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Monday, September 7, 2009

Triathlon Training - Really?!

Ok, so I've put it out there to the universe that I'm ready to start preparations for training for a triathlon. Totally odd. I've never really learned how to swim (I can stay afloat and kick and sorta sideways breathe, but you know...appropriate form and such), I've never been much of a runner, and I don't even own a bike. And yet, I still want to pursue it.

I'm not an unfit person, but I'm very quickly learning my limits. (I work out almost daily with the elliptical & / or weights, but ran outside yesterday...and am still feeling the pain!) A lot is also going to hinge on a dr.'s appointment I will make tomorrow. With spinal injury & knee problems, I have pain almost daily. And yet, I still want to pursue it. (Making sure I use all available resources to do it correctly.)

Our family randomly drove past a huge sale on bicycles at a specialized shop while out of town today and ended up stopping to check it out. We learned a great deal and appreciate the message from the universe that this could be the right time! (Oh, my husband has expressed a desire to train with me...yea!)

We're asking friends, medical professionals, and researching all over the internet as to the best way to proceed. I'll be visiting the YMCA tomorrow to check out the pool schedule & possible availability of any free training sessions (primarily for swimming). I am terrified of all of the things I am going to have to learn, what this may do to my body, the financial investment (WOW are bikes expensive!), and the ultimate lifestyle change this committment entails. And yet, I still pursue it.

It is the excitement, the discipline, the challenge, the fitness, the friends who've been there, done that, the coolness of saying "I'm training for a triathlon", the unexplainable joy of saying "I've completed a traithlon"...the sheer magnitude of it all that keeps me going.

Once I've got the ok from the doc, I'll start posting updates here (to keep me accountable to the faceless beauties who read this blog).

I'm a mommy, a wife, a goddess, a yogini, a crafter, an artist, a photographer, an avid reader, a wine lover, a philosopher, a detail-oriented freak, a magnet-for-all-kinds-of-deeper-wonderment, and hopefully, oh-so-hopefully, soon......a triathlete.

6 comments:

  1. rock on!!! I think that is awesome that you are pursuing this.

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  2. Whoo hoo - thanks! The support DEFINITELY keeps me going. I can't wait to get the Dr.'s ok to get started...the energy is overflowing. :)

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  3. Good luck, Lisa! Here's a bit of advice from a friend that helped me when I was training to run a (measly) 5K and being pretty hard on myself: "The first time, victory is found in just DOING it. Don't worry about doing it WELL." Of course there is also the wisdom of Yoda: "Do or do not do. There is no try." :) Best wishes! Brooke

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  4. Brooke...WONDERFUL advice! We're really doing this...whether we end up just doing training or doing the actual triathlon(s). Either way, it feels awesome. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

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  5. You go chica!!! I am totally rooting for you!!! (rooting...is that how you spell it?!?!)

    In March I started running for the first time in my life...and planned to do a half marathon in January here in Phoenix. I had my heart set on it so bad. But in June I massively injured my foot and just now am slowly starting to heal. I've had to put the half marathon in January on hold for now...and maybe shoot for something later....so please...please put me in your heart when you do this triathalon--it would mean the whole world to me!!!

    Peace & Love.

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  6. Connie - Oh my GOODNESS you are in my heart with every step (and pedal and swim stroke) I take! If my body hangs in there we'll run together (in spirit) and if my back or knee decides it isn't ready for this, we'll heal together! Here's to both our next steps... :)

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