So a long time ago in a far-away land, I dabbled in triathlons. No, not the Ironman versions, even though I vaguely remember dreaming about attempting to complete something like that at one time in my life. And no, I'm not an experienced triathlon participant. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've only participated in three - all of the short "sprint" variety.
Still, I REALLY enjoyed triathlon training and participating. First off, there is something about having a number written in marker on you that seems empowering. I wonder if it is how some people feel about getting a tattoo. Next, for most people, swimming for a distance, even a short distance, is scary. And most sprint triathlons in our area start with a swim in a lake, which isn't crystal clear. So swimming in a murky lake is vastly different than training in a pool. The other scary part of the swim is the "traffic". Staying a float and maintaining a swim stroke for a distance is challenging enough...having fifty other people around you doing the same thing is even more challenging. Picture yourself trying to swim with other arms and legs striking you in the back, the legs, and even your head. Beyond the swim, the biking portion is fun, but you quickly learn that the sport becomes expensive when it comes to the bike. Those lightweight speed demon bikes aren't cheap. Most biking portions aren't too challenging...course descriptions generally use the words "rolling hills". Finally, there is the "RUN". If you are/were a casual participant, the word run is just a descriptive word. Attempting to run after bicycling 20 miles is like trying to move with your feet in cement blocks. Running, in this sense, feels like slow motion.
And why do I share all of this? Because since having some time off from umpiring and officiating, I've "dabbled" again. No, I'm not signed up for any event. No, I'm not sure I will ever again sign up for an event. But since we have a pool at our house, and I still have a bike, I thought I would create my own little course and give it a whirl. So I broke down and purchased online a couple pair of triathlon shorts (butt pad for the bike seat included), and I've now completed three "events". Yesterday, I swam 8 "laps" in my pool (which obviously isn't much), I rode my bike for about 52 minutes, and then ran about a mile.
To even be able to do this is an improvement in my health. I've lost a little weight, and I've been working at completing some simple stretch/yoga each day to help with flexibility. Honestly, I was at a point a couple of years ago where completing a walk around Edgington was a struggle, so being able to participate in this type of exercise has been rejuvenating. There's still something about combining the events that is challenging, yet fun.
So tomorrow is my fourth event. Instead of participating in the Bix 7 - which I hope to participate in again someday - I'm going to complete another triathlon - JBiz style here in Edgington. I think I'm going to try to swim 10 "laps", complete the 53-minute bike ride again, but I think I'm going to try to go for a 2-mile run. I use to be able to complete the Bix in around an hour, so I think if I complete everything tomorrow in 90-120 minutes, that will be good.
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