On May 18th I completed my third triathlon and second Gold Nugget Triathlon. The Gold Nugget is an amazing race designed to encourage all women to get active and celebrate being strong ladies. I love the environment and so about three months ago I sat on my computer at 8pm waiting for the link to go live so I could be one of the 1500 lucky ladies to get a spot in the coveted race. The 1500 spots sold in in four minutes. Four minutes! That is crazy, awesome but crazy. Makes me think we need some more races like this around.
 |
| Getting Ready! |
Well race day came and I was ready to go, my bike was in the first transition station and I was armed with all my favorite swimming/biking/running gear. This was the first tri that I would brave swimming in just my tri shorts and a bra then throw on a tank top for the bike and run. This was big as I am usually too self conscious to run in shorts! The weather was perfect, you would never have known we live in Alaska, it was downright hot! Funny to remember that last year May 18th was our final snow of the season and those of us who were racing May 19th, spent all day freaking out :)
 |
| My T1 Setup |
I started my swim with a big ol' gulp of water-whoops! I am not a strong swimmer but really thought I learned to swim with my face in the water over the winter. I guess those skills were not ready to transfer to a stressful swim so I had to change plans and do an abbreviated breast stroke.
 |
| My favorite race picture ever! |
I jumped out of the pool about 13 minutes later and ran through the locker room to my bike all while pulling on a tank top, starting my running watch and pulling off my swim cap and goggles. I bet that race photo looked awesome! I got through T1 in good time, somewhere around 3-4 minutes. I hopped on my bike and I was off for the leg of the race where I have the greatest strength. I have actually just started to realize this, last year I was riding my bike for the first time but now I was comfortable and pushing hard. I passed probably 20+ people on the bike and found my favorite person in the race. My self confidence greatly thanks the random woman who said "whoa she's fast" to her friend as I biked by. I have NEVER been called fast at anything! I pushed through the hills and got to T2 in less than 50 minutes.
 |
| Finished! |
After handing off my bike and grabbing some GU and Gatorade I started the run. Jello, that is how I would describe my legs after a 12 mile bike ride. I just kept telling myself, "this is what you trained for" and I pushed through. I ran my next leg in what I would call my happy pace, about 11:30 minute miles. I really wasn't pushing it, but that is sometimes how I like it. Run Happy Run Healthy and gosh darn it, run for fun!
 |
| My nephew and I - His shirt says "My Auntie is a Triathlete!" |
 |
| My super supportive husband and I |
I came through the finish shoots to the cheers of many family and friends and most adorably my 3 and a half year old nephew. I made it in under 2 hours and most importantly had an absolute blast. This race is such a great opportunity to celebrate strong women and I hope I get to be a part of it
every year from here on out!
 |
| Some Awesome GNT ladies |
