So half the year has gone and I think the huge goal of wanting to complete a triathlon is becoming more of a reality. I wish I was naturally fit but unfortunately I have never been and its hard work for me. I think back to high school now and my claim to fame is not very helpful…the clever kids became lawyers or doctors or professors of something. The athletic jocks who were skilled sportsmen went one of 2 ways: they either became fat and lazy and never did a thing again or they stayed sporty and continued competing in running, cycling, swimming or even triathlons. The beauty queens/models…not a very handy skill when you hit 42 and your looks have way gone.
But hey, I have mind and I have matter and I am told by my mother how stubborn I am so by hook or by crook or by bloody sheer determination I will get this body fit and I will eventually enter AND complete a triathlon. I started swimming training properly in January when I trained for xterra and as you know my 1st and only race so far was incredibly tough. I have since joined a swim squad who swims twice a week and the fact that I have to pay forces me into my cozzie on freezing cold mornings and hit the pool. I swim with real swimmers and I struggle for the whole hour feeling less than adequate. I’m in the lane with the old guy and the older lady with fins. Its hard-core super tough training and I could never make myself swim that hard. My max so far has been 60 lengths no break of continuous swimming. On Friday I did 80 lengths no break. That’s a 2km swim and while I know the pool will never compare to the dam, the fact that I can swim it in one go in under 45 minutes means I am getting somewhere.
Running is a new thing for me and something I thought I could never do. I started in April and I have a very long way to go, literally and figuratively. I still get a stitch and the furthest distance I can do is 8km without stopping but 3 months ago my furthest was 1km. I love the progress of training, the setting of goals and pushing myself. I love the self-discipline it requires. At gym the most I can do is 5km on the treadmill and I am puke tired and puce in the face afterwards but that 5km is done. Slowly, slowly I will get better and faster and more efficient and my personal goal is running 10km solid in 1 hour without feeling like I am dying. I don’t want to run 21km or 42km or any marathon distance. 10km, 1 hour, yes please. This morning Angela and I did the 5km parkrun in 29 minutes through the vineyards in the light rain. Gorgeous!
Cycling you ask. Well that remains the little problem but I am 1 step closer. I have now finally ordered the bike which should arrive next week. I was even nervous and embarrassed cycling in the parking lot testing the bike but I didn’t fall off and I could actually still ride a bike. That rock hard saddle scares me but the salesman assures me a postman’s bike big seat will not be more comfy. I know I should try a spin class but that scares me too. Next week I will find somewhere safe to ride and practice and just start. It’s always the starting that’s the hardest, setting your goal and taking the 1st step.
PS. If anyone wants to train with me the 1st tri is only around November and it’s a sprint so short distances. Also newbie cyclists or runners welcome to join us too. My fellow partner in crime who is keen to do the tri with me is 29 years old so I need a few ballies my age!
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