Seattle Danskin Triathlon 2011
Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to complete my second Seattle Danskin Triathlon. I can't tell you enough how much I love this event. You can read my detailed post about my first adventure last year (2010) here.
This year I had a couple friends join me. Say hello to Doris and Anna. The three of us were together at an event this past January and the topic of the triathlon came up. I invited them to come stay with me at my parents house and participate in the race. They showed up.
I loved, loved, loved having them here.
We met up on Saturday and took care of the pre-race details including registration at Seattle Center and racking our bikes at the event location.
There was lots of chit chat, lots of laughing, lots of eating really good Thai food near Greenlake, and then more chatting.
On Sunday morning we were up bright and early - around 4:45am or to make the drive up to Seattle.
One of the best parts of the weekend was that my parents came along too and took all the photos you see below. It is so much more fun at an event like this when you have someone cheering you on - the support is awesome.
We met up with my cousin's wife Cristina again. She's the one that got me into this in the first place.
This year there were a little over 2000 participants.
It was definitely colder this year than last. Like 20 degrees colder. We were all a bit nervous about the temperature of Lake Washington (lots of people wore wet suits but none of us wore one) but it all ended up being just fine.
This event is so inspirational just to witness. The number of volunteers is amazing. From the lifeguards and swim angels (people who are there to bring support to anyone who might need it during the swim) to all the people along the race route - it's just the coolest experience. These are the lifeguards paddling out on their boats getting ready for the swim portion to begin.
Anna and I before putting on our caps. We were in the same wave at 7:38am.
Doris was a couple waves ahead of us. It was both of their first time. They both beat me.
Love this one of me and Cristina.
Anna and I heading into the water for our wave to begin. We were right up in the front.
That's me out in front with my head up. I ended up doing a lot of breaststroke again after my fast sprint at the start. I totally know if I trained even a little more regularly I could easily shave time swimming freestyle the whole way (even though I can do a pretty fast breaststroke).
Making the run from the water to the transition area to grab my bike.
And here we are at the finish. There's a lot going on in between - a 12 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run but there's not a lot of great places to get photos. The bike portion felt much faster to me this year and I was able to run all but just the one main hill on the run portion. Loved coming in and having a big group hug.
I ran into one of my childhood friends - she's also an Ali. I saw her last year and I was so glad to run into her again this year.
The best part this year, besides lower my time by 8 minutes, was having Anna & Doris stay with me at my parents house.
Looking back through the photos tonight the number one thing that stands out to me are the smiles. Huge smiles. I love that about photography - how I can look back at an event or a series of images and see a common thread. The thread from the last couple of days was definitely smiles.
2011 OBSERVATIONS
-
Did I train more this past year? No. Overall I think I trained less this year compared to last year. -
Did my time improve? Yes, by about 8 mins. I'll chalk that one up to being more comfortable with the event and that it was about 20 degrees cooler. In 2010 my overall time was 1:57:o2. This year it was 1:49:28. -
Did doing it again make me want to train more again (just like I said last year)? Yes. Totally. I just need to make it happen. - My transition times were still slow - especially the bike to run (mainly because I had to go to the bathroom). There's lots of places where I could take more time off - especially if I can learn how to run faster (which is totally possible if I were to really put in some effort at training).
Here's my details:
Totally signing up to do it again next year. And maybe I'll do a couple more...
Inspirational as always!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I was wondering if you were going to do this again this year
So proud of you
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali!
WOW THAT IS SO ADMIRABLE! You are a true inspiration...I love the fact that you had so much fun and smiles with event. I am proud of you!
Hugs,
sharon
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Congrats Ali! Way to go lowering your time. It was great to meet you! And my mom was so thrilled to meet you. I love reading your recap! I'll definitely see you next year! :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So proud of you. And so fun to see pics of Anna as well. I know you say there's no excuse for me next year. Maybe I'll start next summer doing some open water swim clinics so I'm ready to rock and roll.
No maybe Cathy. Times and ability don't matter it's just an awesome life experience. The event oozes possibilities, opportunities and positivity. I'm totally doing it again even though I'm surprised there's any lake water left after the amount I accidently swallowed. Seriously good times making friends and hanging with like minded poeple. What's to maybe?
Sign in or sign up to comment.
YAY! Way to go Ali :o)
I've been a reader of your blog for many years now and wanted to let you know how inspiring you are in my life. Each morning, I look forward to reading your blog. Your wisdom and insights on life encourage me to reach a little higher in living an authentic life. I'm participating in "One Little Word" and am loving it! The opportunity to have prompts each month to keep my word (patience) active in my life has allowed me to live it with greater depth. Will you be offering the class in 2012? I hope so!!
Take care,
April
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Woohoo! Go Ali!
Congrats on your improved time and on getting out there and doing this.
I have missed a couple weeks of working out due to travel and needed some motivation to get back at it today - you definitely provided that!
I can't wait to see the layouts you make about this event.
Steph
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Congratulations! What an Awesome Accomplishment! I sure hope you intend to put this into it's own Tri-Book! Perhaps a new project for people who participate in this kind of event - to document their workouts and events! What a great thing that would be to look back on as years pass by!
Again - Congratulations!! You are such an inspiration in so many aspects!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So proud of you Ali, and your friends too! Congratulations!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So proud of you. Awesome. :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Yay Ali!! Way to GO GIRL!!! :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
freakin' AWESOME!! I am too chicken to try something like this so KUDOS TO YOU! And your run time is awesome - HELLO?!! You swam AND biked before running...AWESOME JOB ALI!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Congratulations Ali! WTG! I want to start running but never seem to get in the time. I'm not much for biking or swimming. I hope to do at least a 5k before I turn 50 in 2 yrs.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
All I can say is wow!! Congrats on being in the top half! That is definately an accomplishment!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
My friends and I just did this a couple weeks ago. First time ever for me. I was much slower than you, but I finished!!! I started out swimming too fast and Sally Edwards had to come out and talk to me. It did help though and I calmed down and got back on track! Great feeling of accomplishment. Good job!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
WOW. You amaze!! Everything you already do, and you have time for triathlons, too!! Congrats on lowering your time, and so happy for you that you were able to spend time with great friends as well.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Congratulations! You make it look and sound like so much fun that it almost makes me want to sign up and try it next year. Almost. DH is training for his first tri right now too. So glad you enjoyed it and bettered your time!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So happy for you. I think your times are amazing. I would love to do something like this some day. Way to go!!
BTW: The traffic issue you tweeted about is a constant problem but very soon WADOT will be installing metered ramps through the Olympia and JBLM area. This is supposed to happen in the next few months and should help with the congestion. For now we either take back roads or avoid it altogether especially on fridays. HTH :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
wow that is awesome and so nice to see Anna too!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
How absolutely fabulous to see Doris and Anna in these photos with you! Just makes me really happy. Congrats to you all!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I was there with you and completed my first tri with a good friend. I agree, it is an inspirational event. I think a new bike is in my future. :)
It was nice to see you there. See you next year!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So inspirational! Congratulations to you all.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Congratulations! This is fantastic. What an incredible experience to share with such wonderful people in your life!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
something to be P*R*O*U*D of for sure!
congrats!
~p
Sign in or sign up to comment.
congrats! your doing it last year brought the danskin to my attention and i will be participating in the Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin one this Sunday. thanks for inspiring me.
Sign in or sign up to comment.