Earlier this week as I anticipated today’s events, you would have thought that today I would be competing for an Olympic Gold Medal! There is never another experience like your first and today marked a first for me in any triathlon event. I stand in awe of all triathletes, specifically the ones I call friends, Ironmen and women! 36 athletes showed up today for the YTRI in JULY, hosted by the Hattiesburg YMCA, to endure a 400 yard swim in the pool, ride 15 miles on the SPINNERS, and run a 5K through the scenic but hilly neighborhood of Timberton. The Pine Belt Pacers were represented well at this event and Ms. Nan and other YMCA Staff did a fantastic job of organizing and hosting this event. I’ve learned several things from “my first” with the greatest being the need for much encouragement and support from friends and family to train, prepare, and reach goals such as this. My entire family was there to cheer me on and although that may sound silly to some, it carried me through each event, transition, and across the finish line. The weather could not have been better compared to what we’ve had over the past month ~ it was sunny and in the low 80’s as the athletes lined up for a wave start with the first at 8am and the second getting started about 8:40. The pool, without question, is my greatest challenge. Sharing a lane with 2 other athletes made it even more interesting to say the least. Thanks to my great coach (sweet hubby, Kelton) and a few cute cheerleaders at poolside, I made it out of the pool without drowning or knocking out my fellow swimmers. It wasn’t pretty and it was very slow, but I exited the pool in a little over 15 minutes. The stationary bikes were set up outside, and after getting the bike setup in the right position for me, I was off. Spinning 15 miles on those bikes with little or no resistance will kill your legs! Mine let me know this in the first mile of the 5K run after I exited the bike in about 28 minutes. The Hattiesburg Police Dept was extremely helpful and was stationed along Veteran’s Memorial to ensure the safety of the runners. The run was an out and back over a few hills in Timberton, finishing back at the YMCA. Again, the staff tallied the results pretty quickly and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in both male and female categories were awarded some really nice prizes. Each participant received a goody bag with a nice shirt and certificate for framing. I finished the event in 1:16:20, which was well ahead of my original goal the day I mailed off my registration of 1:30. What an amazing feeling! Second thing I learned from this….I’ve GOT to get some swimming lessons and learn the correct way to swim. Never thought I’d do anything like this and want to encourage all of you to set goals, no matter how far you think they may be from your reach. Train. Mentally prepare. Chart your progress. Tell a few friends about what you are doing; they will be a valuable key to you reaching your goals. Never say “I can’t”. Just do your best and smile big when you reach your goal. Michael Sean Hancock came across the finish line first with a time of 58:32.  Jason Wade was the 2nd male finisher 59:14 and Billy McWilliams third with 59:22. Top female finishers and their times: Lauren Hill, 58:56, Meg Barnes, 59:42, and Jodie Lee, 1:03:26
© Christy Turner

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