Redman 2010: My First Tri

A couple weeks ago, I flew down to Oklahoma City to support my sister Tweets as she competed in the Redman Triathlon 2010.  For a refresher.... this is Tweets:

Obviously, that's Mrs. Tweets there in the middle.  Tweets has been competing in endurance sports since 2001, she's married to Mr. Tweets, and they are the proud owners of two adorable rescue dogs, Tiko and Pearly Gates.  That's the short story.

For years, Tweets has been working up to a full distance triathlon competition.  So that you are properly impressed... A full distance triathlon is a 2.4 swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 marathon via foot.  It all has to be completed within 17 hours.  Completing a full-distance triathlon is the pinnacle of a triathlete's career.  Many triathletes even get special tattoos after crossing that finish line.  It's a huge deal, and you compete in smaller trathlons for YEARS before attempting a full-distance triathlon.  I'm tired just thinking about it.  There are Ironman branded full triathlons across the world, as well as private brands like the Redman.

Last year, Tweets took a first stab at the Redman, but had to drop out 6 miles into the marathon because she got violently ill.  The weather conditions were awful - monsoon rains; and Tweets' stomach went crazy.  She was very disappointed, but was determined to conquer this tri distance and try again this year, in 2010.  We were all devasted for her at the way Redman 2009 turned out, but incredibly thankful that she made it out with no hospital visits.

This Redman event was the very first triathlon that I've attended.  I have to say... it was simultaneously completely inspiring and utterly intimidating.  I cried three times before 7:30a because I was kind of overwhelmed by this kind of race.  Most endurance races have a party atmosphere... not Ironman/full competitions.  These races are deadly serious.

These athletes have been training for this competition for YEARS.  Can you imagine swimming in open water for 2.4 miles?  I really can't, so I was impressed.

Watching the swimmers lumber out of the water is pretty cool.

After the 2.4 swim, the athletes run to their transition area, change out of their wetsuit, and get ready to bike 112 miles!

Here's Tweets locomoting out of Transition and onto the bike course.

The Redman bike course was a series of four laps, each lap being 28 miles.  My sister Billie Sue, my mom, Mr Tweets, and I set up shop along the course, so that we could cheer our hearts out every time Mrs Tweets passed us on a bike lap.  No matter how tired she looked, our job was to say "You're doing great!"  We cheered for all the bikers.  If you've ever run a marathon, or competed in a triathlon, you know how important those onlooker cheers can be.  The athletes need it!

Waiting for bikers to come around the course bend...

Full-distance tris are a long day, even for spectators.  We did a lot of hanging out...

Lots of snackin'...

And lots of picture-taking...

Our day at the Redman was incredibly inspiring.  So inspiring, that I think I'm going to start dipping my toes into triathlons myself!  I love running, but I'd like to get into biking and swimming, too!  Of course... I've got to learn HOW to swim first.  I've got a long way to go.  :) 

Want to know whether Tweets picked up her finisher's medal?  Check back tomorrow for my post on Tweets' results, and UM, it ended in a way none of us could have imagined in our wildest dreams. 

I'm still recovering from the shock of Tweets' race report, if that tells you anything!

Comments

[Des]

wow. I am beyond impressed right now. Like beyond! and I love your sis with red hair! last time I saw her (a million years ago) she was blonde, but the red is super cute! Can't wait to hear how she did!

[Marie]

I'm also super impressed by your sister! I'm completely curious now as to what the crazy outcome is of her triathalon. Can't wait until tomorow!

Also, you and she look so alike! Super cute. :)

[Katie]

I am so incredibly intimidated by the thought of a full tri! I can't even imagine doing a small one at this point. I'm glad you got inspired through this event!