Firsts

August was busy. The first time I raced every weekend, spanning across five states and the district. It was a month of many firsts.

First Century Ride- Bike to the Beach (106.5 miles). DC to Maryland to Delaware.
August 2nd

I have dreamed of doing this ride for years. I knew if I ever did a charity ride it would have to be for children and I couldn't have been happier to raise over $1,700 for Autism with one of my best friends. The fundraising started in April and I had my last donation the week of the ride.

The ride started at Gonzaga Prep High School in DC. The cue sheet was the biggest piece of paper I've seen in my life. We were ready and well trained, having just ridden 80 hilly miles the weekend before. The first 15 miles or so out of the city was exhilarating yet terrifying at the same time. There were hundreds of bikers cycling in pitch black at 5am, dodging pot holes, and let's not forget the cars, buses, and people who just "happened" to be up (what are YOU doing awake?)

People started to space out the next 18 miles all the way to Annapolis. It was barely 7, and I was starving. Annapolis had a major check point where we refueled and got on a bus and over the bay bridge- not my favorite landmark to cross. Of course the giant charter bus decides to go on the side lane. Let's sit still everyone, just in case there's a giant gust of wind! That would definitely suck if the truck holding our bikes all fell in over. Almost an hour later we were transported across, got our bikes and were ready for the remaining 70 miles. Only 70 left, right?!

Getting transported over the bridge. Always protect your head!

Surprisingly, the last 70 were pretty easy. I'm not going to lie, I was expecting the worst to happen- major cramps, a mental breakdown, losing my only water bottle (I dropped two at mile 17), a flat tire, or plain exhaustion. It was the first time I crossed a state line on a bike. Definitely an incredible journey and one I highly recommend for anyone doing their first century.

The first state!

106.5 miles later

First Race in the West Coast- Chula Vista Challenge (Olympic Triathlon). California.
August 11th

My dad booked me an 11 day trip to San Diego (Chula Vista) to visit my grandparents. At first I thought to myself, what the heck am I going to do for 11 days? WHAT ABOUT MY TRAINING?!?! The answer: race, of course! It must have been fate that the little town my grandparents lived in was holding their annual triathlon. An Olympic distance sounded easy. Except the bike ride was literally all. up. hill.

Rented B16 Felt Bike and Swim Start in the Bay

The swim was uneventful (but completed unlike Williamsburg) with my usual 1.5k time. Riding from shore to the inland was a first and a fun point to point course, but once you started climbing, you didn't stop. I powered through and still managed to come in at around 15 mph. My run was pretty great compared to my slower, dragging summer runs. Maybe it was because the San Diego humidity was non-existent, but also the incredible lake scenery and the added bonus of running through the Olympic training stadium.

Rode back to the run course a few days later just for a picture

Although it was a race of little "fluff" and a small cheering crew of just my dad and aunt, I was able to go home to my grandparents proudly waiting at home. Within two years, I have successfully completed a triathlon at the place where both sets of grandparents were located.

Grandma and Grandpa, 91 and 89 years young

My aunt and I by the finish

First Race with no Food or Sleep- America's Finest City Half Marathon. California.
August 18th

Let's just say I ran into some personal, emotional issues. My stomach was in knots, I was an emotional wreck, and I barely ate and slept for 2 days. I was exhausted getting up at 5 am and had to be transported to the start (another point to point course) at the top of Point Loma. It was dark, not even 6, cold, and lonely. My dad and aunt waited patiently at the finish, but I was alone at the top of the mountain. I called my sister from across the world, I called my best friend on the east coast, who both calmed me and asked me to bow out gracefully if I was feeling dizzy. I couldn't go back now anyways, the shuttles to the start were only one way.

Lonely on top of Point Loma

There was a mass start at 7. The course was rolling for the first mile, but the next three were pretty much all downhill. I was clocking pretty good time, even on low fuel. Next came a long flat segment around the bay. Thinking back, it really was beautiful and my ideal course and temperature. At mile 8 I started to get tired. My foot, ankle, and legs started cramp which I haven't experienced in a while. I was definitely fatigued and hungry (finally!). Not dizzy though, so I kept going. The last 2 miles was a real uphill climb to Balboa Park and the Zoo. I'm not really sure how I survived the last 4-5 miles but I did. It was a testament of my Ironman training, and how much I am willing to give before giving up.

Is. this. over. yet?

First Race when I HTFU'd- South Riding Sprint Triathlon. Virginia. 
August 25th

Generally my goal for every race is to finish. PRs are great, but finishing strong has always been good enough. Not this time. Half way recovered from my emotional debacle, I wanted to sprint the race, crush my time from last year, and place on the podium.

After a long waited snake swim, and starting after the first place finisher (already!), I did a running jump into the water. The water was hectic. So much splashing. People in front and behind you, and next to you, going the opposite direction. I passed two people nobody passed me (woo hoo!). I felt like I was swimming forever and all of my swim lessons on long strokes, rotating, catching went out the window. I put my elbows on the deck and literally rolled out of the water into T1.

I fumbled with my helmet. I fumbled with my race belt. This is taking forever. Don't forget the watch. I'll just attach it while I'm riding- stop wasting time! I ran my bike out and almost dropped it. I finally got on my bike and my watch on. It was the first time I raced with my brand new spanking race wheels, and I was determined to chase down as many people as I could. My starting number was 255. I chased down someone all the way down to the high 100s. I don't know how many people I passed, but I knew how many people passed me (0! another first).

Still trying to get my watch on.

T2 was quick and I hit the ground running. It was my third year doing the course, so I knew what to expect. I caught a small Stone Middle School cheering squad and then took off as fast as I could. The best part was an out and back trail to cheer other people on and to see how much time I made up. I passed more people in the upper 100s, and before I knew it I was the one coming back and not the one going out. I chased down a few more people and turned the corner to the finish line.

Start of the run.

For the first time, I actually swam, bike, and ran my heart out. I checked my results and finished with more than 4 minutes under last year's time: 1:13:32. Good enough for a 19th overall women's finish and 2nd place age group finish!

And yes I actually beat people for my podium finish! (10!)

So, I could say something wise here, but really all I can say is I'm thankful to have gotten all these firsts out of the way before Florida. Some of them prepared me physically in distance and speed while the others prepared me emotionally for the unexpected times of loneliness, success, determination, and HTFU moments. Regardless, August is over, I'm back at work full time and before I know it I'll be swimming, biking, and running through Panama City Beach!

Sherpa Wilson