http://www.jeanniesamson.com/balance_-_jeannie_samsons_triathlon_blog.htmJeannie SamsonMon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMTSun, 22 Jan 2012 09:02:44 GMTLevelfield http://www.jeanniesamson.com/log/post_275973500_balance_-_jeannie_samsons_triathlon_blog.htm<p>Yesterday I did my first 1/2 Ironman Distance triathlon -&nbsp;it's a&nbsp;1.2 mile swim, 59 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run.&nbsp; I was nervous about the length of the race, and getting the right nutrition.&nbsp; I asked my coach Siri and several other experienced triathletes what I should eat.&nbsp; I had a plan and stuck to it - I am glad I did!&nbsp; The morning of the race I was expecting the weather&nbsp;to be chilly - it wasn't.&nbsp; By the time we started the race I knew that my jersey, gloves, and arm warmers I had laid out were NOT going to be used.&nbsp; Earlier this year I burned up in a race wearing too much - I didn't want to make the same mistake twice.&nbsp; The swim was a running start - that was exciting and fun!&nbsp; It started in the small inlet in Lake Conroe and curved around to the main part of the lake.&nbsp; The water was great, and my swim felt strong and steady.&nbsp; I had a quick transition since I didn't have to put my warm gear on.&nbsp; The bike leg of the race was the MOST BEAUTIFUL I have seen.&nbsp; We went through the backroads of Montgomery, Texas, and the hills were gentle&nbsp; - one big loop that played to my strengths.&nbsp; I was able to get a lot of momentum on the straight, mostly flat road.&nbsp; I did not get passed by any women, only men that mostly gave me quick words of encouragement!&nbsp; Some men played cat and mouse with me.&nbsp; They would work up speed and pass, but then could not hold it and slowed down.&nbsp; I wore most of them down this way, and eventually I did not see them again.&nbsp; The whole time I was thinking how FUN this race was!&nbsp; After almost 3 hours on the bike I was ready for the long run.&nbsp; I was so relaxed, yet I felt light and quick on my feet.&nbsp; My first mile was under 6:40 pace.&nbsp; I just went with it and tried to relax and keep eating my&nbsp;energy gel&nbsp;before every other water stop.&nbsp; The sun was relentless and there was no shade on the course - I saw a lot of people slow down a lot.&nbsp; There was one woman (the 2nd place finisher) who I kept seeing as we looped around the course, but it didn't seem like she was gaining anything.&nbsp; I kept reminding myself to run my own race and not worry about anyone else (but it was hard not to notice).&nbsp; This was a MAGICAL day - all the components of the race came together for this most exciting win!&nbsp; I did not expect this, but I am so grateful and excited that I get to share this with my family and friends!</p>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jeanniesamson.com/log/post_275973499_balance_-_jeannie_samsons_triathlon_blog.htmI have been in full swing training for the last few weeks for&nbsp;my first half&nbsp; Ironman Race.&nbsp; I will be competing in&nbsp;The Ironstar Triathlon in Conroe, Texas on Sunday, October 29.&nbsp; I am excited for the challenge of a longer distance tri - I will have to be careful about nutrition for this race.&nbsp; It usually takes about 5 hours to complete one of these.&nbsp; I have been extremely tired, but thankful my body has been adjusting well to the increased volume.&nbsp; I have also enjoyed taking my son with me on most of my distance and easy runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;David just gets on his bike armed with his helmet and water bottle - he is so focused and works hard to go exactly the right speed to keep me going and to give me water when I need it.&nbsp; He is the best training partner a girl can have!Thu, 5 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT