So, triathlon update. As you've probably noticed, I am alive. I did in fact survive it. Furthermore, I got a medal.
Now, let's be clear: it was a third-place medal, and there were only three people in my category. But it's still very cool, both because it's a medal, and because they don't give medals to people who don't finish. And I finished it. By golly, I finished it. In under 4 hours, even.
Now, mind you, I was the last one to cross the finish line. Which fact was announced very loudly. But it was okay, because everyone there gave me a big cheer. After all, not everyone even finished these things. And they gave me flowers for being the "most honest" triathlete (heh heh heh).
C, who started 5 minutes ahead of me, crossed the finish line 5 minutes and 13 seconds ahead of me... he beat me by 13 seconds. Thirteen measly seconds! Oh well. At least it was close.
It was fun, but a very long and very tiring race. The race bike definitely helped -- I need to improve my bike skills to cut some time off there and leave me less exhausted for the run. Wouldn't hurt to hit a quicker pace in the water, too -- I'm a very strong swimmer, but generally rather slow & steady. I'll have to work on kicking it up a notch. I did walk a fair bit during that last 10km run, but that was as much due to my exhaustion as to my running skills.
Anyway, results are here -- just scroll down to the bottom to see me!