I feel like I’m all triathlon talk all the time right now. On social media, on the blog, in real life it’s all I can talk about. I’m both terribly nervous and extremely excited, but right now excitement is winning. Beyond anything all I can think is that I’m about to accomplish one of my major fitness goals. My #1 goal, actually. It might not be number 1 on my goals page but it’s always been number 1 in my mind. And now I’m only days away from crossing it off my list.
In just 6 days I’ll be doing this:
Well, 300 m, 8 km, and 3km. But still. Crazy. Awesome.
Please forgive me if this week I talk about nothing else. I’ll try but I can’t make any promises. I’m just too excited about it.
Tri Paperwork
Last night I recieved my “participant’s notes” from the tri organizers. I’ve now been informed of the rules, the start times, the race routes, and all the other details. It feels real now. I can’t to pick up my race stuff on Saturday. Once I have my number and timing chip and swim cap and all such things I might just die from the excitement and anticipation.
Swimming
This morning I finally learned how to swim. Or at least that’s what it felt like. I had been having trouble swimming even 300 meters, which is the distance of the triathlon swim. I kept getting tired and during the ocean swim I had to stop so many times I doubled my regular time in the pool.
I went to the pool this morning to just swim as far as I could with no real goals in mind other than to swim at least 600 meters. I swam the first 75 meters and I was already tired. I had to stop to catch my breathe and then I swam another 75 and needed another break. I realized at that rate I would be stopping way too much during the swim.
So I tried something different. I swam slower.
After the first 150 I started again and swam slower. It was much easier and I felt fine after 50 then 75 then 150 meters. I actually swam 400 meters before needing to take a break. It was amazing and a total confidence boost that I needed after the past few swims I’ve had.
In running I had learned that going slower meant I could go farther, but somehow I didn’t apply that logic to swimming. But now that I have I’m able to go much farther without needing breaks. Since my goal for this first triathlon isn’t speed I’m much more confident that I can accomplish my goal of finishing without stopping or quiting.
If you can’t tell, I’m excited about my triathlon this week.
What are you excited about this week?
Sana says
I can’t waittt for you to dominateee this week :)
Miz says
my I, too, say your TRI?
Ive gots nothing big this week.
oh
except the husband returning today so Im not longer a single parent.
thats exciting :)
Sheri says
Compared to you I have nothing exciting happening. I am with Miz, I’m excited for you and am anxious to hear you say you finished!
kwithme says
Glad that you figured out going slower means less breaks. I find that I cannot swim at the same intensity that I run because of the breathing being rhythmic. Although, if I get very out of breath, I switch to back crawl until my breathing is back within range.
Katy says
I am so, so excited for you…You will be great!
The Merry says
Whether you swim fast or slow, you’re going to make it. Have fun!
Kate says
I’M excited for your tri too! And to getting through the first week back at work…Which may or may not be possible :)
merrymishaps says
Nothing going on here is as exciting as your first tri!
I’ve done three sprint tris and swimming is my weakest leg … I don’t care how fast I go, I just try to stay calm and keep moving. Sounds like you figured it out just in time!
Good luck, you’ll do great!
Rob Dyess says
Well, I have heard that the swim is the hardest part…. so, maybe you have that licked.
I did a half-marathon last weekend and am still trying to get over it, but ran this morning…. TOWARD my new goal- run 1000 miles this year.
So, I am excited.
Thanks Mary!!
Katie Johnson says
I can’t WAIT to see pictures of you from the Tri!!!! You inspire me, girl!
Biz says
So excited for you Mary!! You will do fine! And I just learned the whole “slow swim” last week too – I always start out way too fast and I am gasping for breath before I’ve finished two laps.
Can’t wait to read the recap! :D
Mary says
That’s exactly what I was doing. But we figured it out so now we can be awesome slow swimmers! Haha!
Susan@Home Workouts says
Good luck Mary! I’m excited for you to rip this thing up so you can feel good about yourself!
Lisa says
Enjoy the excitement and anticipation! When it got closer to Hood to Coast that’s all I thought about, talked about and dreamed about. ;)
LindaRD says
I’m excited for you!!! Good luck! Just keep your eye on the goal and you’ll get yourself there in no time, :) Just don’t forget to reward yourself after a great workout. Choose your post workout snacks wisely to keep your metabolism going even after you’re done exercising.
http://www.linda-rd.com/blog/post-workout-snacks-meals-after-exercise/
Blake says
Haven’t commented in a while but I have been reading! Good luck with the tri this week! Just stay as relaxed as you can. You WILL do great!
Mary says
Thanks Blake! :)