Monday, September 27, 2010

A birthday duathlon!

I decided to celebrate my birthday this year by participating in my first-ever duathlon. I had so much fun training for the race that I was super excited come race morning. The duathlon was an all-women's race at the Aurora Reservoir just east of Denver. So we went to Denver the night before and swam and hung out at the hotel.

Then we got up at 5:45 a.m. to head to the race site. Here we are - getting set up in the transition area.



And we are off! Somehow I ended up in the very front for the start of the race. It was fun to be in front - at least for a little while. We started with a 2 mile run.




Then we transitioned to a 12 mile bike ride.





Then back to a 2 mile run.





I finished! My unofficial time was 1:40, which I thought was great since I kept pace at a 10 minute/mile run and 5 minute/mile bike (there were some loooong uphill bike sections). I was so thankful I had trained on the hills around my house because the course for the entire race was very hilly! I felt very prepared, and I actually had an advantage because I had always trained with Nate in tow. I felt so much faster when I got out there on my own.




After the race we had lunch at Maggio's - the best Italian food I've ever had! It was fun to celebrate my race and my birthday with my favorite people - my husband and my kids. They gave me some great gifts and we had my favorite dessert - creme brulee. YUM!






Overall it was one of the best birthdays ever! A year ago I would not have dreamed of competing in a duathlon. I wasn't even running this time last year. But I'm very grateful for the ability to run and bike and for a family that wants to share it with me. I am so blessed!

6 comments:

Lorie said...

That just looks fabulous! Glad it was a great birthday and congrats on a successful finish!

Tom Eckert said...

Cristina, how exciting! I am so happy for you. What an accomplishment! That is definitely a good way to stay young. I wish you the best year ever, to follow your fabulous day! I miss you so much. Love, Bethany

Mendy said...

So proud of you! I can't wait to hear all your thoughts while you were in the midst of it all!

Loved that is was on your birthday, too! What a great way to celebrate!

Anonymous said...

Good job! I did a race yesterday too, my first!
Looks like a great day and good food too!
Blessings to you this year!
Jill Goding

Jewel said...

What a fun day!! Looks like you had nice weather, too. Congratulations!

John, Kisti, Maren & Silas Felps said...

SOO PROUD of you! Way to go!