Why I Tri

My journey began in early February when my dear friend, April, sent me a link to an upcoming triathlon and simply stated that she was looking for someone to do it with her. It was always something we had talked about doing together "someday". Well, she got serious much earlier that I thought she would, found our first triathlon, and so it began. I got excited and quickly signed up the the Woman of Steel.

I run on occasion and love to bike, but the swim had me worried. The swim leg of this tri is in a pool, which makes this a perfect one for me to start on. I put myself to the test one night and went to the pool. I can swim, right? I had taken lessons when I was a kid and there's nothing to it. After gasping for air every 20 meters or so, stopping at times, and nearly passing out underwater, I knew I was in trouble. I called April on my drive home and said, "What the heck have I gotten myself into?" Let's just say that the last several months I have spent most of my training in the pool. It has gotten easier as my body and lungs have adjusted, but I still can't quite master that darn flip-turn. One thing at a time.

Todd has been amazingly supportive throughout all of my training and fitti purchases. The kids, well, I wouldn't say they are fully supportive, but it's only because I don't think they quite understand. Just last night as I was lacing up my shoes for a run, Kendra flung herself on her bed and said, "Uhhhh, why are you going AGAIN?" She, in particular, doesn't like me to leave at nights, yet she has also anticipated this race almost as much as I have, so I know she's excited for me.

So, I purchased a competition suit, tri shorts, a jersey, a bike, a swim cap and goggles and new running shoes -- and now it's here. This Saturday I hope not to die. In fact, my goal is simply to cross that finish line still breathing. April sent me an email the other day that I hope she doesn't mind me posting, the title the same as mine above. It got me thinking about my own list of reasons. Here are hers:

A good summary of why we are doing this on Saturday:

to feel the wind in our hair,

to feel our muscles and body strain and work

to hear our heart pounding in our ears

to push past the point of pain and fear

to conquer not one, but three sports in one huge leap

to brag to our friends and families about our race day adventures

to conquer that which is unconquerable

to simply feel healthy, vibrant, and alive.
That sums it up for me!
~April

Now for mine. Why I tri:

1. After caring, feeding and doing for 4 kids every day, I simply wanted to do something for me, for nothing more than just edifying my body and soul.

2. To make a goal, REALLY work for it and achieve it--ahh, that will feel great!

3. I've always wanted to do one. I can check it off on my life's goals.

4. I never did sports in high school (a regret) so a good dose of healthy competition will be pure fun!

5. It's a great way to get in shape.

6. Sweat, during a great workout, is my therapy.

7. Bragging rights. C'mon, if you've ever accomplished something like this, you know what I mean.

8. I hear there is chocolate at the finish line. Can there be a greater reward?

So, I will either come out of this on Saturday saying I will never do something like this again or, who knows, maybe, just maybe, I will become an addict to the sport. I'll let you know. . .