I needed a reason to exercise. With 3 small kids at home, and little motivation to work out, I just needed something to shoot for. The Door County Sprint Triathlon was it. I was somewhat hesitant to commit, not sure if I could pull off the training, but my friend Mical was doing it (also a mother of 3), and with my husband Jason on board I signed on.
Now, to set the record straight, as I always say "I am an athletic supporter, not a jock". So I was not looking for anything hard core. I've never swam competitively, my bike has a big cushy seat with shocks (yes, shocks on the seat), and I really don't like running. But after I completed my first triathlon I was hooked!
For me the key is doing the short distance triathlon, known as the Sprint. Usually a 1/4 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. Each of these are challenging, but doable if you can commit a moderate amount of time to training. Plus, the events are relatively short, so it isn't boring like it might be if you were doing the same thing for an hour and a half. There are longer distance triathlons (in which I have zero interest), but if you're hard-core, like my sister Erica, you just might want to shoot for an Olympic distance, 1/2 Ironman, or full Ironman. Or, if you are totally not into one of the events, there's a relay option too.
I went on to complete 3 triathlons this past summer, and some of the things I've really enjoyed are:
* Jason and I can compete together, but at our own levels
* It has given me a goal for working out and made it much more enjoyable
* The entire event itself is fun - it's a great family-friendly atmosphere
* We've had fun traveling around the state for races
* I've met lots of great people at races, also connected with friends who are competing too
* It's great for my girls to see their mom doing something active and competitive
* My kids are excited about trying it too - what a great thing to do together as a family as they get older
Can you tell I'm excited? In 2011 I have my sights set on the Ripon Medical Center Triathlon at Green Lake, and I want you to do it with me!!!
SO, WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP? Sign on to follow my blog, or e-mail me at erin@madamnutrition.com and I'll keep you in the loop. Invite your friends and family members to do it with you too! I'll keep you posted on when to register, and available places to stay in Green Lake, and give you information on things like equipment rental, training, etc. Later we can get together to train and discuss the actual event.
How exciting Erin! Way to go...I have been wanting to do a triathlon for years. I'm considering this. I just had a baby less two months ago and I'm heading back to work right after Thanksgiving. My world is a little crazy, but you did it, right? I am trying to follow your blog, but it's not letting me...it's user error, I'm sure. BTW- how did you get the links to FB, Twitter, etc at the bottom of each of your posts? I have a blog and have been looking to do this?
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm sure it'll be an adjustment going back to work and getting in a routine, but the tri isn't until July, so you'll have plenty of time to figure it out! If I were you I wouldn't even think about training until after the New Year, so you can get comfortable in your routine don't feel too stressed. I started training when Annie was 6 months old, and I would just go out in the morning on the weekends when Jason was home, or after he got home from work. That's why I like doing this distance, it doesn't really take all that much commitment! As for following - I am just figuring this out, so I'm not sure. The blog does list you as a follower though, but I'll make sure to let you know when I send out an update just in case. I set up the blog through blogger.com and the links to FB and Twitter were just there automatically. It was really easy to use, I'd recommend it. what's your blog about?
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