I DID IT!

Yes, I did it.  I am a triathlete and it is the most GLORIOUS feeling in the entire world.  I feel proud, I feel accomplished, I just feel plain old AWESOME!

I won't lie and say it was easy - it wasn't, there were some hills on the course that were awful and the run was hot, but heck, it was sure worth it.  The swimming, as I thought was the easiest.  I have learned however, that I am a stronger swimmer than I thought! I finished 39th in the swim out of 1100 competitors :)

When I crossed the finish line, the announcer said, "Emily Hare, congrats you are a TRIATHLETE!"  I don't think words can describe the feeling I had when I heard those words.  As I ran towards my husband and mother, who both were proudly beaming, I broke down and cried.  I did it.  I had trained hard.  I had worked my backside off for 4 months.  I had finished and I had done it with a great time.  I honestly couldn't believe it.  I've never given so much of myself to one project, that to actually finish through with it, I couldn't believe it.

I now am addicted.  I am doing another tri in August and then a third in October in my hometown.  And - I cannot wait.  I wish I could race again tomorrow.  The high you get throughout the entire thing is incredible.  If you ever have thought about it - TRI it.  It is WORTH IT.


So, as I look forward to my next one, I know where to tweak my training and where I am weak, where I am strong.  I have a new time to beat and I'm ready to take down my competition!

Here I am after completing my triathlon!