I didn’t know what I was doing.
I just knew I was showing up.
That was my mindset going into K-Town on the River Triathlon, my first ever triathlon. No expectations. No real idea how it would go. Just a decision to get to the start line.
Because not that long ago, this wasn’t even something I thought was possible.
Race Morning
Race morning hit different.
There’s something about lining up for your first race where everything feels new. I remember looking around thinking:
Everyone here has done this before… I’m just trying to figure it out.
People had routines. Transitions dialed. Gear perfectly set up.
I had a basic plan and hoped for the best.
But I was there. And that mattered.
The Swim (1,459 yd – Downstream)
Time: 23:33
Pace: 1:37 /100 yd
This was the part I felt the most confident in.
Growing up competitively swimming definitely helped, but open water is a different game. It’s crowded, chaotic, and there’s no wall to grab when you need a second.
The downstream current helped, but it was still a lot to take in. People everywhere, trying to find space, trying to settle into a rhythm.
Once I did though, it felt strong.
That was the first moment where I thought:
Okay… I can actually do this.
The Bike (15.17 miles)
Time: 1:16:52
Avg Speed: 11.8 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,175 ft
Avg Power: 164 W
This is where things got real.
The course had more elevation than I expected, and I learned quickly that pacing matters. It’s easy to go out too hard, especially when adrenaline is still high from the swim.
I didn’t ride it perfectly, but I stayed steady.
No major mistakes. No blowups.
Just kept pushing forward and figuring it out as I went.
The Run (5K)
Time: 48:13
Pace: 15:31 /mi
This is where triathlon really shows you what it is.
Your legs don’t feel like your legs.
Everything feels off.
And this becomes a mental game fast.
You’re not just running—you’re convincing yourself to keep going.
Step by step. No shortcuts.
The Finish
Crossing that finish line hit different.
Because it wasn’t just about completing a race.
It was proof.
Proof that I could do this.
Proof that I belonged out there.
Proof that this journey is real.
And then I saw the results.
3rd place in the Clydesdale division (220+ lbs).
I didn’t show up expecting that.
I just wanted to finish.
But that moment? That flipped a switch.
What This Race Meant
K-Town wasn’t just my first triathlon.
It was the moment everything became real.
Before this, Ironman 70.3 felt like a big goal.
After this, it felt possible.
It showed me that I don’t need to have everything figured out.
I just need to keep showing up and keep moving forward.
What I Learned
- You don’t need to be ready to start
- You figure things out in the process
- The first race is the hardest mentally
- Progress doesn’t have to be perfect
This Is Just the Beginning
That race was step one.
Now the focus is bigger.
Now the goal is Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga.
And I’m not starting from zero anymore.
Forward Is Still a Speed
I didn’t have it all figured out.
Still don’t.
But I showed up.
And now I’ve got momentum.
Full Race Data
If you want to dive into the full stats and breakdown:
👉 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/16664034079
