Tri for Fun

For the past 24 years, On Your Mark Events has been hosting the the Tri For Fun series every summer at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton.  It is a sprint tri without a timing chip.  I ran two Tri For Funs last year and the Tri For Real (maybe 3/4 Olympic with a timing chip) because they were...fun.  Generally 50 percent of the people registered are doing their first triathlon.  More importantly, the event is made up of over 50 percent women.  When I was at Escape from Alcatraz a few weeks ago, I was disappointed at what a sausage fest it was.  This really is a male-dominated sport and I think the women come out for Tri For Fun because it's not competitive.  Anyway, you don't have to have a fancy bike, an aero helmet, or even a tri top.  People ride in their old or borrowed bikes, in bathing suits or t-shirts, and are just there to enjoy the day.  There is a clock at the finish, but it's not timed so they joke that you can go run wherever you like and no one would know but you.  

For the past year, I have been encouraging my dad to sign up with me.  I think he is a little reluctant about the open water swim.  Last weekend, we compromised and agreed we would sign up for 5K together.  I knew that if I just got him to the park, he would see how non-intimidating it was and that might change his mind.  So I proposed that he come out to the event and meet me on the run course, which just happens to be a 5K.

The swim went ok.  It was so short, I don't think I found my rhythm.  I was out of the water in 9 minutes and it only took me 3 minutes to transition (much better than last weekend).  The bike was only 11 miles (oh it feels so tiny) and I was done in 39 minutes.  Two minutes for transition and then I met Dad and we ran the course in 40 minutes, which was great for my pace since it is a hilly run.  Most importantly, this was the first time I had actual proof of my improvement over the past year.  Of course, I *know* I have improved, but this was tangible.  Last year, I would be ok with the swim and the bike and then all the women would pass me on the run (meaning I was at the tail end).  This year, men were passing me, too, which means despite their 5 or 10 minute head start in the waves, I closed the gap.  And, I even managed to pass a few men myself!  Plus, you can't argue a number on the clock with a 10 minute difference. 

So it was a good day for me and I got to spend some time with my dad for an early Father's Day and maybe he just might me for the whole thing later this summer or next.