Kaitlin's content

My First Triathlon

Kaitlin — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:44:59 +0000

On Friday night Mom and Dad got into Champaign and we went to pick up my race packet for the next day. After packet pick-up we decided to get some dinner, and once again I requested Chili’s. Yes, I ordered the exact same thing again, and it was fantastic!

While in the parking lot waiting for beeper to go off that meant we had a table, we adjusted Kelly’s bike that I planned to use for the triathlon. Dad was a genius and brought his tools so that we could get everything squared away. Once we were back home we used the air compressor (that Dad was also smart enough to bring) to get the tires properly filled up.

We called it an early night and Mom and Dad headed to their hotel room. I tried to get to sleep early but it was futile. My roommate had a beer pong tournament going on at our apartment, not that it was the only source of noise on campus. It was a Friday night so naturally it was very loud, I’ve just never cared before because I never go to bed early. Even once it quieted down I was too nervous/excited to sleep, so I didn’t get much rest.

Saturday morning my alarm went off at 6 a.m.—a time I haven’t seen since working at the nursing home last summer. I got cleaned up and ate some breakfast, then Mom and Dad arrived at 6:45 a.m. to pick me up. We headed over to the ARC and I quickly realized that I was surrounded by hundred of serious triathletes. It was fairly intimidating at first, but I couldn’t help but laugh at myself and decide to just have fun with the day.

We headed over to the body marking area and got in line. All participants had to submit a swim time, and your race number was the order of swimmers. The person who gave the fastest swim time would go first, and then there was a 10 second increment between each person. My race number was 225 out of 307 people. My race number was written with permanent marker on each arm, my hand, and then my age was written on my right calf.

My race number became very alarming once I began setting up my transition area. There were many triathlon clubs wearing uniforms, and many people in such uniforms had higher numbers than me. There were also people who were to start after me that had professional triathlon bikes and were clearly very fit and serious competitors. I began thinking that somehow I must have miscalculated my estimated swim time, and therefore been placed inappropriately.

The real reason this could be problematic was because the swim portion was done in the indoor pool at the ARC and it was a snake swim, meaning you swam one length, got to the wall, went under the lane divide, pushed off that wall, and started back the other way in the new lane. Because there would only be 10 seconds between the time I entered the water and when the next person would begin, I was afraid that an embarrassing amount of people would have to pass me before I finished my laps. I seriously considered asking to just be put at the end, but assumed they would not want to deal with changing my race number.

Robert arrived along with Aunt Teresa, Bridget, Mallory, Delaney, Hailey, and one of their friends. It was so nice to have everyone there cheering me on. Mom was amazing and made signs for everyone to hold and it was so great to have so much encouraging support. I was nervous and unsure about how this triathlon business really worked, so it was so comforting knowing I had people there with me.

Surprisingly enough the swim time I submitted was inaccurate in an unexpected way. I was generous with the time I provided in case it was wrong, but apparently I was too generous. I submitted an estimated swim time of 8 minutes 30 seconds, but I swam it in 7 minutes 16 seconds. I passed one or two people, and one or two people passed me. When I was swimming I could hear and sort of see Mom, Dad, Robert, Teresa, and the girls cheering and I couldn’t help but smile and laugh. Mom later said she was worried I’d accidentally swallow some water or something and need a life guard. Overall, it worked out just fine, and I don’t know what I was so worried about.

After jumping out of the pool and running outside to the transition area I once again realized how inexperienced I was at this. I didn’t really know what to do first, and even wasted time on pinning on my race number bib to my shirt because I forgot to do it before the race. I had a pathetic transition time, really laughable actually. It took the first place finisher just 34 seconds in the transition area to put on whatever clothes he wanted to bike in, get his helmet on, and do anything else he needed to do before jumping on his bike and taking off. Somehow this took me almost 8 minutes, which was longer than it took me to swim.

The bike ride wasn’t too bad, although at one point I just kept thinking, “Why are we still headed away from campus?” The bike course was mostly out in the country of Champaign and only had a couple of small hills. About half way through a girl my age who I had talked to in the transition area came up next to me and we started talking. For the remainder of the bike portion we talked, which helped to pass the time and made it much more enjoyable. It was also her first triathlon and she was in college too, so we found a lot to chat about.

The second transition went much faster, only about 3.5 minutes, but my legs felt pretty funny after the bike ride. I changed out of the pants I biked in and put on some shorts, switched my helmet out for a hat, and ditched the sweatshirt I had tied around my waist. I hadn’t trained for the running portion at all, so I knew it was going to be my weakest point—especially considering it was the last leg and I was already a bit worn out.

Oh, for anyone who watches Scrubs, I simply could not stop thinking about JD’s triathlon experience. At one point during the race I actually started to laugh out loud while I was imagining him during the bike portion in first gear pedaling tirelessly but not getting anywhere. Hilarious.

“I believe it's jogging or yogging. It might be a soft j. I'm not sure but apparently you just run for an extended period of time. It's supposed to be wild.”

Once I started running I decided to set one more goal for myself other than just finishing the race: not to stop. I hadn’t needed to stop swimming or biking, so I didn’t want to stop while running either. I decided to just take a really pace so that I could stick with it. I ended up with about a 10-minute mile, very slow, but I didn’t stop so I was happy!

Mom, Teresa, and the girls were on the Quad cheering me on and it was such a nice boost of encouragement. Once I passed them by they moved locations so that they could see me go by again closer to the last part of the course, and they really did it perfectly. They were at the point where I had about a half-mile left, and they were essentially running behind me cheering, “Go Katie, you’re almost done!” It was so fantastic, and even though they couldn’t see my face at that point I hope they knew I was smiling the whole time!

Dad and Robert were waiting at the finish line and it was so great to see them as I ended the race! Because I had taken it easy I really wasn’t too exhausted, but I was definitely glad to be done. I finished my first triathlon without having to stop and it was such a great feeling. I was so lucky to have Mom, Dad, Robert, Aunt Teresa, Bridget, Mallory, Delaney, Hailey, and her friend there and I hope they know how much I appreciate it.

I got some pictures with everyone and said goodbye to Aunt Teresa and the girls. Robert headed off to work and Mom, Dad, and I grabbed a free slice of Domino’s Pizza! I progressively became more and more tired throughout the day, but still ended up going out last night with Robert to see some of my girl friends for the Bulls game and then to an apartment to play some beer pong! It was a relaxing night with food and friends and I got to sleep in, although I sort of feel brain-dead today. This probably isn’t the recommended way to recover from a race, but it was fun. I’m a little sore and expect that tomorrow I will be very sore, but it was definitely worth it.

I decided to give the triathlon a shot just to see what it was like, and I think I’ll keep my eyes out for other triathlons in the area to work for a new personal best. If anyone is interested in doing one with me let me know! You certainly don’t have to have any experience, it turns out no one cares and everyone is just really nice!

Thank you to everyone who was there and to everyone who wished me luck!

Illini Triathlon

Kaitlin — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:46:00 +0000

On May 2nd—one week from today—I will be participating the Illini Triathlon, sponsored by the Illini Triathlon club, the first to take place at U of I. Considering this is my first triathlon, hopefully not my last, and I’m a bit nervous. My only goal is to finish it without being too sore the next day. It is called a “spring triathlon” which means it is a shortened version, consisting of a 300m swim, 11 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. I heard that so far there are about 300 people signed up, which is a pretty good turn out considering this is the first one. Also, participants are allowed to register through April 28th, so more might still join.

I’ve been working out on an irregular basis for the last month or so, admittedly not as long or regimented as recommended by experts. Again though I’m not trying to win it, I just want to try it for fun. Before mailing in my $50 registration fee (Which translates to the most expensive t-shirt I’ll ever buy), I went to the newly renovated recreation center on campus, the ARC (formerly IMPE). I did my own little “triathlon” just to gauge whether or not I should hold off for a different triathlon that I would have more time to train for. I did everything I’ll need to do on May 2nd, which was to swim 300m, bike 11 miles, and run 3 miles. The experiment went better than expected, and the next day my registration form and fee was mailed in.

In order to not look completely ridiculous before I even begin, I purchased a one-piece athletic swimming suit, swim cap, and goggles. I think this will make me look more legitimate than wearing my bikini that is only useful for sunbathing, although once I get into the water I think my amateur status will be immediately revealed anyway. I also bought a bike helmet and some running shorts as well.

I have Mom’s bike on campus that I use to get around, which is the bike I plan to use the day of the triathlon. I think I need to go to one of the local bike shops and have it checked out though because lately it has been making a weird noise. I also think the tires need some air.

I’m bummed out because participants are not allowed to wear iPods during the biking/running portion. I don’t really understand why considering in the Illini Marathon they were allowed to. In the rules it says that the first offense results in a 2-minute time penalty, which I’m tempted to just take. Having my iPod is one of the only things that keep me motivated and not mind-numbingly bored, but hopefully I’ll just be really pumped that day anyway.

I’m excited that some people will be there to support me, including Mom, possibly Dad depending on the weather, and Robert. It will be great to see some friendly faces when I cross the finish line, hopefully not in last place!

U of I : Mom’s Weekend 2009

Kaitlin — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:23:19 +0000

I was lucky to have Mom down to Champaign for Mom’s Weekend. We had a great time together and got to do a bunch! We started the day shopping, just like many other mother / daughter pairs we saw throughout the day at stores. The main goal during the shopping trip was to find some shorts I can throw on over my swimming suit during the triathlon when I transition to the biking/running. Mom ended up spotting a $10 pair at Old Navy that were perfect, after which we went back to Target to return the more expensive ones I had just purchased. Woo!

Once we finished up the rest of our shopping we went to pick up Robert and grabbed some beer. We all had a few drinks at my apartment while we shared the Susan Boyle and Sound of Music / train station YouTube videos with Robert. After much debate we ended up going to Chili’s for a delicious and very filling dinner. Mom had the fajitas, I had grilled shrimp alfredo, and Robert had the bacon burger. Mmm!

After we returned from dinner we decided to go out on the town. First we went to White Horse, an old bar that Mom and Dad once went on a date to! The Illini Med School was selling cups to raise money for their trip to Ecuador, so we pitched in for that, had a beer, and headed out.

Because we’re all Mug Club members at the Illini Inn, we decided to go there next. I asked the bartender if they still had the old books from when Mom or Dad joined the Mug Club, and she said they might, but we’d have to come back when the place wasn’t so busy. When Robert and I joined the Mug Club for my 21st birthday we were around the 59,925 mark. Robert asked her what they were up to as of last night, and she said they just hit 60,600. Pretty good progress from February 21, 2009 to April 18, 2009!

Does anyone else reading this remember what your number is?

Anyway, after that we headed to Kam’s, because Kam’s is just the classic bar to go to. We got a few pictures but didn’t actually go in because there was a line and cover, so we just went back to the Illini Inn!

Around 1 a.m. we headed back to my apartment and all talked for a couple of hours. It was a great weekend and I’m so glad Mom was here for it!

Nursing School

Kaitlin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:40:05 +0000

Sorry for leaving some of you out of the loop on the nursing school situation; I hope this catches you up.

After hours of filling out applications, writing essays, attending information sessions, and going to interviews, the good news is that I’ll be going to nursing school somewhere this coming January, after I finish up at the Big U in December. The bad news is that I really don’t know how I’m going to decide where to go. I’ve been accepted to ISU and Methodist so far, and am still waiting to hear from OSF. All three programs are BSN.

ISU’s program in Normal is accelerated, and therefore crammed into one year. Methodist and OSF are both located in Peoria, and are two year programs. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and I don’t have very long to make a decision.

Again, ISU would only take a year, although I’ve been warned that it will be a very terrible year. It is also difficult to know whether or not there would be a difference of quality in terms of retaining information, etc., considering it is moving along so quickly. The class is very small with only thirty students accepted into the program, and it was definitely the most competitive program to get in to. I would live in an apartment on campus, alone if I am unable to find another girl in the program who needs a roommate as well. Clinicals would be in Bloomington/Normal, but also within a two hour radius, which would make for some very early mornings. Because this program is accelerated, it is from January 2nd-December 23rd, with only “3 day weekends” for “breaks” between the four quarters into which it is broken up.

Methodist has an amazing wing for the nursing school called the Learning Resource Center, which is where all of the nursing skills are practiced before doing them in clinicals. There are different rooms set up as though they are various units, such as ER, OB, a doctor’s office, med/surg recovery, pediatrics, ICU, and a “community room” which is where you practice in-home nursing. Unfortunately, Methodist will be doubling their class size the semester I begin, and that seems like a questionable time to enter a program. Also, they do not have an established masters or doctorate program. I would live in the College of Nursing building in a single-room, the same building I have class in and across the street from all of the clinicals (except when we go to county health departments). Because this is a 2-year program the semesters are the typical length, with spring/fall breaks, summer vacation (though apparently some do internships at this time), and the ability to take weekends off because it is at a slower pace.

OSF has a lab similar to that of ISU, which is essentially a large open room with many beds holding the simulated practice mannequins. I’m sure this is adequate, and obviously all of the same skills must be learned in order to successfully pass the state exam, but it does not seem quite as real or life-like as the way it was set up at Methodist. However, OSF does have an established masters/doctorate program, and OSF employees have first priority on those spots. Also, because OSF is part of a network, if I were to go there and work for OSF, I could work in several different locations. As with Methodist, I would live in the College of Nursing building where I take classes, and do clinicals at the OSF Medical Center next door (except when we go to county health departments, and for my psych clinical, which is done at Methodist, the only psych wing left in this part of Illinois). In terms of breaks, etc., OSF would be essentially the same as Methodist.

There are a lot of other things involved with this as well, such as cost, distance from/ability to see Bean/family/friends, oh, and my sanity. I have been to ISU and Methodist’s full open houses/information sessions, and this weekend Mom and I are going to OSF’s open house. I already sent in a (non-refundable) deposit for my spot at Methodist, and an intent to enroll form for ISU, and I’ll still waiting about OSF. I have about a month to make a real decision, because at that point ISU requires a very large deposit to hold my spot.

Anyway I will stop here for now, because as Bean, Mom and Dad know I can literally go on for hours about this.

I’m headed to the ARC now to swim and bike. Oh that’s something new as well, on May 2nd I’m going to do the Illini Triathlon. I’ll save the ridiculous details about that for another post.

Love you all! Take care,

Kaitlin