On August 10, 2008, I finally completed my first Triathlon: the D & Q Kings Grant Triathlon in Marlton, NJ, sprinting across the finish line in a total time of 1:14:21.

Preparing for the Competition

During the week prior to the event, I repeated my same training routine to make sure I wouldn’t lose a step with my conditioning. On the day of the event, I woke up at 5:00, had my cup of coffee, read the Sunday Paper and watched the news. I left at 7:00 and made it to the registration tent in about 15 minutes.

I registered, found out were I should set up my gear, stretched and began to focus. This was another day another race and I needed to focus on finishing.

The only difference between this triathlon and the Brigantine triathlon that was cancelled last week; the cycling portion was one mile less (10 miles) and the running portion was now one mile more (5 miles).

This extra mile did concern me. When I had previously put the swim, bike and run together during training, the 4 mile run after the ¼ mile swim and 11 mile bike ride was a challenge.

Let the Games Begin

It is worth mentioning as with the previous weekend’s triathlon, I experienced yet another act of kindness and generosity, this time from a total stranger. As I unpacked my gear to prepare for the race, I realized I misplaced my swim goggles. I went to the sponsor tent to see if they had any for sale, after all the triathlon was sponsored by a local sports specialist store. I was out of luck.

Donna (participant #30), a total stranger was having her bike tires inflated, heard my conversation. She gave me her goggles. I could not believe these two weekends and two generous acts of kindness. These types of events bring out the best in people, even if you are a total stranger.

The race began promptly at 8:00 AM. The water was very warm and calm. I started the swim with the same vigor as last week but was able to quickly get into a rhythm. I finished the swim in 9:26.

Happy with my time in the swim, I got out of my wet suit and jumped on the bike. I completed the 10 mile bike in 33:46. I dismounted the bike and began the 5 mile run, the final leg of the triathlon.

Within the first ¼ mile of the run, both of my calf’s cramped. I was in excruciating pain. I almost stopped running. The thought of not being able to complete this race entered my mind. I quickly recalled my training and the original goal I set for myself….to complete my first full triathlon.

Panic was actually setting in.

The thought of failure was not an option. I attempted to stretch my calf muscles for a little and then decided to progress forward with the race no matter how slow I was moving and how much pain I was in. After all, medics and EMT’s were stationed around the course should I get to the point of not being able to walk.

I started to jog, barely able to lift my legs. I felt as if a new born baby could actually crawl faster than I was moving. But I was determined to finish.

The Finish Line

I ignored the pain and focused on moving forward. As I completed the first couple miles, my calf muscles were stretching out and adjusting to the run. The pain subsided and I continually picked up my pace through the final stretch. I sprinted across the finish line in 27:43, quicker than I had anticipated. Total time was 1:14:21!

The satisfaction was incredible. I had overcome the pain and adversity and achieved my goal in outstanding time! I finally had a sense of completion which was lingering from the previous triathlons cancellation. This is a healthy addiction that I highly recommend. My next goal will be to complete a triathlon in under 1:00.

PS…..I have contacted the triathlon event director in the hopes of having him send Donna a gift certificate (on my behalf) to her local sports specialist store to return the favor and selfless act of kindness.