To Tri or not to Tri

SWIM. BIKE. RUN.

There must be something slightly demented about people like me and my friends who actually pay money to torture ourselves with triathlons. For me, it is certainly a love-hate relationship. I love race day, hate the relentless days of training (sort of), and really love the euphoria of finishing a race. That must be what keeps us addicted, or at least going.

Triathlons are a completely different animal than running, or any other single sport competition. They require demanding work-outs, time, skill, occasionally blood, tremendous determination, and solitude. As a runner, you find camaraderie with fellow racers when you take to the s

tarting line. You all seem to be in it together. In a triathlon you don't really stay with a friend or even in a group. You tend to be "alone", racing to the finish with nothing but your own will to succeed. But the cross-training and change of pace (literally) gives it much appeal.

I enjoy cross-training so much more than just running, which was my first love. But it is hard to find the time to fit in multiple sports when you have an almost 2-year old. There is no replacement for getting outside to train but truthfully it isn't very realistic for a mom of small children to go out for a 90 minute bike ride twice a week. That has been hard for me because I am the type to want to push hard when I train and I've realized I can only commit so much of my time, energy and mental stamina to training. It has brought balance along with frustration at times.

Swimming has been a big challenge for me but I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of it. It will never be my "strong" sport but I think its the one that I feel the best after when I work-out. Heck, I've even learned flip-turns (thanks Kevin!).

After the last race I stated that I never needed to do that again. But alas, I was already signed up for another one. Now we're down to 3 weeks before the next race. I'm very excited, still a little anxious, but have taken my lessons learned and tried to apply them. I can't say that I will cut much time from the next race but I know now where I can push harder so I'll give it hell. 

Will I do more triathlons in the future? It's hard to say. I aspire to but sometimes life takes over. It could be a couple of years seeing as we're interested in having another little one eventually and considering that they are seasonal due to open water swimming. I'm pretty sure I'll get back on the bandwagon. Maybe I'll see you out there? ;)

Happy trails!