In the beginning.

It is not an exaggeration to say that I don't know what the Hell I'm doing because I just might be the most clueless soon-to-be triathlete alive. Deciding where to begin is more than daunting, so I've reverted to my old stand-by, I bought a book. I'm pretty notorious for deciding to do something, i.e.: run a marathon, plant an all organic raised-bed garden, open an e-bay shop, etc. (I could go on, but really, why?) and never getting much further than a purchase at Barnes and Noble. This time, will be different (more on this in a bit). The book I am reading is, Your First Triathlon by John Friel.. I'm on the 3rd chapter, and so far it is a very readable book. It has a 12 week training plan, which has me in a bit of a panic, but I'm will to postpone the "freak out" for a later date. I'll let you know more about what I think about this book and it's usefulness after I've actually read it.

Back to the "this time it will be different" point... I'm making a point of telling everyone I know, especially those people who will hold me accountable, and those people, in front of whom, I'd be embarrassed to fail. I'm daring myself to be accountable, and it is scary, but I just keep imagining crossing the finish line and I feel more resolved to do it. I also imagine my future self, mentioning that I've completed a triathlon with the same nonchalance as if I'd just replaced the paper towel roll (note that I did NOT say 'replace the toilet paper roll' because for that I'd require a parade or, at the very least, a quiet toast at dinner). I'm already in awe of that future self, now I just need to find her. Today's small victory: I have committed to memory the correct spelling of the word 'triathlon' it is NOT "triathAlon".

Because I want to feel like the Terminator...

I'll start off by telling you that I have absolutely no business signing up for a triathlon. I won't bore you with all the gory details now, but let's just leave it at, I'm horribly out of shape and a good 70 lbs. overweight too. I had a spark of inspiration this weekend as I watched (while cheering like an insane person) my 8 year old son complete his first triathlon. That's him in the picture. My husband and I are firm believers in having our boys push themselves in whatever they do, and this triathlon was a daunting challenge for our middle child. When we got there he was very nervous and he even asked me if we could go home a few times. We really had no idea what we were doing, but thankfully the volunteers helped us every step of the way. Once we finally got his transition spot prepped and started to walk to the boat launch (the starting line for the swim) he looked up at me and said, "Mom, I feel like the terminator. I'm so pumped." Watching him go from complete fear to total courage was awesome, but I also had a twinge of guilt because I was asking him to do something I knew I never could. It was in that moment that I decided I would dare myself to overcome my own obstacles and become a triathlete. I've signed up for a triathlon for August 25th, 2012, which gives me a little less than 4 months to prepare. Here is where I'd like to revisit my previous point about being 70lbs overweight. I could also mention that I'm sure I can't jog a full mile (except on a treadmill). My previous goal, which I have yet to accomplish, was to run in a 5k. I'm not sure how I've come to the conclusion that since I have failed in my endeavors to run a 5K I could be successful if I tacked on a 1/2 mile swim and a 13 mile bike ride to go along with it, but, alas, here I am. I'm not sure how I will structure the blog, but I will focus on my workouts, my weight loss, and my reflections as I go. I hope you'll join me for this journey and maybe even prepare for a triathlon of your own.