For the past month and a half, I have begun a strict triathlon training program. Why?
1.) I wanted to have a goal to work towards for my fitness. Something that would actually get me to the gym, instead of just the thought that I should really exercise. I am a huge goal maker and accomplisher.
1a.) This goal has led to other smaller goals such as working on my 6 pack, getting rid of the rest of the belly fat. Oh yeah. :) Saying no to the sugary and salty substances more often than I say yes. Going to the gym that I am paying money at, for membership, even if it is 9:00 at night when I finally have time to go, and I have to be at work the next morning at 6:30am.
2.) A Triathlon is something I really want to compete in. Take a marathon, never want to do it as long as I live. Running for 26 miles... why??? I have plenty of friends who have participated in marathons, even multiple times. They are amazing to me. But honestly I just don't want that kind of awesomeness in my life. :) Again with the running 26 miles...why??? But break up that workout through several different cardio activities, that is what I am talking about.
The distance I want to compete in is a Sprint. I am a beginner, not ready to kill myself trying to begin an Olympic distance. A Sprint normally is a 700m (~.43 mile) swim, 20k (~12.4 miles) bike ride, and 5k (~3.2 miles) run.
The training I am following is specifically for beginners who may not have spent much time doing any running, swimming, or biking previously. It helps to build up your cardio capacity in an 11 week time frame. I think it is amazing how quickly your body can adjust and be able to handle working harder. Your heart is AMAZING!!
#1 Dilemma I have come across is actually finding a Triathlon to compete in. Here in Austin the Triathlon's I have found to compete in are on Sundays other than on Labor day and Memorial day. I had barely done a week of training by Labor day this year, so I was not ready by any means for that. Some people could pull that off. Let me remind you that I am a beginner. Memorial Day is just so far away, and I wanted a closer date. Sundays I do not want to compete on for personal reasons. For me that is part of the way I keep the Sabbath Day holy.
So how do I get around this dilemma. I create my own event and invite my friends to come cheer and or participate however they would like. Perfect solution. It can be on the day I want it to be, and I get to do it with people I like. As opposed to those that I do not like. :P
