The Best Part of Training

So, I'm training for a Triathlon. Yes, that's right...the words "Michelle" and "Triathlon" can now be found in the same sentence. It's a miracle really, whenever "Michelle" and any word describing any sort of physical activity are found in the same sentence. So, this is an extreme.

Granted, I haven't actually begun training quite yet, but I'm getting ready to start. In these last few days before the true pain begins, I've decided that there are three key steps of preparation that one must complete before begining a journey such as this one. And I'm happy to say that I've completed all three!

1. DECIDE TO DO IT
This all started with a voicemail I got from Lee on Tuesday night. "Hi Michelle. I was wondering if you wanted to train for a Triathlon. There's a kick-off meeting tomorrow night and I'm going to do it, so I wanted someone to go with. Call me if you're interested." At first I was a little surprised, but before I thought too much about the consequences, I decided...A TRIATHLON; HOW HARD CAN THAT BE??? So, in a glorious act of naivety I called Lee back, we went to the meeting the next night, I plopped down a reasonable fee and signed away the next 12 weeks of my life.

2. TELL FRIENDS AND FAMILY
This part was fun. Here are some of the typical responses I received.
a. You're doing what?
b. Oh my God
c. Why?
d. Oh no, Michelle (that was my Mom)
e. I could never do that
f. Good for you!
g. I can totally see you doing that (this one was surprising to me)
h. You do realize you will have to swim, bike and run...one after another...on the same day

My most common responses:
a. I know, I'm crazy
b. Remember, I'm not doing this next week. I have 12 weeks.
c. Awkward laughing
d. Because I have to get off my lazy ass
e. I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet cute single guys. I didn't realize it would be all women.

3. GO SHOPPING
This has been my favorite step so far. Since it's impossible to train for a Triathlon without a swim suit, goggles, swim cap, shoes, pants, sports bras, shirts, jackets, socks and a helmet...I had to go shopping! So after two days of scouring Target, Big 5 and Sports Authority, I've come away with a pretty good stash. Of course, these are just the basic items I need to get going. I'm sure I'll have a few more shopping trips ahead of me. I can't complain.

So here's how the whole thing works: The training is being done as a team through a women's fitness store called "See Jane Run." They have two stores, one in Oakland and one in SF. Each year, they get a group of women (we were told there would be around 50) together to train for a Triathlon. The store provides the coaches and the team members work together to accomplish their goals. There's a lot of support and guidance that comes with the program, which was a big selling point for me.

Official training begins Tuesday February 6th. I'll have swim practice on Tuesday nights, track on Thursday nights and both on Saturday mornings. Most of my weekday training sessions will be at Mills College in Oakland and the Saturday morning sessions will alternate between the East Bay and SF. If you're familiar with my deep-seeded hate for San Francisco, I'm sure you'll find it humorous that I'll have to go there every other weekend. I believe this effort alone will be a sign of my true devotion to training. Plus, Lee has volunteered to drive.

The big day will be April 29th at the Sacramento International Triathlon at the Port of Sacramento in West Sac. (I expect a big cheering section) We were told that the course is very fast, so it's good for first-timers like me. I have opted for the "sprint" version which is a .5 mile swim, 16 mile bike ride and 4 mile run. The Olympic version is a 1.5 mile swim, 24 mile bike ride, 6 mile run and 2 mile ambulance trip to the hospital. That's why I'm doing the sprint.

So, wish me luck. Here is where I'll be keeping track of my adventures as I make my way through this difficult but (hopefully) rewarding journey. As always, I'm more than happy to share my successes and failures with my friends and family.

SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE!