Jersey Girl Triathlon- A Race Review From The Other Side

photo credit: JMichael Herring
Jersey Girl Triathlon 3 mile run

Everyone knows I'm a runner.  While I jump in the ocean pretty regularly in the summer, I would not call myself a skilled swimmer.  And with the exception of my 10 months of residence on the beautiful island of Oahu back in 1994, I cannot remember the last time I rode a bicycle.

Because of the community of athletes that surrounds me, I feel inspired/pressured to put a triathlon on my bucket list.  Obviously, what applies to running certainly applies to swimming and cycling:  If you want to do it more than you want to quit, you will.  My current goal is a triathlon before I turn 50.  Yes, I am giving myself plenty of time. 

Meanwhile, I have had the privilege joy of watching the Jersey Girl Triathlon from the "front row"- from weekday early packet pickup to race morning set up (starting at 4 am) to race site clean up and every single detail in between. It is absolutely beautiful.  Watching closely as pre-race nerves and doubt flourish into courage and conviction is an experience that cannot be described with our limited use of language.  You need to see it, sense it, and feel it through the energy of the participants on race morning.

photo credit: JMichael Herring
pre-sunrise arrival

I was behind the table at packet pick up listening to aspiring triathletes shriek with excitement because what they now hold in their hands proves that race is REALLY happening- and that they are REALLY going to do this.  

I held bikes for athletes so they could grab their timing chip and listened to their banter go from excitement to fear and back and forth again and again before they finally walked off to the transition area.  

I was on bent knee for what seemed like hours (it was probably only minutes at a time) writing ages on calves for athletes who were so anxious that they could barely hold still.  (I scolded those who were reluctant to say their age.  How dare you be ashamed of how old you are when you are about to start a triathlon???) 

I watched crowds roar with excitement at each transition point.  I witnessed many a tearful finish INCLUDING an unforgettable duo of women who crossed the finish line together, hand in hand as the two very LAST.  The entire crowd clapped and cheered for them and I suspect that more than half of the crowd got a little teary-eyed.  

I handed out sandwiches to medal clad first time triathletes who positively BEAMED with prideful delight over what they just accomplished.

Every single woman that competed in that race is my hero.  I don't care how long she took.  I don't care how old she is.  I don't care if she trained her ass off or if she did not train at all.  Thanks to each of you for displaying your fear, strength, doubt, hope, might, and will for thousands of spectators to witness.  Thank you for showing us that all that is needed to push through this type of challenge is the determination to keep moving- one stroke, one revolution, one stride at a time. 

photo credit: JMichael Herring
300 yd ocean swim

photo credit: JMichael Herring
bike transition (11 mile bike)

If you want to redeem or renew the positive spirit, heartfelt encouragement, and general faith and hope you have for the accomplishments of fellow humans, stand at the finish line of a triathlon.  Particularly one that is designed to welcome the new/beginner athlete with open arms. My Jersey Girl Triathlon experience is one that fortified and inspired me.  Revived within me is my determined hope and belief in all people because of this experience.  If you want it, get it.  It's that simple.