Done Worse

It all started out last summer when my friend and neighbor, Marie-Pier, enrolled in a weight loss program at the University of MN. She was motivated and on track, but wanted to make sure she didn’t lose momentum. She told me she had a great idea: why didn’t we both sign up for the YWCA Women’s sprint tri (swim 500 yards, bike 15.2 miles, run a 5k) to push us both to get in better shape and be healthier.I was instantly worried that her program had caused a brain aneurysm leading to mental instability and delusions. Me, a triathlon?!?!  I like exercising and all, but I haven’t competed in an athletic event since I was in my 20s, and even then I was only ever a short distance swimmer. Upon further reflection, however, it did make sense to challenge myself, and it’s never a bad thing to get in better shape. So I gave her a tentative yes, depending on how I held up along the way. If increasing my workouts resulted in my knees exploding or body parts falling off, well then I was out.

Thus was the start of our year long program to get triathlon ready. I quickly learned that getting in competition shape in your 40s is almost completely, absolutely not, like getting in competition shape in your teens. Your body has a much stronger opinion about what you do to it, and it is not afraid of expressing its displeasure. But we soldiered on, and we added longer bike rides/swims, walks (my knees can’t take running) and bricks (when you combine them). By spring we were looking good and SO HAPPY to be able to go outside again (Our indoor Y track is 14 times around for a mile. I don’t think I’ve done so much counting in my head since kindergarten.)

Along the way I got a fancy new road bike and I joined the spandex people who shout “on your left” as they whiz past. (Mike points out that I am probably a little too excited about that part… as if that’s possible!)

I am happy to say we rocked our race on August 17th. Both Marie-Pier and I got our goal times and felt good. I was particularly proud of my bike time, as I went from casual biker to placing in the top 15% of bike times overall. Not bad for a year’s work! Jackson was able to join me to cross the finish line which he seemed to enjoy… though it did NOT mean he got my medal (he seemed to think that should be part of the deal.)

Needless to say, I consider it an overall win and I think there may be more tri’s in my future 🙂

More photos can be found at this gallery

Race times can be found at http://www.mtecresults.com/race/show/2466/2014_YWCA_Women%2527s_Triathlon-Individual_Results

Event details can be found at: https://www.ywcampls.org/events/womens_triathlon/

2014 YWCA Women’s Triathlon – Individual Results
Kirsten Jaglo        Age: 43             Residence: Minneapolis, MN
Show All Results for Kirsten Jaglo

Overall: 433 out of 962
F40-44 Age Group: 68 out of 141    (See complete F4044 results)