to tri or not to tri?
There it is. The question that I've been battling for the past several months. Remember my goal? This is it.
I have absolutely no idea how the idea to even consider a triathlon entered my mind. I can't remember. It's almost as if I woke up one morning and said "I want to do a triathlon" and suddenly, it's all I can think about. I vaguely remember thinking that this was a better goal to strive for than agonizing over the number on the scale.
Obviously, I am not considering anything more than a sprint. I guess when this "plan" (if we can even be so bold as to call it that) formed in my crazed brain, it began as "I am going to do the Danskin Women's Triathlon". A sprint that is women only seemed like the perfect environment for a first-timer. Plus, a half mile swim, 20k bike and a 5k run? I can do that. Right? If JLo can do it after having twins, I can do it. I'm not going to fool myself. My goal is just to finish. Of course, I'd love to not come in last and a time under two hours would be excellent, but I would settle with finishing.
The run part, I can do. I've been running regularly for the past few months. And, I actually enjoy it, which is a complete surprise to no one more than me. The bike part, I can do. Twenty kilometers is about 12.5 miles. I can do it. Now, the swim part? That's more of a problem. My swimming skills are, oh, non-existent. This is a little bit of a problem considering that a triathlon is SWIM, bike, run. So, I sort of need to complete that first part to even be able to do the bike and run parts.
Clearly the biggest obstacle to the swim part is that I need a place to do it. I live in Wisconsin and I'm a realist, so outside is definitely not an option. That leaves inside. In a lap pool. Unfortunately, for me, swimming laps absolutely TERRIFIES me. To the point that the thought of it makes me want to scrap this entire crazy plan. Sure, I can swim. If by swim, you mean save myself from drowning. I can scuba dive and that requires swimming. I had to swim 200 meters to even get certified, so I can swim. I'm just not good.
I've dug up a few training plans that I like and I think this 11-week training program from trinewbies.com seems best for me. I also have found beginnertriathlete.com to be a good source.
I am still not sure on which race I want to commit myself to. I had originally planned on Danskin. I've just heard great things about the course and the event. And, in the past, it's been held in mid-July, which seemed perfect. In the beginning I also considered the Devil's Lake Triathlon, in September. For even a few crazy days, I thought to myself that I could do Danskin in July and if I loved it, I could maybe do Devil's Lake too. Unfortunately, Danskin isn't until September 27 this year. Which is the same date as the Race for the Cure that I do every year. If it wasn't the end of September and the weather that time of year wasn't so iffy, I would probably bail on the Race and do Danskin. I am also looking at the Spirit of Racine Women's Tri on my birthday weekend (which is really beginning to push it if I go with that 11 week training program) and the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon in August that is on the same course as Danskin. There are a few others around the state that I've considered, but, like I said, I just can't commit.
In addition to all of the concerns I've already expressed, there are a million more that torment me daily. Do I really want training to take over my life? What if the race comes and I don't feel ready? I've never done this before, how will I know what to do? What if I panic during the swim and burnout before I even get on my bike? What should I wear for this? How will I handle the transitions? I am going on vacation for 10 days a few weeks before Spirit of Racine, will that totally screw up and ruin all of my training?
What do you think? Can I do it? Should I do it? Should I stick to running for a while? Has anyone done any of these races and can offer some words of wisdom or advice?
5 comments:
DO IT! I've never done a tri and honestly have no desire b/c of the dreaded swim but I know about setting a goal and accomplishing it....seriously, the best feeling ever. It sounds like you've done your research and the more you train and practice, the better you'll feel about it. Just sticking to running is an option, too, but if you want to do the TRI you should just do it. That's my opinion, anyway.
Yes, do it! My biggest hurdle by far was the swim as well, but I found that once I broke down and started swimming laps, it wasn't so bad. I still don't love it, but it is tolerable. Tri's are so fun, and also addicting.
As another option, there is a Trek Women's Triathlon this year in Pleasant Prairie on July 12, which I think was formerly Danskin weekend. I would advise against Spirit of Racine if you are nervous about the swim. I did the half-iron there last year, and the water was 53 degrees. It can also be pretty choppy in Lake Michigan. Lake Andrea in Pleasant Prairie is much nicer (and warmer) to swim in.
Once you commit it will be so motivating to work towards your goal. Good luck! And let me know if you have any ??'s.
No time like the present, yo. Do it!
Are there any adult stroke refinement classes you could take? DC parks and rec has an adult swim class program. MKE might have some too.
Just be prepared for the training being like a second job. A job in the summer when you may want to do some non biking non running non swimming compatible activities. That was the hardest part of training for and endurance event for me; sometimes you have to decline or leave early because you have to train.
GL!
Laura, I would LOVE to do Trek. Unfortunately, we have a wedding to go to that weekend. Otherwise, I probably would have already signed up.
Thanks for the kind words everyone!
I know I'm a bit late but I just wanted to chime in and encourage you to do it. Jim did a sprint tri 2 years ago and I went to watch him. The atmosphere was unreal...I would have joined in if I could. It's on my "to-do" list to accomplish a tri or a marathon. I say go for it. You have absolutely nothing to lose.
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