I’m Doing a Triathlon

Stock image courtesy Shutterstock.com

Way back in December, I did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time — sign up for a women’s triathlon. For those who’ve met me in the past few years, this may seem a tad ambitious. I’m definitely carrying around a few… well more than a few extra pounds. I haven’t led the most active lifestyle since having children.

But back in the day — as recently as 2001 — I really enjoyed doing sprint triathlons. When I lived in Texas before, I’d done as many as 5 triathlons in a season, and it was a lot of fun (as well as very challenging). It didn’t matter that I wasn’t particularly fast. I enjoyed the variety of sports and loved getting outside and pushing my limits. In New York, I did a couple in gorgeous Harriman State Park. But somewhere along the way — probably when I got pregnant — my fitness level and motivation slipped away. Now, they’ve slipped so far away, I am sometimes afraid I’ll never find them again.

When I signed up for the race in December, my intentions were to start training right away. I had plenty of time to do the Couch to 5K running program, and by the race date in June I expected to be in pretty good condition. Or at least a lot better than I started out. Sadly, that hasn’t happened. Without a training partner or some kind of external motivation, I’ve pretty much kept up my slothful ways.

Then, I started observing my husband. He’s always played soccer, and, upon moving here, he set about finding a soccer team. The thing about a team is… there are set times and dates for practices and games, and you’re expected to be there. If you’re a good player — and my husband is pretty good — the encouragement from other players is even stronger. It’s a social activity, and you keep each other accountable. I needed the same sort of thing for triathlon.

So, tonight, after much hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing, I signed up for a high-priced training program. It involves 2 training sessions a week — one weekday evening, and a weekend morning — and a training program for the other days. I’ve corresponded with the coach, and she has already been very supportive and encouraging, letting me know that all ages, fitness levels and body types are welcome. Thank goodness for that.

All this to say I’ll be chronicling my efforts here occasionally. Stay tuned for updates from the comeback. I’m scared to death (mostly of failure), and I’m also incredibly excited to get started on this new adventure.