Congratulations, It's a Triathlon!

So I was thinking the other night, as I sometimes do, and I realized that this whole triathlon experience is kind of like being pregnant. (It's so obvious, right?) First of all, the whole thing begins way in advance and takes months to complete. It was way back in the spring when I was first toying with the idea of actually doing this race and I have now been training for over 6 months. Once you then commit to competing you get to announce it to everyone! You take great pride in the reaction you get from people when you tell them your "news". People are happy for you, surprised, etc- much like when you tell them you have a bun in the oven. Next comes all the preparation. First you start reading articles online about being a "first-timer", what "gear" is absolutely necessary and what isn't, much like the new mom who wonders if they should go with the totally awesome epidural or if splurging on that diaper warmer is a good idea. This mirrors my experience exactly. And I have learned, (just in case you were wondering) that first-time triathletes only focus on finishing-not competing, they use any bike they currently have, and only spending money on the running shoes is really worth it. Then, little by little, you acquire this gear as time gets closer to the race. Next you read others' blogs and figure out what your new diet should be. Carbs, protein, powerbars, watermelon and pickles?? You start making a list of what really applies to you and what doesn't. And eventually you start getting asked the two perpetual, unending questions: 1.So when is the race? (i.e. So when are you due?) and 2.So are you ready? (i.e. So are you ready?) Then you politely tell people when the big day is and say something like "As ready as I'll ever be" or "I think so". They also ask you if you are nervous or excited. You usually say "both" or something like it. But the race looms over you and by the end you are saying things like "I can't wait for this to be over" or "I wish the race were right now"- just like those last days of third trimester misery. Thankfully, though, I am not sure that people will be able to physically look at me and know that I did my race. Unless I leave my body marking on and wear it to Stake Conference- which is a tempting thought. This assumes, however, that I am going to Stake Conference. I might crash and burn LONG before 7pm comes around. But I would get a sweet seat (being in my wheelchair and all...) But the one big difference and best difference is that I can SLEEP after this whole thing is over and no medical bills! Who-hoo! Except if that gator finds me in the lake. Not cool. Oh, and in the time it took to write this post, Luke has taken off his diaper, and is in the living room window dancing for all the world to see. Good thing for tall hedges. ;)