By special guest blogger: Mary Ann Bough
I can’t believe I am writing about the completion of my first Triathlon. My journey began in January of 2012 at NGPT. At that point, there was no way this would be possible. It wasn’t even a blip on my radar! At that time, I just hoped that I wouldn’t die in the middle of class. A group of women originally from our 3P group (and we adopted a few more along the way), proposed this idea about 10 weeks prior to the race. My initial reaction….heck NO! I had just healed from stress fractures and was concerned with what would happen if I resumed running. I also had a “small issue” with the swimming - I couldn’t even do a lap in the pool without drowning. With some great encouragement from Coach Barb Tapp, I decided to take swimming lessons and make a go of this. Once I signed up….there was no turning back. I spent the next several weeks at the pool taking every lesson possible. I had friends in the triathlon group and outside who worked with me. I am forever grateful to each of them for supporting, encouraging, and teaching me.
Triathletes!
Ruth Dube, Megan Flavin, MaryAnn Bough, Barb Tapp, Sue Reynolds, Barb White, and Jerrilyn Kean
I came home and posted my race results (1:49:49), shared the news with my friends who couldn’t make it, and looked through pictures. I was basking in the post-race buzz. But only now do I truly realize what the race meant to me. I didn’t do this for anybody else. I did it for me! I conquered my own fears/anxieties, overcame my physical issues, and persuaded myself to accomplish a goal I never imagined I could do. Almost two years ago, a 5K seemed impossible, let alone swimming without the assistance of flotation devices. On August 24, 2013, I finished a triathlon. The knowledge of my own strength and the depth of my determination will stay with me for life.
Ten weeks ago I made a commitment. I didn’t know what it would take, how it would affect me, or how far I’d have to reach inside myself to do it. I didn’t realize how much the commitment to myself would teach me about the life I live, and the life I want to live. Ten weeks ago, I signed up for a triathlon. And today, after crossing the finish line, I am a changed woman.
