@postaday250; #postaday2011.
It’s just a workout. Just a little workout. When I go to masters for swim practice, I swim farther. When I ride my bicycle, I ride farther. So my self-pep talk this morning was all about perspective when I joined a few hundred other women in the 13th annual Na Wahine Festival at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki.
I swam hard today, but obviously I need to work on my time. I rode hard today, and it was the result of months of being the best I can be on a bike. Yay! I knew that because I was doing a swim and a bike ride without the run, I’d need to leave everything I had out on the asphalt. I took advantage of the fact that women I was passing on the bicycle had to save their energy for their runs, the final leg of their triathlon.
So I slammed it! The official times will be listed under the event at pseresults.com. I finished first in my age group, and it looks like my bicycle time was the fastest in my event, but two other women were faster than me in the swim.
I’m not used to being in events. John started doing runs a few years ago, and I don’t really like going and sitting in the car waiting for him to finish. So we usually sleep in while he heads out. But he came with me this morning. I needed him! I was doing my first multi-sport event, and thanks to Margie Davis I had an idea of how to set up my bicycle and my transition area. John helped calm my nerves and checked my brakes for me before I headed across the street to Queen’s Beach for the blessing and the pep talk by KC Carlberg, the event organizer. It was funny when Margie said, “OK, let’s all go hear KC cry!” And of course, she’s fraught with emotion as she addressed the crowd.
After the last finisher completed her tri, a woman in her 80s who finished to a standing ovation, the party began. KC gave out lots of prizes, Frank from Island Triathlon & Bike gave away a FELT bike to a lucky gal. And I got a first-place ribbon! My Twitter buddy @vanryzen competed in a dance off for a fitness membership at the Honolulu Club. She’s got some moves, but she was out moved by a smokin’ hot 50-something chick who was not me!
We had fun, and I think John had fun, too. I’m inspired. Thanks for a great first-time event!
Sent from my iPad
Lavagal 
Congrats! The Na Wahine Festival is really a special event. Of all the bike rides, runs and triathlons I’ve done this one has a spark. A vibe. A feeling that is both fun and safe. Some folks are still hyper-competitive, but in all, the level of intensity/seriousness drops a bit after the finish line. And the awards ceremony/prize give away helps keep the mood light as well.
I’m so happy you had a great first multi-sport event. KC is a doll and she gives so much to the community of women. I love her with all my heart. I hope someday you will give the Try Fitness group a try. Maybe for the Sprint Tri Na Wahine next year! We don’t bite! And there really is nothing like having a group of ladies screaming their asses off for YOU at that finish line.
Denise (I did not have to take clothes off to win the dance competition last year. FYI)
♥«:::S:::» «:::U:::» «:::P:::» «:::E:::» «:::R:::»♥
Congrats to one of the most inspirational gals I have ever known! I’m proud of you my girl! Heather
Congratulations Paula! I adore KC and I’m so proud of her that I cry too. Today was more emotional than usual because of the 9/11 commemoration and song. At least I get to blend into the crowd of women when I cry.
This event was so full of joy. KC is a catalyst who inspires women to relax and like each other. I think all of us generated this force of love, peace, empathy, and estrogen that was irresistible and inspiring. Can’t wait to do it again.
Paula, Did I mention how proud I am of you for training for and doing this event? I’ll come out next year to support you, too. Way to go!
LIKE!