lacing up my shoes for a run, Kendra flung herself on her bed and said, "Uhhhh, why are you going AGAIN?" She, in particular, doesn't like me to leave at nights, yet she has also anticipated this race almost as much as I have, so I know she's excited for me.

So, I purchased a competition suit, tri shorts, a jersey, a bike, a swim cap and goggles and new running shoes -- and now it's here. This Saturday I hope not to die. In fact, my goal is simply to cross that finish line still breathing. April sent me an email the other day that I hope she doesn't mind me posting, the title the same as mine above. It got me thinking about my own list of reasons. Here are hers:

A good summary of why we are doing this on Saturday:

to feel the wind in our hair,

to feel our muscles and body strain and work

to hear our heart pounding in our ears

to push past the point of pain and fear

to conquer not one, but three sports in one huge leap

to brag to our friends and families about our race day adventures

to conquer that which is unconquerable

to simply feel healthy, vibrant, and alive.
That sums it up for me!
~April

Now for mine. Why I tri:

1. After caring, feeding and doing for 4 kids every day, I simply wanted to do something for me, for nothing more than just edifying my body and soul.

2. To make a goal, REALLY work for it and achieve it--ahh, that will feel great!

3. I've always wanted to do one. I can check it off on my life's goals.

4. I never did sports in high school (a regret) so a good dose of healthy competition will be pure fun!

5. It's a great way to get in shape.

6. Sweat, during a great workout, is my therapy.

7. Bragging rights. C'mon, if you've ever accomplished something like this, you know what I mean.

8. I hear there is chocolate at the finish line. Can there be a greater reward?

So, I will either come out of this on Saturday saying I will never do something like this again or, who knows, maybe, just maybe, I will become an addict to the sport. I'll let you know. . .

Our Escape to St. George

I We call it our escape because that is truly what it was! The weather has been so unpredictable and cold here, so my sisters and I planned a trip during spring break, with our families to a much warmer, reliable St. George. We had so much fun. The kids giggled the entire 5 days we were there, and truth be told, you could catch most of the adults getting their share of giggling as well. We rented a house that had 5 bedrooms, 3 bathroom and, though unswimmable, a pool. There was a park just across the street that we played at a few times.

We took our bikes with us and rented a few more. On Friday, we biked through Snow Canyon. We started at the top and ended up at the sand dunes, where the kids had fun burying themselves. Looking at these pictures it makes me wonder how I ever let them back in the car. AAHH! Oh well, at least they had a great time. While they played, yours truly had the great task of riding back uphill to get the cars. Whew, tough, but a great workout and great training.

What you can't see in this picture is Colby wailing. He doesn't appreciate the bike trailer so much right now, but hopefully he will get used to it. Once we got going, he did a lot better.

The men were gracious enough to allow Nicole and I the chance to go shopping at the outlets one day. What great husbands we have! Todd and Curtis took the kids all to Fiesta Fun, and FUN is just what they did. Between bumper boats and go-carts, the kids were all smiles, but I guess you can see that for yourself.

Andrew and Alli were both very proud of the fact that they could drive a car all by themsleves! Kendra and Brooke went with Austin and Taylor in the bigger cars. They had fun and somehow Curtis convinced Brooke to hold the video camera the entire ride! I have yet to see that footage, but I'm sure it's one I won't be able to watch on a full stomach.

Note the twins' mouths. Can you tell they are twins?

We spent our last day attending church and spending time on the St. George Temple grounds and at the visitor's center. It was a beautiful day to be there and we soaked in the sun and the spirit as much as we could. By the time we packed up and got on the road, we were all exhausted. Three out of my four slept from St. George until Provo! It was great, but don't ask me when they finally went to bed!

All in all it was a great trip. Kilee, Dainon and their girls came for a few days, but we missed getting any pictures of them. It was fun to spend more time with my sisters and their families. We definitely need to get out and play more. When's the next go-around gals?

Happy 1st Birthday Colby!

I can't believe Colby is already a year old. The year has flown. What a great baby boy he is! He has brought our family so much joy this past year. He is ALWAYS happy, even while enduring the last 4 months with double ear infections. We had a great time throwing him a little party here at home for his 1 year. (Grandma Hillam, Jana and Davy were able to come too--thanks guys!) I think Colby's favorite part was the cake--what do you think? Todd did another great job with decorating. Balloons were much easier than McQueen! Alli even helped by adding the cute heart. The Hoyals gave him the big, yellow ball. What more could a 1 -yr old want? Well, maybe a truck with blocks. Oh wait, we covered that one too. I love the last picture here of big brother showing a lotta love.

Poop Head

Here is the picture I mentioned at the end of my Easter egg rolling post (see below). Poor Colby didn't know what hit him! Gross!!!! Luckily Grandma had a wipe. The offending seagull apparently had consumed one too many eggs.

Go Cougs!

Many may not know that Todd is a BYU alumni football player. He gets invited every year to an alumni BBQ and this year he decided to go! I was home with a sick Kendra so he took Andrew and Alli last night to a scrimmage that the players were having and then stayed for the BBQ. Not too many showed up for the practice, but there was an estimated 900 for the BBQ. Here are some shots that were taken of their fun time together. Andrew was afraid of the cougar so he stayed a safe stick's distance away.

My Little Superhero

Andrew had such a great birthday. Grandma Hillam took him to Build-A-Bear and he knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted a monkey! And as soon as he saw the Spiderman costume it was as if nothing else existed in the store--he had to have it! He even named him Spider Monkey.

Note to reader: Andrew literally thinks he is a superhero. You name it, he is either Superman, Spiderman, Buzz or Dash on any given day. A few weeks ago he even panicked all of us by running into the street and holding out his hand and stopping oncoming traffic because, as he put it, "I'm Superman! I not get hurt! I fly!" I tried to explain to him that he really can get hurt and that he cannot fly, run or climb to save himself from a speeding car. He retorted with "Watch Mom!" and ran, fists outstretched, as fast as he could to attempt takeoff. It was so sad to see reality sink in to his litle 2-year old brain. Who am I do dash his dreams? Little buddy, you're still my Superman -- for now till forever!