The Tri

So, it was today. After church, I went over to watch the run leg - to cheer them on. When I got over there, most were already done! Everyone who passed me looked like machines. Pure muscle and looked like they could have kept on running. It was a sight. The dedication they put into this sport is pretty tremendous.
I heard a couple ambulances going into the park - the heat was unreal.
I then left and spent the day with friends in Coney Island.
It wasn't until a minute ago when I got home and turned on the news that I saw that a 32 year old man died in the swim leg. They aren't releasing his name because his family in Argentina hasn't been notified yet. It was horrible. And, apparently the river was filled with jelly fish - and the organizers didn't let participants know to expect them. A girl described being stung on the face - shocked - swam on her back to understand what had happened and then flipping back over and continuing to swim.
I'm going to attach the New York Times article http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/sports/othersports/21triathlon.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin but, not sure you'll be able to read it.
This sport is not for me.
I will stay on dry land and run my ass off. That's what I love and that's what I'll do. I hope the man today was doing what he loved. I really do. And, I so admire those 3,000 people today who pushed themselves so so hard.
The tri chapter closes for me. I will do my 10K in August. Look for a ten miler in the winter. And shoot for a half-marathon next year. That will be my race I think. I want to just concentrate on getting faster and stronger.
This isn't a decision based on fear. It's truly based on just focusing on what I love and what I want to challenge myself with. And, a respect for triathletes - and understanding the immense work they put into this and knowing that's just not what I want to do. But, huge props for those (RACHEL!!!!!) who find it in themselves to choose this path. It truly is a special breed - the triathlete..... I don't think I ever really understood - or respected - that.... until now.
So that's it. Anyone need a wetsuit?? :-)