TriSharkie

My first post. Hmmm....where to even start? First off, I'll blame Waddler and IronSnoopy for getting me interested in blogging and more important into long-distance triathlons. In both 2006 and 2007, I had completed one sprint women's triathlon. In 2008, I completed one sprint and one Half Ironman (Steelhead/Benton Harbor MI) race. Yeah, I know....what happened to the Olympic distance in between? Waddler! She's a great motivator and inspiration but sometimes forgets how to take baby steps....and I, well, I go along with her. I've got to admit, if it wasn't for Waddler I wouldn't be sitting here in Wilmington NC this weekend as a spectator and volunteer for the Beach2Battleship Full and Half distance triathlon races.

We've traveled from Chicago to help, to cheer, to watch, to get inspired, to get motivated, to learn, and to envision ourselves crossing the finish line of the full distance race in 2009. What a lofty goal...and some say very crazy! Yes, we might be crazy to think that we could be among these athletes...these amazing individuals who have dedicated so much time, energy and money; who overcome the physical and mental obstacles of what it takes to become an endurance athlete.

Today I witnessed athletes of young and old and of all shapes and sizes from lean and muscular to roly-poly to athletes with special needs embark on a day long endurance feat. But what is even more impressive and what many people forget or don't see is the endless hours of dedication spent training to get to this day. I remember what it was like training for my Half Ironman; and like so many athletes I spent many hours swimming, biking, and running so that I could put it all together for race day. I remember all the emotions and feelings I had that day including the excitement and the nervousness at the start of the race, the mental anguish and the physical pain of the sport as well as the enormous relief and the complete joy of crossing the finish line. It was hard; it was really hard...but I learned so much. I know I can do it again and I know I can do better.

However, I know I have some limitations/obstacles:

1. I'm slow. I'm a slow biker and a slow runner (my swim is reasonable decent). In 2008, I usually average 15-16 mph on the bike and run at a 10:30-11:00 pace.
2. I'm carrying too many pounds for my frame. I am 5'3" and weigh 149 lbs; and have 29% body fat.
3. I've never ran more than 13 miles or biked more than 80 miles.
4. I have an IT band problem --that causes my knee to hurt after so many miles of biking or running.

Watching the Beach2Battleship race, I am inspired to become an endurance athlete for a full distance race...however, inspiration does not stand alone. I need reasonable and attainable goals. For my 2009 Triathlon season, here are my goals:

1. To follow a triathlon plan that will dramatically help me to become a faster and more efficient swimmer, bicyclist and runner.
2. To lose 5-8% body fat by eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and a proportionate amount of complex carbs and lean proteins that compliment my training schedule.
3. To train in the off-season with a heavy concentration of interval training for the bike and run as well as drill/technique workouts for the swim (includes bi-lateral swimming).
4. To drink an ample amount of water each and every day.
5. To use my foam roller every day (5-15 min) as well as to perform specific exercises/stretch that will reduce and eliminate the pain in my knee from IT Band issues.
6. To perform core exercises in order to strengthen my abdominal and back muscles.
7. To compete in at least one sprint, one Olympic distance, one half distance and one full distance triathlon in 2009. With each distance, my goal is to race to the best of my ability, to follow my nutrition plan, to run with little or no walking, and to complete each race with a PR.
8. To enjoy the training season and have fun during the race.

And so it begins.....splashing, pedaling, dashing to become an endurance athlete!