Two years ago, I decided to do a triathlon. What is interesting about this? Well for starters, although I knew how to swim, I had never swam in the ocean. I actually was afraid of swimming in open water. I had done four marathons ten years earlier, even though I detest running. I had biked a few events for fun and had gone on biking vacations. I don’t like doing physical activities that break you down ie. limping to the finish line, finishing but looking torn up, or events that involve mud.
LA Marathon 1998
So with all of this I decided to become a triathlete.
I was never an athlete. I never played any sports in school. I did take swimming lessons as a kid, but did not recognize that I was a good swimmer and perhaps could have been a competitive swimmer. As an adult I was always active, primarily for vanity reasons. I loved taking classes at the gym, and many years ago I taught aerobics.
I signed up for my first triathlon October of 2010. I trained on my own for three months. I had just celebrated my birthday and wanted to do something that would signify the start of a new year. I wanted a challenge to do something different “for me”. I also wanted to overcome my fear of swimming in the ocean, which I did after I realized that my wetsuit was like a floatation device. On the day of my event I was so nervous. You have to arrive before day light in order to park and set up your stuff, so there is a lot of waiting around until the start of the race. By the time the gun went off and I entered the water there was no looking back, the adrenaline rush is overwhelming, and there in no time to think about anything but moving forward to the next leg of the race.
My First Tri
I have ten weeks before my next triathlon. I am doing the Malibu triathlon on September 16th. No. I have not been training. Between everyone being home, graduation celebrations, a little traveling combined with some laziness I’ve been in a rut of sorts. I did the Malibu Triathlon last year so I know what to expect. The event is a 1/2 mile swim, 18 mile bike ride and a 4 mile run. The training can seem daunting, but once you get into a routine of swimming, biking, and running your body starts to get in the flow again.
Transition Area
Transitioning is a big part of the sport, there is a method to getting out of a wetsuit and jumping on your bike. I have yet to master this part.
Malibu Tri 2011
Reggie did the Malibu Triathlon too. It is nice to have a husband or partner to do a triathlon with, there is so much stuff that has to be set up and it is nice to have a “honey do” to help out ie. checking air in the tires, putting bikes on the rack etc.
Malibu Finish
My friend and workout partner LaShawn did the triathlon. It was really nice to have someone to train with, my workouts were more regular as a result.
Why I Tri
1. Swim/Run/Bike combo-No time for boredom
2. Weight loss and body sculpting
3. Bragging rights-something interesting to talk about at parties
4. Cute outfits
5. Eat more food
6. Cardio workouts
7. Personal sense of accomplishment
8. Awesome feeling crossing the finish line
Do you Tri? Would you like to Tri? If I can…You can.
xoxo,
Gigi
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Get your Tri -on girl. Love that you are constantly challenging yourself to do something more and different!
Aquinas,
Yes. I try and do something different whenever I can…even if I may not be good at it…I still enjoy the process. Thanks for stopping by.
xoxo,
Gigi
Is a Sprint Triathlon a good first Triathlon? I have been on summer swim team for the past 2 sremmus, but I’m not in it this year and I was a sprinter, not a distance swimmer. This is also my second year in cross-country and as for bicycling I use it as a form of transportation.I was planning on doing each sport 2 days a week, once for endurance and the other for speed.Oh, I forgot to mention I live in Ohio although I have wanted to visit California.
Yes a sprint triathlon is perfect for a first triathlon. You will do find in the swim leg, I’m slow and I can do the swim in about 15 minutes. I know you can do that if you have been on a swim team. Sign up for one and keep me posted!
xoxo,
Gigi
This would def be fun to tri! I need to do something where I will be forced to train!
Congrats Gervel!
Juliana,
Yes. I could see you doing a “Tri”. It is a fun event, and my goal is to always finish safely. I never get bored with triathlons.Let me know when you want to “Tri”
xoxo,
Gigi
Larsa,
Thanks for the reminder of being safe in the swim leg.
xoxo,
Gigi
i committed to doing a triathon at my 50th. spotty workouts since and no definite date. may see you in malibu!
Greg,
You can do a tri. Hermosa Beach is a good first tri to do. Are you swimming? In the ocean?
xoxo,
Gigi
Great, as long as you are doing something…
xoxo,
Gigi
Thanks for the info…You are right time and commitment. The training is something one has to do. I find early morning workouts are best for me too. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
xoxo,
Gigi
Nancy,
thanks for your training tips. Good information!
xoxo,
Gigi