Actually, when I thought about it, I have been pretty busy since then.
It was around about then, things started to change direction a little.
You may remember I was getting into the "fun" runs, pushing myself and setting myself new challenges by entering into some runs.
Well, around about September last year, I added swimming to my training regime as cross training. I also decided at this time that the bicycle I had didn't cut it, the granny bike, as lovely as it was, just made it difficult to keep up with hubby when we went out riding - which made me reluctant to go. So I upgraded to a shiny new blue flat bar road bike (also known as a hybrid). My first hit out on it was the 50km Sydney Spring cycle, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Now some of you might have worked out now where I am heading. Whilst I always knew about triathlons, I always felt they were for the "elite", those finely tuned athletes who could just keep going all day. I mean, how many people could swim a couple of kilometres, ride a bike for 180 k's then run a marathon? Not me that's for sure. Then I stumbled across the Womens' Tri-Shave triathlon, an event just for women, with distances anyone could manage.
So I decided to give it a go. I set off to Penrith Regatta Centre, participated in a 350m swim, 15km bike ride and 3.5km run - and finished very tired but with an amazing sense of achievement. I was hooked. I very quickly joined a club, and entered a few more tri's. My aim was to compete in a Sprint triathlon by the end of the season - 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5 km run.
There have been a few hiccoughs along the way - hubby had an op on his leg which had a 12 week recovery time which hampered the training a bit, one triathlon I was registered for was cancelled as the run course was flooded (I was happy to swim it!) and then I tore my calf muscle 10 days before I was due to compete in my first Sprint distance - bummer!
So, here I am, with my new found "sport". It is something that keeps me motivated, something to constantly aim for. I enjoy the variety of the different elements. I wasn't really cut out for the life of the long distance runner. I was pleased that each time I competed, I improved my time. I am not out to break any records, just do the best I can. I have met some great people, and I constantly amazed at how the other competetors encourage you during a race. I have already registered for my first race next season - the "Triathlon Pink" at Homebush in October, which also caters for the beginner. The long course is only 300m swim, 8km bike and 3km run.
I have also joined a run club, to try and improve my running, which I readily admit is my weak leg - no pun intended.
However, I have neglected to mention, I also upgraded my bike - again - to an awesome, shiny, red, road bike! One of the kids thinks I love the bike more than them! Well, lets see, it doesn't make a mess, it doesn't talk back, it doesn't stay out late, it does as I say........ It makes riding a pleasure, and unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to race on it yet - soon I hope.
Hopefully, in about three weeks, I will be heading up to Port Stephens to compete finally in my first Sprint Triathlon depending on how my calf goes in the next week. This will be my final race for the year, and if I make it, I will have achieved my goal for the season.
Wish me luck!
Photos from a trithlon in Nowra in January, 2012
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| Swim Leg |
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| Bike Transition |
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| Finally finished! |
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| oh, and this is the racy red bike! |
