Pages

Mar 30, 2013

Time to face my fear -- oh crap!

I remember when I first started racing running events.  I did my first 5k in 2010 at the Corktown 5k.  I was freaked out.  I didn't know what to expect.  I didn't want to be last.  I didn't know anything about races but it was something I wanted to try.  Maybe it would be something to help me continue to improve in regards to running?  Well.....#41 races later with distances from 5k to the full marathon, I'm happy to say that I love racing.  I. Love. It.

Now I don't race as much as some of you but I do tend to get 10-15 races a year in.  This year I have even more.  Road races or trail races - they are all fun to me.  And, of course, I've gotten over my fear of it.  I can't imagine not racing and just running.  I need that next race to keep me motivated.

So, as some of you know, I have been contemplating something for a very long time(over a year actually).  What you ask?  The Triathlon.  No, I'm not talking Ironman.  Just a Sprint triathlon.  But again I'm freaked out!  More so than running!  Seriously freaked out!  What if I'm last?  What if I can't do it?  What if I don't finish?  What if?  What if?  What if?

What's my fear you ask?  The swim....The bike.....The run - yes, even the run because all three are together.  Of course, my real fear is the swim.  Then my bike breaking down.  Yes, I know how to swim but really I have no swimming experience except at our cottage in the summer up north.  That's about the extent of it in the last five years and frankly I'll probably just wing it on the training for this.  Even the bike, I've done some riding but really nothing more than 10 miles.  The run I can handle, but can I handle it after the swim and the bike?

So..........

This happened yesterday:
See Tri To Finish website(click HERE)
Map of the Swim, Bike(two loops on trails), Run for the Sprint
Distances
Elevation
It's time to face my fears.  What's the worst that could happen?  I don't finish?  I come in last?  This year I WILL be a triathlete!  What better way to start than a race on my training grounds?  The race includes a t-shirt, medal and race photo!  It's not a huge race and it looks like a fantastic race company.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time!
If you are interested in knowing more about their events in Michigan, go to their website, HERE, Facebook page, HERE or their Twitter page, HERE.  If you are interested in joining me, prices go up on April 1, so hurry!
----------------------

10 miles on the schedule this morning.  Ran out at Paint Creek Trail.  Ah, the trails are a wonderful thing.  I love the trails.  They are made for me.  I must be on trails for the next 8 months on weekends.

---------------------

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!

11 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good luck with this adventure! I think you'll do great.

    I won't say I don't swim, but I really don't enjoy it and doing it outside of a pool would probably freak me out. So, you probably won't see me at a triathlon unless it is running, biking and something else (I've seen rowing before) any time soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats! I would love to tri, but I can not swim so it is out for me. I wish you luck.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've done two sprint length tris - much easier than a full marathon. You'll do great!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha. I hope so. I'm not sure I would compare the two.

      Delete
  5. How exciting!!! All of those are fears of mine, too but I know you have nothing to worry about! Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congrats! I can't wait to see how you do!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations on signing up! I did my first sprint 3 years ago. Don't worry about the swim. I didn't have any competitive swim background either. Have fun and take it all in. And remember its a process. The first few races are more about learning how to get from swim to bike to run. I agree with Michelle. You will do great.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congrats on tackling the fear head on! I have the triathlon fear- mostly just a fear of swimming in open water. My friend asks me what's the worst that could happen and I say "I could die". Yeah, I'll probably never do one, but I'm very inspired by those that do.

    ReplyDelete
  9. yeah!!! Congratulations on facing your fear and going for it! Ironman is up next.....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Don't worry about the swim... When I first thought about doing an Ironman I could only swim across the pool because I could hold my breath that long...

    If you ask me now I will tell you the swim is the easiest leg of an Ironman...

    ReplyDelete