With the rain, wind and cold, the 2010 Lake Carroll Triathlon was anything but easy. The participants battled both the weather and course elements, but these are triathletes- a little moisture isn't going to stop them. In the end, it left them feeling even more proud that they completed the race.
The athletes arrived at 7:00 a.m. and a few rain drops turned into a complete downpour, drenching everyone. Luckily the goody bags were plastic keeping the all important goodies safe inside- which by the way were stacked goody bags. Some athletes plotted how to get up the now slick hills while others slipped into their wetsuits eager to begin.
When the gun went off everyone dove from the sandy beach into the icy water for the swim. After the swim was the bike ride. One woman said after the race, "The bike was definitely the most challenging. I came up to this hill that looked like it was 45 degrees and I just jumped off my bike and walked it up because there was no way I was even attempting that beast." Her description of the hill as a "beast" was pretty accurate. Most athletes said the bike route was tough because of the hills. One man said even though the hills were rough, the beauty of it was the course was much more challenging because of that; and he loves a challenge.
By the time the run came around, most people seemed to be in high spirits and really finished the race strong. The reward for crossing the finish line was exactly what these triathletes needed- an awesome medal and lots of free food and drinks.
This triathlon was my first experience of seeing any long distance race and I was amazed by the strength and determination of these athletes. It was so inspiring to watch everyone cross the finish line with big fist pumps and even bigger smiles.
