On Oct. 9 I finished my first Triathlon! A few years ago I decided that I wanted to do an Ironman Triathlon and so I signed up for the Ironman Arizona. As the date grew closer I didn't feel like I had trained enough and had some other life events happening (changing jobs, finishing my degree, etc.) This led me to not attend.
Later while browsing through a blog on training material for an Ironman I read about the Spirit of 78 Triathlon. The Spirit of 78 is an Ironman Distance race in Porto, Portugal that is held yearly in commemoration of the original Ironman race. Entrance is free and racers are chosen through a drawing. I was unable to attend the first year I entered due to Covid, however this year I was determined to participate. I drew number 78, a great number! Once again as the date approached I felt I had undertrained but committed to attend regardless. I didn't want to deal with the logistics of shipping my bike so I rented a bike and helmet for the race. The helmet I rented was very dirty and falling apart so the day before the race I purchased a cheap helmet at a local sports store. I felt this would add to my authentic experience! New equipment the day before the race, rental bike I hadn't ridden before the race, why not?! I'm always up for a good challenge!
At the start I quickly setup my gear, however just before the race start I locked my keys in my vehicle. Luckily I was already setup so no big deal other than stressing about how I was going to get the car unlocked after the race. The start was foggy and I was nervous. I enjoyed the swim and finished about midway through the pack. On the bike I started a little too strong and ended up falling further and further behind with each lap. I tried to keep myself hydrated and forced myself to eat to stay up on nutrition. Halfway through the bike I didn't think I could finish the race but committed to finishing the bike and then seeing if I felt I had the energy to continue. The bike course was beautiful and there were some very strong bikers! It was so much fun and the energy of the race was great! As I finished the bike I just couldn't bring myself to call it quits. I committed to the run and put the hammer down. At that point in the day the "hammer down" for me meant a combination of running and walking and doing whatever I could to keep moving forward. I eventually finished late in the day! I was the last male racer to finish and earned a coveted participation trophy. Through finishing I also earned the opportunity to attend again next year!
I loved every minute of the race and can't wait to go back! I guess now I would be considered a triathlete, although I have only every completed this one triathlon. If you don't know or are curious, an Ironman distance race is a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run (marathon). One of the unique things about the Spirit of 78 is that the race is unsupported. Racers are required to bring their own help, food (nutrition) and the race course is open to normal traffic. The road course had a pretty good amount of vehicle traffic.
Some might ask why I had a moustache and why would I bike that distance in a speedo. I know I looked a little bit weird and I don't care. I had to embrace a little bit of my weird self for this race. As part of the race and to be more authentic they asked all to have a beard or mustache (males), race in a Speedo with a sleeveless top and if possible use a steel or aluminum bike to simulate the first Ironman race. Not all followed the guidelines but those who really got in the spirit tried to follow them as close as possible. If you were curious, yes it is painful to do a 112 mile bike in a speedo!
I didn't have time to snap any pictures but here are some of myself and other racers and the course taken by a real photographer that was kind enough to attend and catch these great moments for all participants. I might be crazy but I can't wait to get back at it! Find ways to push yourself and grow! If I can do it, anyone can.
