I M Perfect lady


Copperman Triathlon 2017

So, I DID IT!!! OH MY Gosh, it was a bit nerve wracking until I was on the bike – pretty much biking alone, like I usually do.

There were a few bikes behind me, so the sweeper wasn't on my tail, and I pedaled and pedaled, in hopes that the last few bikers I saw after me would not pass. 

The bulk of the pack was ahead, I met some of them as we go to the end of the Harbor from Fort Wilkins and head back towards Eagle Harbor.  And, I met the guy in first place about 6 miles into my bike ride.

You could say I passed all the bike riders – Just going in the opposite direction!

I wish I could remember the comments from all the cheerleaders along the roadway. Most liked my outfit and they all called out words of encouragement for the one biker lady in the upright bike, fancy outfit a ways behind the pack!

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Here is Liv, with all the fancy sleek fast road bikes.  I love how she was one of kind among many!  Pretty much like me – we are a good pair!  

Here is some of the scenery ( I drove back that way and snapped a few shots.)  The weather was sunny, but with a fog roll on the lake and temps near 65 degrees on the shoreline.

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These arrows signaled the turnaround; back to the finish line – I think at this point we had 10 miles to go! AND, it really made a difference to have the winds at my back, knowing I was in the home stretch.  

The last biker lady gets my biggest respect.  She did the swim, and was the last biker girl and, when she crossed the finish line about 20 minutes after me, she began the 5 mile run/walk!  AMAZING!! She is the hero of the Copperman Triathlon!


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The lake had whitecaps, which had us in headwinds for most of the way. Just breathtaking beauty!  And, I saw two eagles on these rocks!!

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Here I am shortly after crossing the finish line!! Two of my daughters were there to cheer me in!!  We forgot to get a selfie; imagine that???

I had wanted to do this in 2 hours. I crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 2 minutes!! I will take it.

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We all completed our segments!!!  We are an older team – the Runner is 61 and I am the 58 year old biker and our swimmer is 57!  

Way to go – US!

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Kicking the legs up enjoying a fish taco!  I did it!!! Yay for me!

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Bike back at the jeep, waiting to get loaded back!  OH MY, it still hasn't sunk in that I was part of a triathlon team!!  

Thanks to Pam and Kenny for being my teammates and for my cheering section -my daughters!  

I hope this inspires others to take a leap out of their comfort zone.  I was way out of my league; but holding my own.

As the athletes were leaving a woman stopped by me and said, "I love your outfit, it had me smiling the whole way!"  

It was good to hear the cheers from other participants, "You go girl" "You got this" "I love your jacket" and "Oh my look at her"  Just a few that I can remember!

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We had a plan to soak up the sun along the shores – but the temps were near 60, with strong winds and the fog roll.

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All in all, a day to be remembered!! 

Thanks to all my cheerleaders online – I am Happy to have your voices with me!

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Responses

  1. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    I just love your story!!! Your outfit is amazing but your spunk and determination are totally inspirational!

    Like

  2. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Thanks for the update, Beth! Very successful event for you and your 49916 team mates. I, too, love your outfit. Wonderful that you are doing these new things that you want to do!
    Delighted for you.

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  3. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    Oh Judy, it was so nerve wracking waiting for it to begin and watching all the real fit athletes and their bikes – I just wanted to get going to see how it would truly be. Once the first cheering section greeted me with kindness and respect for being the unlikely participant, it got better. I had fun with the cheering sections from then on! And, while it isn’t a winning time, it was my best time and I am proud that I completed it just over 2 hours.
    The leader of the women completed hers in about an hour and a half; and that is the whole Copperman!!
    Feeling badass! Thanks for being a wonderful cheerleader!

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