I love running. It’s a great way to stay in shape and I use
it as a sort of meditation. Now I realize my style isn’t for everyone, but I
don’t run with an iPod and running on a treadmill indoors is a fate worse than
not running. Regardless of the weather I yearn for the calmness of the
outdoors. My wife refers to my running as a way for me to find my “inner Elvis.”
However even the most motivated person (which I am not –
some days it’s a real struggle to find the time and/or motivation) gets in a
rut and needs something new to rekindle that fire. Unfortunately, I’m in one of
those ruts and not necessarily because I lack the desire to run – I’ve had a
case of plantar fasciitis (tendonitis on the bottom of your foot) for about 10
months and running is painful.
But in an attempt to break out of my current rut, I’m using
this setback as an opportunity. A goal of mine has always been to complete an
Ironman Triathlon. So to start I signed up for a half Ironman (Timberland
Ironman 70.3) that takes place in New Hampshire (Lake Winnipesauke) at the end
of the summer. That’s a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run for a
total of 70.3 miles.
In an effort to let my foot heal I’m spending the next two
and half months concentrating on the two disciplines (biking and swimming) for
which I have no competitive experience.
My biggest hurdle is swimming – I sink like a rock! And
while I ride my mountain bike to work, I don’t have any experience in road
racing on a bike – much less riding long distances.
To get and keep my legs in shape I’ve started taking
spinning classes – in addition to riding my bike to work. There’s nothing like
getting a butt kicking of a workout at 6:00 am to start the day. I didn’t think
I could get my heart rate up that high anymore.
Most importantly, I’m learning to swim. And I’ve got to tell
you… this is the most exciting and fun. When I first got in the pool I couldn’t
swim 50 meters – total! I was pretty disheartened by the experience and
seriously wondered whether I could do this. But with a lot of reading, watching
video and just getting comfortable in the pool - in just two weeks I’m up to
900 meter – total. Granted the 900 meters isn’t continuous swimming – I can
still only do about 75 meters continuously, but it’s an improvement from where
I started.
I had forgotten the joy of starting something from scratch,
because for so long I’ve done sports that I’m familiar with or just picked up
fairly quickly. Each time I get in the pool I see improvement – not only in my
endurance, but also my technique (the do go hand-in-hand) and I’m excited about
my next workout.
Over the course of the next couple months I’ll keep you all
updated on my triathlon training. I’m sure there will be highs and lows,
accomplishments and setbacks – any feedback from you all is greatly welcome.
Jason
