By Ron Harrison

You might think that eight years in the military, being married for 25 years, or raising two daughters (11 and 16!) would leave me fearless? When it comes to one event in the sport of triathlon, I could be considered a bit of a wimp.

Looking for my first triathlon, three years ago, I had two potential events to choose from. One was traditionally known as this area’s season opener and billed as “the toughest triathlon sprint in Florida,” Tallahassee’s Red Hills Triathlon. The other was an ocean swim with a bike and run on a predominantly flat course.

The Red Hills Triathlon, which took place on April 5, features a ⅓-mile swim in Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park’s chilly, spring-fed Lake Hall. This is followed by a 16-mile bike course that rolls along scenic canopy roads and some of Tallahassee’s most challenging hills. The event finishes with a 3.1-mile run along mostly trails featuring a challenging mix of gravel, sand, tree roots, and sharp turns. These challenges seemed too daunting for my first.

I started my second year with more experience and a new “tri bike.” A triathlon-specific “tri bike,” positions the rider farther forward, creating a more aerodynamic position, conducive to speed and endurance. Conversely, a “road bike” offers better stability, braking, and control. Though willing to face my Red Hills Triathlon anxiety, I wasn’t ready to go full tilt. With the potential advantages as an excuse, I wimped out and used my road bike at my first Red Hills Triathlon. I handled the course well and other than being passed by a convoy of faster tri bikes, had a good race!

This year, there was NO way I could wimp out… or was there?! All week, the forecast indicated a high chance of rain and storms. Wet roads would mean that stability, braking, and control could be bigger advantages than raw speed. As I prepared my tri bike, affectionately known as “Giggles,” for battle, wiping down her sleek, carbon fiber frame and lubricating all of her critical moving parts, I decided to pull the road bike down and prepare her… “just in case.” I was trying to wimp out… again!

Then, the “tri gods” sent me a message. The night before the event, the rain chances had decreased! Their message was clear, “Go forth (with your tri bike) and be a wimp no more!,” they bellowed!

At this year’s event, after a decent swim, I mounted my tri bike and she carried me quickly and safely to a personal best! After the event, I reflected on my reasons not to race the Red Hills Triathlon that first year, to use my road bike the second year, and my general anxiety over “the toughest triathlon sprint in Florida!”

My anxiety seems silly now. Because the Red Hills Triathlon is superbly directed by Kathy McDaris and offer an amazing course with professional and caring support and and volunteer staff. Well-attended by scores of fellow athletes, friends, and fans, there is nothing like the motivation of the cheers as you exit the swim or come tearing down the hill to the finish line!

I’m not sure that my newfound triathlon manliness has garnered me much credibility. The wife and daughters seem to still only give me looks ranging from utter disdain to mild tolerance and my fellow triathletes still tease me for naming my bike “Giggles,” but I’m happy to no longer be a Red Hills Triathlon wimp!