Triathlon: Where I Started

By kate on June 28th, 1999

I never thought of myself as a triathlete, so I was surprised when a co-worker asked if I was interested in doing the Danskin Women’s Triathlon. I almost wrote it off, but since the woman who invited me didn’t seem like a triathlete type either, I checked out the web site.

The triathlon (on August 15, 1999) consisted of a .75K swim, a 20K bike, and a 5K run; one after the other, in that order. That is a .47-mile swim, a 12.5-mile bike, and a 3.1-mile run. I signed up, and began training. Along the way, I changed triathlons to Escape from the Rock on September 12, 1999 (more explanation later).

If you read my posts tagged ‘triathlon’, you will be able to follow my progress as I changed from a normal girl into a triathlete. Here’s where I started…

As far as my level of fitness, I consider myself average. I play soccer once a week, and ride my bike to work. I enjoy rock climbing, paddling, racquetball, and snow skiing when I get the opportunity. I end up working out 2-3 times a week or so. I’m not out of shape. But I’m not a marathon-girl, either: I never go for 50-mile bike rides. My interest in working out is mostly to keep my body fit, and not for the enjoyment of the exercise.

Doing this triathlon is definitely out of my usual scope. I decided to give it a try because I think it is an attainable, though challenging, goal. It will be an interesting project to devote six weeks to my body and see what the results will be, what I’ll look like, how I’ll feel, and if my attitude toward exercise has changed.

Another consideration is my asthma. It is, fortunately, mild; but, unfortunately, exercise-induced. Before working out, I take 2-3 puffs on my inhaler. Then, I often need more after getting warmed up. It’s manageable, though; just something else to be aware of.


Filed under: triathlon
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