I did the East Canyon Olympic Triathlon this year. I trained pretty well and was only nervous about the temperature of the swim. Well I was right to worry, because I had an asthma attack in the water due to the temperature, and did the whole darn Triathlon wheezing and feeling chest pain.
The swim was the worst. I felt so compressed in the wet-suit and I couldn't hold my breath long enough to put my face in the water to complete a stroke. So I did the swim on my side, resting a few times on the kayaks that were life guarding. When I finally finished I slopped myself onto dry land gasping while the sprint tri athletes happily jogged passed me to the bike transition. I felt like a soggy rat, but was so glad to be on solid ground.
The bike was easier by comparison, but still quite challenging. I haven't road biked much this year. The seat and hunched posture were exhausting, but much of the ride was down hill so I survived quite well.
The run was long and hard but I did it! The asthma got worse but I just kept going. And eventually I finished. Avery ran across the finish line with me, she was very proud of the metal I hung around her neck.
Ironically, Liz also had asthma in the water and really struggled through the whole event. She and I kept passing each other, then finished the race together. I felt quite flattered that I kept up with her, even though it wasn't exactly normal circumstances.
I think I will retire from triathlons, at least for now.
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