The end of it all is near. Two weeks from today, I will be done with my first sprint triathlon, one way or another. I have emailed them my projected time, which is currently close to 1 and 1/2 hours. This I base hopefully on a complete trial I did a couple of months ago, as well as my current times when I practice the individual legs of the race.
The race is the Nampa Recreation Center Indoor Triathlon. I must swim 1/2 mile in the lap pool, ride 10 miles on the stationary bike, and run 4 miles on the 1/5 mile indoor track. Training for it began in earnest right after our cruise in the beginning of November. I have had the advantages of living with my “training team,” or some of my “competition,” depending on your perspective, which includes my experienced runner husband. I am the slowest racer in my sporting family, so it was encouraging to me to attend the 10 week coaching class at the Nampa Rec Center (NRC) with other first time triathletes.
I also read The Triathlete’s Training Bible
I reviewed (barefoot) running in websites and a concise book
Swimming was improved by studying Total Immersion and the companion DVD, Easy Freestyle. We belatedly found Mr. Smooth, which helped us figure out a few things, but the most helpful thing for swimming was finally signing up for a workshop with Shannon at Flowaquatics. During the class, which was last weekend, I watched her teach students, who were panicked about the water, learn to balance in and enjoy the water while engaging in the first series of drills for freestyle. They had smiles on their faces. As for me, I finally learned how to engage my core, thus taking the pressure off of my arms while swimming, through one simple exercise. I feel like a water skipper (yes, the insect) when I do those drills. I want to move on to breathing with my strokes again, so I will be attending a follow-up coaching session tomorrow, even though there’s not much time left for me to prepare. All of this investigation and coaching has developed in me a new joy in swimming.
During the NRC sessions, we benefited from lectures by experienced triathletes. The main teacher has done several triathlons and is currently training for the Boise Ironman. Whew! He is never condescending to us newbies, but imparts his knowledge to us with grace. Every time we run into him at the NRC, he asks how we were doing and has words of encouragement. If I’m not ready for the event, it’s not his fault.
I decided to invest in triathlon shorts and and top after studying the reviews. One of my biggest challenges with the beginners triathlon was inadequate clothing. I have been very satisfied with my biking and running in this new outfit, but I still need to try it swimming.
Friends have already been asking if triathlon training will be the norm for me. I honestly don’t know. I love how I feel and my clothes seem to be getting a bit bigger. Most importantly, training and racing is something my husband loves to do. Talking about it and preparing for it adds a fun dimension to our recreational time together. I have learned of a local triathlon in Emmett, Idaho. It is completely OUTdoors. The idea of an open water swim is not comfortable right now, but I think I could work up to it. It’s in August, so wouldn’t require a wetsuit. Also, there are lots of officials and volunteers watching out for people. Maybe I’ll have an answer after the race in two weeks.
