New Brighton Triathlon
I did my second triathlon last Saturday morning in New Brighton. The weather wasn’t bad like last years, but being that it was early June the water isn’t warm yet in the lakes. The temperature was around 65 degrees and the triathlon web site said that wetsuits were “recommended, but not required.” I don’t own a wetsuit and I wasn’t about to buy one the week before a triathlon, never having used one, so I decided to tough it out.
I was NOT prepared for how cold 65 degree water feels. It’s unbelievable. I got into the water about five minutes before starting to get used to the cold, and it shocked me. I couldn’t breathe and I was SERIOUSLY considering just walking out, getting my stuff, and leaving. It was that cold. But, I had made Erin get up before six on a Saturday morning, and I had also recently bought a bike for this purpose, so I figured I better stay.
The swim was absolutely horrible. It took me nearly thirty minutes to swim a half mile (that’s real slow). The bike was fourteen miles and went much better, but my lack of training was showing during the run as my legs were weak. I had to stop and walk several times.
But, I finished and that’s fine by me. I knew I was going to get a crappy time as soon as I started, so that wasn’t a shock. My final time was 1:56 I think. The winner’s time was something like 1:01 which just blows my mind. In the time that it took me to do the bike, this guy could nearly complete the whole triathlon.
(Erin thinks I look like a big dork in this one. I have no idea why I’m smiling, I’m NOT happy 
Rett said,
Wrote on June 13, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Well I guess if you’re gonna look like a dork, it’s best to look like a happy dork
Joe said,
Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Ben, way to go man. Hope you are proud. I have been in water that cold once, and I have NO motivation to do it again.
Side note, we went to The Modern Cafe tonight, and it was GREAT! When ever you two go, let us know, we would love to go with you, the food is well worth it.