Over the next few days, I am certain I will interject thoughts about yesterday's Danskin Triathlon - what went through my mind pre-race, women I met, feelings both emotional and physical that coursed through me all during the event.

There are so many individual moments that I'd like to capture in words, but right now many of them are jumbled together in this overall moment of elation coupled with a bit of physical exhaustion. Well, perhaps not exhaustion but I am pretty darn sore!

Best of all, J did a fantastic job in her first event, and I had a grand time racing with her. It made the whole experience much more enjoyable - racing with a buddy. I noted to her that this was the best (even though it was the longest distance) swim I ever had because, mentally, I focussed on reminding her to inhale deeply, keep kicking, "we're almost there" etc. etc. Thus, I kept up a breaststroke for the entir 1/2 mile without thought of needing to switch for resting. I never felt my heart rate go up too high, never had that feeling of panic that there was x-amount left to go while my body became weary.

Best of all, was the elation plainly evident on the faces of J's mom and dad, cheering as we emerged from the water, hands raised victoriously.  It reminded me of that look on my dad's face after my first tri, which is etched in my mind. The love of a parent, that with one glance, says, "You DID IT!!!!!"

Perhaps also, it was the overall theme and intent of this particular event to be highly encouraging and nurturing to each woman's inner-athlete that made it seem "easier" and more enjoyable. It was as if all 3500 women participants plus the event staff, volunteers, and spectaotrs were cheering for EVERY participant.  It wasn't a comptetition as much as a huge, sweaty ego-hug and "you go girl" fest!

I was dubious about this triathlon due to the scope of it (one of the largest sprint-distance tri's in the WORLD!) and the single-gender thang, fearing cattiness of competing against only women. As it turned out, we met so many cool women of all ages and backgrounds. I was touched by a mother and daughter racing together who had made the trek from Minnesota for the event. It was the first triathlon for both of them but they each seemed to know their weaknesses and strengths and merely had to overcome prerace jitters to make their way through the course.  J spent time talking to a neat lady in her 60's who hoped to be an inspiration to her grand-nieces. While we expected an overriding "sorority girl" mentality, we found quite the opposite. Lots of teamwork, sharing, and positive energy.

I think any woman wishing to get in shape and then test herself, should consider finding out if a Danskin event is planned in her area for next year and then start training NOW for it.