Jul

13

Aiming slightly upwards

I’ve been thinking about doing a triathlon, and the only reason I’m even considering such a bugfuck crazy endeavor is because I’ve been trying to stop selling myself short when it comes to physical activities. I’ve spent my entire adult life being convinced I’m too wimpy and uncoordinated to do anything athletic, and it’s only now at 35-damn-years-old that I’ve finally decided to start pushing the limits of what I think I’m capable of.

I credit the training gym I’ve been going to with helping me shift my way of thinking. Every week, they physically shove me out of my comfort zone, and ask me to do things I would never in a million years do on my own. Sprinting in intervals on a treadmill with the incline set at a level I can only describe as “vertical, only somehow more so”? Not really something I’d ever have the motivation to endure without a witness, you know? Ditto forty thousand triceps extensions in a row, or football drill running through a ladder, or trying to hit a target with a ball while furiously pedaling a stationary bike.

With each challenge, I realize that while I am in fact woefully clumsy and typically need about seventeen demonstrations before I can even attempt any new exercise that requires coordination or balance or the ability to remember my left from my right (just ask my workout partner Dawn, who every week politely refrains from doubling over and braying with laughter at my constant blundering), I can do this stuff. I may not do it with style or grace or even a modicum of personal dignity, but the realm of “impossible” is always much further away than I tend to think.

I’d like to mark a triathlon off my life list, not only because it sounds so badass (just the word triathlon is kind of hardcore, don’t you think? Triathlon. I practically need an energy bar just to type that shit), but because it seems like something that’s way too hard for me to do. And you know? I bet it’s not.

In order to meet this goal, not only do I need to work on my endurance (I’m thinking of how I felt during those two 5Ks I did earlier this summer, and trying to imagine what running after a swim/bike event will feel like. Probably like HOT SCREAMING DEATH, right?) and strategize the very best pose for showing off that sexy arm-marker number you wear during the race, but there’s also the small matter of, um, learning how to swim.

It’s not that I have no idea how to swim, really, it’s just that whatever technique I might have had when I was ten years old and learning how to flounder my way through the various strokes has long since exited my brain and muscle memory. I tried a brisk crawl while we were at the river last weekend, thinking that it would be one of those skills that comes back to you right away no matter how many years it’s been since you did anything other than a don’t-get-my-hair-wet! dog paddle, aaaaaand . . . not so much. I was spluttery and gaspy and my arms felt tired INSTANTLY and I was flailing and splashing and kicking these big loud blooshes of water without actually going anywhere and I couldn’t figure out what to do with my face and I got water up my nose and when I stopped I realized I’d propelled myself forward by maybe ten feet and I was exhausted. The only way I could complete the swimming section of a triathlon right now is if I did a leisurely back float across all 400 meters, perhaps while clinging to an innertube.

There’s a “Get Out There and Tri” (love it!) super-sprint triathlon in September, where you only swim 400 yards, ride 9 miles, and run 2 miles. I think I should give that one a try, and in the meantime, find a pool and have someone teach me how to do something other than act like a drowning cat when submerged in water. I’ve been wanting to take Riley to swimming lessons, so hey, maybe there’s a Remedial Mother-Preschooler special out there.

In conclusion:

• GOAL: TRIATHLON
• CHALLENGE: CANNOT SWIM FOR SHIT, ALSO AM SURE WOULD BARF/DIE RIGHT NOW IF RUNNING/BIKING WERE TO BE COMBINED
• SOLUTION: START GOING TO AQUATIC CENTER. TRY MINI RUN/BIKE COMBOS.
• MINI-GOAL: SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLON SEPTEMBER 19
• NOT SURE WHY I’M: TYPING IN ALL CAPS

Do you have any short-term/long-term goals you’re thinking about right now? What are you doing to accomplish them?

Comments

111 Responses to “Aiming slightly upwards”

  1. Amy on July 13th, 2009 1:43 pm

    My current goal is to run an 8k in September. I’ve only ever done 5k’s (although my best time is under 27 minutes!). I think you’re right about the impossible actually being possible, once you, you know, TRY. And I heartily believe you can do a triathlon!

  2. Dina on July 13th, 2009 1:44 pm

    Do it! I also cannot swim and have never learned to breathe underwater, but I did the Danskin Triathlon a couple of years ago. I swam the whole half mile on my back, with one of the lovely swim angels swimming alongside me to tell me where I was going. I felt very badass despite being one of the last people out of the water, and yes, your legs feel like a numb jello by the running leg, but it’s so worth it. Find a team to train with if you can, makes it much more fun.

  3. Eric's Mommy on July 13th, 2009 1:48 pm

    Signing Riley up for swimming lessons is an awesome idea. My son was terrified of the water until he was about 4, he has been taking swimming lessons since then (3 years) and he is such a great swimmer and loves the water. He evens competes with 10 and 11 year old kids. Totally worth it.

  4. Lucrezia on July 13th, 2009 1:57 pm

    I’ve been thinking of doing a marathon for a while, and while I haven’t made that leap from thinking to doing yet I can really relate to this post. My level of coordination and endurance is even lower than yours but I figure running can’t be that hard, right? Keep us updated on the triathlon trial. :-)

  5. justmouse' on July 13th, 2009 1:58 pm

    long term goal: being thin/fit. at this point in my life (and knowing myself the way i do) this is ranked right up there after turning lead to gold, and developing powers of invisibility.

    short term meandering sort of goal: learning scottish gaelic. don’t ask why. i don’t know either. i just LOVE it, even though it’s about the hardest goddam language i’ve ever seen. i’m just sort of learning this on my own through books, tapes, podcasts and computer programs. so…i should be accomplished my short-term goal maaaaaayyyybe by the time i DIE.

    in terms of super realistic goals? just keep getting up every morning, doing my job, raising my family, and keeping my head above water.

  6. Sunshyn on July 13th, 2009 2:00 pm

    I forgot how to swim, too, and I used to be pretty good at it. Add to that, it hurts my back to lie prone and kick. Yeah, go figure.

  7. Beth on July 13th, 2009 2:04 pm

    You are going to love it! I can see you getting addicted to triathlons. I’ve only done one, then had to skip what was going to be my 2nd one due to a medical problem. Right now my short term goal is to work up the nerve to do one in August without a wetsuit. EEEEK. Freaking out just thinking about it. Long term I’d like to FINALLY lose the 10 pounds that’s been nagging me forever.

  8. Jess on July 13th, 2009 2:08 pm

    I have recently picked up swimming as My Gym Thing, as you know, and while I felt like that at first too? I have gotten SO MUCH BETTER, and SO QUICKLY. And also, I totally cheat and watch the good swimmers in the pool and copy them. It’s how I figured out how to kick my legs, when to breathe, and what the arm motion is supposed to look like. I was HOPING to learn more from a trainer, but we all know how that turned out, so I’m holding off on that one for awhile.

    Seriously, swimming = SO AWESOME. It’s a total body workout. It’s cardio AND strength training all at once! And you don’t get all hot and flushed because you’re in nice cool water while you’re working out. And it’s low-impact! And I’ve only been doing it for two weeks and I can already feel arm muscles that were always buried below all that flab before.

    Wow. Apparently, some sort of Swimming Advocacy Association should be paying me to be their brand ambassador. Or something.

  9. whoorl on July 13th, 2009 2:10 pm

    I’ve got to start running again. What used to be an easy 2 miles has become barfing up a lung after 3 minutes. GAH.

    I saw a Nike ad once that said, “Right now, someone busier than you is running.” Man, I love that.

    Just do it. JUST DO IT.

    /peptalk

  10. Erin on July 13th, 2009 2:15 pm

    Triathlons are my current obsession. I did a try-a-tri last month and my goal was to come in under an hour. I did it in 1 hr 2 min and I was satisfied because the transitions (water to bike then bike to running) are way harder than I thought. I had trouble getting my t-shirt on after the swim and my shoe laces came undone on the run twice because I didn’t take the 10 seconds I needed to to make sure they were done up well.

    That said, I am now doing a sprint triathlon on August 8th (750 m swim, 20 k bike, 5 k run). I feel the same way going into this one that I did a month ago before the first. Namely, this is an impossible challenge. But you know what? I just did it the first time and I will just do it again.

    I got a shirt from the first one and I feel amazing when I wear it. I earned it damnit.

    A piece of advice though – you need to do brick runs a lot (running after biking) and it will feel like you can’t move your legs for the first mile. It is just a brain thing, not a muscle thing but it takes a few minutes to get over the feeling that bricks are on your feet (hence the name).

    It is such a doable challenge. You will do great and it will feel amazing when you finish. Good luck!

  11. Jenny on July 13th, 2009 2:29 pm

    You Go, Girl! I did the Danskin Triathlon twice, many years ago. I have always been a strong swimmer, and more recently a decent cyclist, but running … never. I passed some people during the swim, lots more on the bike, and EVERY SINGLE ONE passed me back during the run. Oh well. It was a great experience, and I always feel so Badass saying “oh yeah, I’ve done triathlons”.

    In recent years I’ve been struggling with a knee issue that keeps me from even attempting to run, and I’ve fallen into Serious Sloth. (Plus I lost my husband last year, so I cut myself Serious Slack in the doing-anything-I-don’t-feel-like-doing department). That said, I really want to get back on my bike. I hereby promise to use your example as the impetus to take my mountain bike to the shop and have it outfitted with slicks and a kid seat, so I can take my 3-year-old on short (dare I propose daily?) outings on the bike. There, I’ve said it! Watch — I’m going to pick up the phone and talk to the bike shop RIGHT NOW.

    So, thanks for the motivation!

  12. Liz on July 13th, 2009 2:31 pm

    Heee. When you got a bike I thought to myself: “I wonder when she’s going to start thinking about doing a triathlon.”

    (Side note: The word you are looking for is: “Adult Onset Athlete” We’re a fun group :D )

    This is how it always starts. It’s totally worth it. And totally fun. You will absolutely hate your life on the run of your first triathlon (um. And on every subsequent triathlon) but the feeling of badassery upon completion is so extreme that you immediately will want to do it again.

    For swimming: Here’s the thing no one tells you about triathlon: With the exception of former college swimmers who then bought bikes and started doing tri’s, every triathlete hates swimming. So, here’s what you do:
    “The 0 to 1650 Plan” (that’s 0 meters to 1650 meters): http://ruthkazez.com/SwimWorkouts/ZeroTo1mile.html

    That’s the plan I started to use before my first tri and it worked great. I’m about a million races down (from every distance to super sprints to Ironman) and trust me, if I could do it, you can totally learn to swim for tri’s.

  13. vague on July 13th, 2009 2:33 pm

    That is awesome, and I have no doubt at all that you will find swimming and kick it’s Speedo-clad ass up one side and down the other.

    Me, I have signed up for two 5K races, one at the end of this month that I will probably have to run/walk my way through, and one at the end of October that I plan on running completely. I have never run a race before, so I am excited and nervous in equal measures.

  14. Lawyerish on July 13th, 2009 2:33 pm

    Go for the tri! Everyone I know who’s done them has absolutely loved the experience.

    As for goals, my brother and I are planning to do this bike/kayak/run as a tag-team (he bikes and paddles, I run) next June in Seattle:

    http://www.mountaintosound.com/course.php

    I’ve been running a bunch of half marathons this year; it’s the perfect distance for feeling like a badass but not wanting to lay down and DIE by the side of the road.

    I’m signed up for the NY marathon in November, but will likely cancel my entry since the pain of ‘05 and ‘06 are still very fresh. I think I need five years between marathons to blot out the memories. Or maybe now that I’ve crossed it off my list I can just NEVER DO ONE AGAIN.

  15. Jenny on July 13th, 2009 2:35 pm

    P.S. I did call! The bike shop has kid seats in stock for a mere $100, and they’ll install. I am ALL OVER this.

  16. heather on July 13th, 2009 2:42 pm

    this particular post came at just the right time for me. thanks for being a real-live-no-bullshit inspiration.

  17. Liz on July 13th, 2009 2:53 pm

    I dealt with that swimming challenge when I had to complete a test before getting my scuba certification. I thought the same thing: how hard could it be to swim a few laps? Man, glad I tried it out before the actual test. And even after training for a while, I still ended the laps portion of the test in a pathetic sort of drowning dog style. I’m sure you’ll do better.

  18. She Likes Purple on July 13th, 2009 2:54 pm

    Finish a marathon. Because if Ron on The Biggest Loser can do it with his jacked up knees, so can I.

    Also, take a fitness vacation. Not a break from fitness, but a vacation that focuses on physical and mental well-being.

  19. Sarah on July 13th, 2009 2:56 pm

    Do it!!! Check out the Danskin one in Seattle. Don’t know if you can still register – it fills up fast, but it is perfect for the first time and they are SO SUPPORTIVE and excited for those who are doing it for the first time.

  20. Noemi on July 13th, 2009 2:56 pm

    Ha! I am one of those “former college swimmers who then bought bikes” but am still terrified of the swim portion of a tri (which idea I have also been kicking around for some time).

    I had no idea there were super sprint distances- now that sounds like something I could tackle. Good luck with yours!

  21. Bekki on July 13th, 2009 2:59 pm

    I know I’m a stranger, but I live in the area, and have excellent swim related credentials. (I’ve coached aquatics for a great many years at a very high level.) If you are interested, I’d be happy to help, or at least give you a game plan.

    I’m woefully out of swim shape myself and now the boys have a regular bedtime, am really looking forward to getting back in the pool.

    Email me, if you’d like.

  22. Heather C on July 13th, 2009 3:13 pm

    I think I’d like to take swim lessons, because I’m a self-taught swimmer and I never did learn proper technique. I suck at the swimming.

    But something I’d really like to re-learn is ice skating. Again, I taught myself how to skate, and I was pretty good at it when I was, oh, TEN. I’m not saying that I could do triple lutzes or anything, but I could go on the ice and have a good time.

    I stopped for many years, but when I moved to Quebec City there was this perfect free rink right near my house. I got out my skates, went to the rink… and skated for maybe five minutes. I had forgotten how to everything about skating, and the arches of my feet hurt so badly I could barely move. I also forgot how to fall, and I hurt my wrist by landing on my hand. So where once I could whip around a rink like a freaking speed skater, I was reduced to clinging to the boards trying not to injure myself or others. I would like to fix that.

  23. Maggie on July 13th, 2009 3:16 pm

    The local community college nearby offers discounted entry & class rates to residents. My best friend who couldn’t swim for sh*t–seriously, she was bad at the doggy paddle, and that’s being nice–started taking the weekly drop-in classes (you pay for classes in bulk, and then show up whenever you want) and within about a month, she was swimming laps better than me. And I took swimming lessons for about 12 years, including some competative stuff, AND the summer camp I went to had to create a new swim cap color for me because I surpassed all of their swimming levels (& corresponding swim cap colors).

    So, in short, if you have a college or community pool nearby, it could be verrry helpful! :)

  24. pseudostoops on July 13th, 2009 3:19 pm

    I’m tentatively, and with much trepidation, thinking I’m going to do the Chicago half marathon in September. Which: eep. But also: whee!

  25. Kate on July 13th, 2009 3:25 pm

    Oh Linda, man. The more you talk about this kind of stuff, the more jazzed I get. You’ve been such an inspiration with your fitness journey that I jumped on that bandwagon. I just did my first half marathon (the Rock n Roll Seattle a few weeks ago) and even though there was WAY more pain than I anticipated, the feeling of accomplishment and pride…and the rush of ADRENALINE….wow. I still get teary. And I can’t wait to do the next one, pain and all.

    If you’re not sure about swimming, try a duathalon. Then you’ll get used to the biking/running part and can work on the swimming.

    And there’s a quote I have hanging next to my race number and finisher’s medal that says:

    “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the Courage to start.” ~John J. Bingham

  26. Kate on July 13th, 2009 3:26 pm

    Oh and Jenny up there?? You go girl! Good for you!

  27. Nicole on July 13th, 2009 3:27 pm

    I teach people how to be swim instructors (and I teach the people who teach the people who want to be swim instructors). If you want pointers on technique, let me know. I can explain the physics of it in plain English :)

    (Not to usurp Bekki :))

  28. Pete on July 13th, 2009 3:36 pm

    Training for Solvang in the Spring

  29. Angie on July 13th, 2009 3:36 pm

    Have you considered a lazy man’s triathlon? You bike/swim/run over a month’s period. Obviously, this wouldn’t be your ultimate goal, but perhaps spending a month swimming a few miles would be a start?

  30. Kaitlyn on July 13th, 2009 3:39 pm

    Good for you!! You can totally do this! Swimming is hard (1k swimming is equal output to a 5k run, so…) but it will feel harder because the movements are foreign to your body. Good luck and I am sure you will be able to do this!

  31. k on July 13th, 2009 3:45 pm

    Gotta say- if you successfully learn how to swim for this, you will instantly become one of my go-to role models.
    I’ve never learned how. I get the concept intellectually, I’ve taken classes as a little kid and as a young teen- but I’ve never quite gotten it into my body. Everyone always cries out “oh, *I*can teach you how!” and then fails. It is my block.
    However! I do think I could do it! Because… there’s no real reason I can see that I couldn’t (other than, you know, all that failure.)
    Thus far, my only role model in this has been Julia Roberts in Sleeping with the Enemy- and since that’s fiction, she only sorta counts. You would be a real life swimming learner, and oh, I would look up to you so much. I would be flat out inspired.
    No pressure or anything. But yeah. You’d inspire me.

  32. Courtney on July 13th, 2009 3:49 pm

    I participated in swim teams growing up and in high school. I wasn’t fast, but I had endurance. After that many years of staring at a clean pool bottom, I can’t bring myself to swim laps again when I could be rocking out on the iPod on a bike ride, run, hike, etc. I get too bored with myself!

    That said, it IS a great workout. And I’ll probably go back to it someday when my joints call for something more low impact. In the meantime though– uh uh. Nope. Not unless you hold a gun to my head. I get too bored!

  33. Olivia on July 13th, 2009 3:52 pm

    I think that totally rocks, good luck! I’d love to do a triathlon, but I need to start with baby steps. I’ve been keeping my eye out for a 5K scheduled sufficiently off in the future so I can give my out-of-shape self plenty of time to prepare. For me, the swimming and biking part should be fine. It’s the running that I’m a giant wimp about. Oh, and the endurance, of which I have…uhhh, none. Whatsoever.

    Best of luck to you, I’m sure you’re going to rock it!

  34. Shawna on July 13th, 2009 3:58 pm

    I’ve wanted to live a more artsy kind of life and this year my photography is scheduled to appear in a total of 4 shows. My first Art-in-the-Park is this Saturday.

    Like you, by the way, I am a dog paddler. Unlike you, however, I’m perfectly content to stay that way.

  35. thatgirlblogs on July 13th, 2009 4:00 pm

    this pisses me off. I was all proud that I walked up the stairs today — you athletic people amaze me so.

  36. Mary on July 13th, 2009 4:16 pm

    Does “push this watermelon-sized baby out of my hoo-ha” count as an athletic achievement? Because that’s what’s next on the list for me.

  37. Motherhood Uncensored on July 13th, 2009 4:39 pm

    I have my eye on a 10K this fall and perhaps *perhaps* a 1/2 marathon in the Spring.

    I swam a bit the last couple of months and was embarrassed at how winded I was after one lap of the pool.

    You can do it.

  38. Valria on July 13th, 2009 4:56 pm

    I signed up for the Seattle 1/2 marathon last fall and ended up walking it.

    Then I signed up for the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon last month and ended up running 1/2 of the 1/2 (or quarterthon if you will).

    So I think the Seattle 1/2 marathon in November must be on the “to-do list” and run the whole 13 miles this time.

  39. Lauren on July 13th, 2009 5:05 pm

    In my pre-kidlet days, I did a bunch of triathlons. Some on my own and some via Team in Training (love them), from a sprint up to a half-ironman. I have been a big ol’ sloth after Jacob was born, and have been trying to motivate to get back out there. I’m in the Seattle area (West side, yo) and am lifeguard certified, so I’ll teach you to swim if you’ll help drag me out running/biking. Email me if you think that might be cool.

  40. Melis on July 13th, 2009 5:15 pm

    Youtube is full of swimming advice, some of it very good. I have a disability resulting from a battle with bone cancer (I won! Yay!) that prevents me from riding a bike or running, so swim at least 4 times a week to get the kind of intense cardio workout I can’t get on land.

    Though I knew how to swim pretty well, I’ve been watching the free videos from http://www.goswim.tv to refine my technique. Thanks to them I’ve finally figured out how to do a flip turn in the pool and have gotten the hang of bilateral breathing. I should point out that I’m in no way affiliated with them and found them randomly thanks to looking for flip-turn tutorials on youtube.

    Triathlons are totally badass. I’m doing my first in the form of a relay (I’m doing the swim, two friends are doing the bike and the run) in August.

  41. Donna on July 13th, 2009 5:25 pm

    Wow.
    This is gonna be a cool place to read for the next few months.
    I couldn’t swim that far if I had to, and I scuba dive.
    You rock hard…….Are you insane? Nope.
    A bad ass? Oh yeah!

  42. KT on July 13th, 2009 6:06 pm

    I’ve been terrible with exercise lately, but I’ve recently (a) signed up with a personal trainer at my gym (once a week), and (b) signed up to do a 9km run in September. So my training has begun – the furthest I’ve run non-stop is 7km, so 9km should be fine. But it’s winter here in Sydney, so it’s a little bit difficult to get motivated. I just ran 7km this morning around a bay near my house, and it was brilliant – a dazzling Sydney morning and I felt good. In a world of pain now though…

    Your triathlon plan sounds perfect. My friend was very similar to you. She got some swimming lessons and handled the swim with no problem. It can be confronting diving into the water with that many other people flailing around you, so the key is probably to break away to one side instead of being trapped amongst all the arms and legs. Good luck with it!

  43. Liz on July 13th, 2009 6:45 pm

    i was a swimmer in high school and i’ve taught several runner friends how to swim better for this very purpose! if only you could commute to portland for swim lessons, i’d be happy to teach you. :) seriously, though, ask around. i bet someone you know was a swimmer and would be able to give you some tips. and i’m sure your super cool gym has adult swim lessons after a fashion. i’m looking forward to reading about riley and swim lessons. ;)

    i have thought about doing a tri too (and your super sprint one is almost short enough for me!), but oddly enough, i think i could hack the swim and the bike…but the run would kill me.

    muscle-wise, running/biking/aerobics tend to build up a different kind of muscle than swimming. which is mostly why my dad, a life-long born-to-run guy at 61 (he did NOT pass that on; thanks a LOT), literally sinks. also why swimmers cross-train on running, but not running very far. the up-shot of this aside is that i bet once you simply start swimming more, it will be easier. you might not need as much instruction as you think. besides, as you said above: you CAN do this. :)

    short tip (like this entry isn’t long enough):
    -look straight down at the bottom of the pool, not forward. if you are looking too far forward/up, your head bobs up and your legs drop down, and then you’re not skimming the surface, but swimming against it at an angle. boo. the spine bone’s connected to the head AND the legs, as it turns out.

  44. Jessica on July 13th, 2009 7:35 pm

    I think it’s AWESOME that you’re committing to do this. Recently I’ve been challenging me to step up my workouts. It’s only been about a year and a half since I seriously started working out and only now am I seriously viewing myself as an athlete. I participated in my first 5k last month and my next goal is to RUN the whole thing. I’m training and soon it’ll be a reality. Along the same lines as you… I think it’d be IMPOSSIBLE for me to run a half marathon, so, someday, I want to run one. That’s MY long term goal.

    Good luck with yours! Can’t wait to see pictures of your feats!

  45. Jenn on July 13th, 2009 7:35 pm

    My current goals are to improve my 10k time (I’ve only ever done one, so I’ll take ANY improvement) and finish the half marathon I just registered for (gulp!) on August 16. My strategy is to run. And run some more. And then run some more. And somewhere around last Tuesday (finally!), I think actually it started to get easier. That’s the funny thing about running, I think–it sucks SO bad when you’re trying to get in shape, but once you find your groove it feels SO good. Good luck on the tri–you’re MUCH braver than I am!

  46. Meagan on July 13th, 2009 7:37 pm

    Congrats on your new goal! You’re going to love it. I started training for my first (from NO athletic ability – couldn’t run 2 minutes and couldn’t swim for shit) a few years ago and totally got sucked in. For swimming technique I recommend the book Total Immersion (Laughlin/Delves). I taught myself to swim decently with this book alone. It is plenty to get you started, and when you’re ready you can get a coach or join a master’s group.

    As far as my goals, short term I’d like to pop this kid out in January. Longer term, maybe run a half marathon a year postpartum? We’ll see.

  47. Penny on July 13th, 2009 8:00 pm

    Short term goal: not to kill myself or anyone else while I quit smoking.
    Long term goal: quit smoking

  48. KT on July 13th, 2009 8:10 pm

    You could absolutely so a tri. I can’t swim for shit either but floundered my way thru a tri several times.
    Short term? Full Marathon in January.
    Long term? Improve diet and exercise so that marathon training doesn’t feel so damn hard.
    You can DO THIS!!

  49. Sarah on July 13th, 2009 8:12 pm

    I knew it! As soon as you bought the bike. :) I have trained for the Danskin (and then didn’t end up competing because I had to attend my Grandpa Ward’s 90th b-day in San Diego) and have done plenty of open water swimming here. There are many many tri-training groups around and you can certainly find a swim coach to work one on one with you until you get comfortable at freestyle. If you want me to teach you to swim for FREE, I’d be more than happy to!

    I’m one of those “college swimmers who bought bikes” that Liz up there in the earlier comments was talking about. 400m is totally doable! To give you an idea, I am totally out of shape and my 45 min swim workout is about 1600-1800m. The trick with swimming that seems to really get most of the runners/bikers is that you have to learn to make the most of your breath since you can’t breathe whenever you want to.

  50. Sarah on July 13th, 2009 8:15 pm

    Hmmm, I meant Liz of 2:31pm. :) Also goals: to launch my business and start making money!

  51. Alyson on July 13th, 2009 8:19 pm

    short term goal: running a 5K (the couch to 5K thing is still eluding me)

    Long term goal: going back to school to get my MFA in creative writing.

    Work I’m doing toward those goals????? Jack-Shit!!

  52. Becky on July 13th, 2009 8:21 pm

    I am so excited for you! Completing an endurance event is such an amazing feeling! One that I’ve become pretty addicted to. I’m going to participate in my fourth century ride in November.

    Long term? I’d love to do an Ironman someday. First I’ve got to work on the running and swimming. At least I’ve got the cycling down, right?

  53. Hilary on July 13th, 2009 8:24 pm

    Short term & long term: get back into surfing and boxing. But I have a question! How do you negotiate with JB all the additional time to work out and also have time together as a family on the weekend?

    I’m pretty maxed out on workout time, and I can’t figure out how to step it up without disrupting the delicate work/family/chore/husband’s workout time balance. How do you guys do it?

  54. april on July 13th, 2009 8:25 pm

    I signed up for a sprint tri in August (swim 400m, bike 12 mi, run 5K). I have no idea why I did that since a) I’m not a runner, b) I can’t do anything but the backstroke, and c) I didn’t own a bike. I’ve been training for about 3 months. When I started, I couldn’t run any further than 0.5 miles. I ran a 5K in June, and can consistently run 2-3 miles now. I am up to 7 miles on the bike, and do a badass backstroke in about 15 minutes. Pretty sure I’ll be the only backsstroker int he water, but what the hell. I just need to prove to my 3 year old self that I CAN DO THIS! Sign up for a sprint tri, and DO IT!

  55. april on July 13th, 2009 8:26 pm

    oops, that should say 33 year old self.

  56. sooboo on July 13th, 2009 8:38 pm

    Triathlon does sound pretty badass, but you are a badass in that you pretty much do what you set your mind to. My short term goals are to get the kid I just inherited in school and settled into life. Long term goals are to write a script.

  57. Jen on July 13th, 2009 8:59 pm

    That is a GREAT goal! I might just have to join you on that one, as that particular triathalon doesn’t sound too terribly NOT DO-DOABLE. It actually sounds kinda like it can be done! (I’m thinking about ME here- I am sure you will do it no problem!)

    I think I might do it. Maybe. Yep…

  58. Nic on July 13th, 2009 9:54 pm

    I’ve thought about doing SheRox (.8k swim, 25k bike, 5k run) but seeing as how I don’t bike (last time I did I fell in a canal), run (fear of being knocked unconscious by large breasts) and am more of an Olympic grade couch sitter than anything, I haven’t. I think starting with one of the mini tris with the goal of finishing is the way to start. See if you like it. It’s a trial and still an amazing accomplishment.

    Once you start swimming, you’ll probably like it, it is very soothing and solitary. And if not, perhaps you can use swimmies in a tri.

    And my current goal is to lose weight. I’m meeting with a nutritionist and counting calories, but lo, it is hard.

  59. Anya Paull on July 13th, 2009 11:07 pm

    Look into a fitness center that does “train for a Tri” my girlfriend has led many of these training’s and you do not need to belong to the gym (I am sure you pay more) but they teach you to swim/bike/run as part of the Tri and they seem so successful. I did a small Duathlon in college, 1.5m run and 10m bike and 1.5 run again and I thought I would kick ass since I was moderately in shape and heck only 25yrs old but it was sooo hard, as numerous people mentioned the transitions are harder than you think but it feels fabulous to finish!

    Currently I am running and it is amazing. In Jr. High I was the person who cried when the day came each month to run a mile, I hated it, running made my head hurt. I tried it on & off for a few years and even had some great 10k’s but would never call myself a ‘runner.’ Now it is the best feeling to say “I run, a lot, and I flipp’in love it” I started running in January because I still had baby weight and my kiddo was 1.5 for crying out loud but the main reason was that when I run, I DON”T HAVE TO MIND THE CHILD. So running to me became a major break, one I craved and scheduled and now am addicted to. Running 6-8 miles a few times a week, have lost 30lbs, have changed the look of my legs/butt for the first time since I was 16yr, spend money on running gear that I love and it also feels amazing to have gone from 6 minute runs where I thought I would lose a lung to saying “oh yeah, I did 10miles today before 9 am” and not be lying! I am doing a half-marathon for the first time in 2 weeks and signed up for the Portland Marathon in October, OMG. So my goal is to just stay on this high, keep enjoying it, keep pushing myself, keep running.

    Thanks for the motivation, your site got me off my ass after baby, took a year and a half but got off my ass, so victory there, score:-)

  60. Jennifer on July 14th, 2009 12:27 am

    Good for you – you will love it. I did dozens of triathlons in my twenties, they are so much fun. In addition to the 3 sports, you get the fun thrill of trying to zoom through the transitions without “losing all that precious time” (Ha!) so you have stuff like your bike shoes already sitting in the pedals, you towel off while you’re running from the water to your bike, you swim in your cycling shorts so you don’t have to try to squeeze into them while your legs are wet, etc. etc.

    The good thing about getting the swim over with right away is: yeah your arms will be tired, but YAY you don’t need them after you swim! The rest is all legs! And those 2 distances are so short, your legs will be up to the challenge by September.

    The main thing to overcome if you’re not a strong swimmer is: make sure you can slog through the distance without feeling panicked. You’ll be in the water with other racers so there will be splashing and kicking and you need to feel confident enough that you don’t panic if you get some water up your nose or start gagging. Don’t worry about how fast the swim is – it’s the shortest relative time of the 3 sports, you’ll make up all your swim slow-time as soon as you get on the bike. (I was one of the fast swimmers, as described by Jenny at 2:29. I was always the first one out of the water and felt like a rock star. Then some of the cyclists started to pass me, and by the end of the run EVERYONE had passed me. See there, even the slow swimmers beat someone, and so will you!)

  61. thejunebug on July 14th, 2009 3:26 am

    My long-term goal is to lose 130 lbs. W00t. I can do it – before I got married, moved away from every single person I know, and got a job working the graveyard shift in the middle of downtown city, I lost 50 lbs in six months. Of course, I gained it back once life kicked me in the ass. I’m being moved back to daytime life in about 2 weeks, though, and I’m super excited that I’ll be able to go back to the gym – and equally terrified that I won’t be able to handle it. Do you need a slightly terrified blogger for Bodies in Motivation? lol.

  62. Tina on July 14th, 2009 4:49 am

    I’ve always been enamoured at the thought of a triathalon but the thought of going from swimming to running seems gross and squishy thankyouverymuch. I do understand the desire to find a new fitness challenge. I decided to do a major fitness challenge once a year since it gives me motivation to stick with my workout routine when the scale isn’t budging. Last year it was a 2.5 hour spin class. This year, it’s the Breast Cancer 3-Day (60 miles of walking AND sleeping in a tent? Crazy!) and next year I want to train for the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon.

    Yay for you for pushing boundaries and showing off your badass, fit, athletic self!

  63. Amy on July 14th, 2009 5:08 am

    I wanted to do a half-marathon – they have something here called the Broad Street Run that is 13 miles and on flat land! I know I have the lungs for it but am trying to figure out how to keep my knees and other joints from shredding out.

  64. Cookie on July 14th, 2009 5:09 am

    Good luck on the triathlon, I know you can do it. Even a mini one will be an accomplishment. Is swimming something your trainer could help you with? Even if they can’t get in a pool with you, maybe they could suggest a swimming routine or exercises that will help strengthen

    the muscles used in swimming? One of my current short term goals was inspired by you. My goal is to run in at least one 5k this year. Another short term goal is to lose about 20lbs. My biggest long term goal is completing my degree. I’m going to school at night, and am due to finish some time next year. It’s very challenging to balance everything.

  65. Cookie on July 14th, 2009 5:09 am

    Good luck on the triathlon, I know you can do it. Even a mini one will be an accomplishment. Is swimming something your trainer could help you with? Even if they can’t get in a pool with you, maybe they could suggest a swimming routine or exercises that will help strengthen the muscles used in swimming?

    One of my current short term goals was inspired by you. My goal is to run in at least one 5k this year. Another short term goal is to lose about 20lbs. My biggest long term goal is completing my degree. I’m going to school at night, and am due to finish some time next year. It’s very challenging to balance everything.

  66. Carrie on July 14th, 2009 5:32 am

    I was taking swim aerobics last summer, and it was THE BEST WORKOUT EVER. I highly recommend it–if you have a good instructor (and, oh! I did!). *sigh* I wish we could afford a gym membership so that I could go back. :-(

    So…in lieu of the money to do the exercise I WANT, I’ve been hemming and hawing about starting to run. Then I heard my neighbor was doing the Couch to 5K. I thought: hey! Someone to run with! …And yet I haven’t gotten my butt off the couch yet. Maybe I’ll filter some of this inspiration you’re stirring up here and JUST DO IT.

    You rock!

  67. Lori on July 14th, 2009 5:56 am

    My goal is to swim 400 meters without having to stop every 50 to breathe heavily while trying not to get water in my nose. (I should also add the goal of actually dragging my ass to the pool more regularly toward achieving the original goal).

    I’m so impressed with the fact that you are even thinking about trying a triathlon.

  68. Liz on July 14th, 2009 6:07 am

    To all the “College Swimmers Who Bought Bikes” — you know I am just being all “ewww,swimmers” because I am so insanely jealous of your fish like abilities, right? Right :)

  69. JennB on July 14th, 2009 6:29 am

    My goal is to continue working out or getting a 20 minute walk in every day…. I’ve lost 10 lbs in the last couple of months doing this, and while 10 lbs isn’t HUGE it’s something. I have about 100 to go. And I want to continue being mindful about what I eat… not “YOU MAY NEVER HAVE THAT AGAIN” but “you can have that, you just can’t have that MUCH”. Reading the collection of essays called “Hungry” was very helpful – he likened his obesity and behavior with food to addiction, in that if he kept up that way, it would kill him. I’m not going so much for that kind of drama, but just to watch out for what I’m doing. I don’t want to be unhealthy or a food freak, but I want to enjoy my life and be able to be active.

    I’m in awe of your triathlon goal. I’ll do the swimming part if you do the running part. I love to swim, and for a big person I’m good and fast too. I was on the swim team when you were forgetting how to swim.

  70. Tracy on July 14th, 2009 6:37 am

    This is going to be long. My goal this year was to run a half marathon. Specifically a half marathon that takes place this weekend in my hometown (flight purchased and everything). I wanted to do this for much the same reason you are talking about–seemed too hard and I wanted to prove I could do it. I started with the Couch to 5K program last October and then moved on to a 15-week half marathon program in April. Every week I was worried I wouldn’t be able to run 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc…miles and every week when I had successfully (and SLOWLY) completed the assigned distance, I felt so badass and proud. When I was able to complete the 12 mile training run two weekends ago, I thought I was home free since all the hard work was over except for the race. Not so much. Even though I felt fine throughout the 12 mile run, I pulled up lame afterwards. Could barely walk. X-ray says no major injury, but I have fluid on the back of my left kneecap which the doctor says should resolve itself…with 4 to 6 weeks of rest. I tried running a short distance after that b/c I am stubborn but it didn’t go well. With 1 week left to go before the race I had to accept that I couldn’t do it. I am devastated. I’m not at all trying to discourage you, but I tell you my story a.) because I need to come to grips with it and b.) because I implore you to take it easy and slow and don’t overdo and get advice from a professional about your training program/form. You’re in better shape than I was when I started my training so maybe it won’t be an issue, but I’d certainly talk to your trainer to make sure you have a good training plan in place that won’t leave you injured and weepy a week before your goal race. Good luck!

  71. pavz on July 14th, 2009 7:11 am

    You definitely *can* do this. And I think you’d feel infinitely MORE badass than you do now after running up vertical slopes, throwing balls while pedaling, etc. Only be aware that 1) it’s not unusual or even considered bad form to barf when pushing yourself, and 2) getting some coaching in technique for the swim is a great way to focus on that piece of it. For the rest, you’ll be fine. I know. My wife is a kick-ass all-around wonderful woman and has done a couple of the sprint tris. She sets the bar for me constantly.

    My current short term goal: survive the 10mi outrigger canoe race down in the Gorge next weekend, and paddle in the race-around-mercer island at the end of August

    Longer term goal: paddle Catalina and who knows, maybe some day the Kaiwi channel (Molokai-Oahu).

  72. jen on July 14th, 2009 7:16 am

    I think it is all sorts of awesome that you are continually pushing yourself.

    My short term goal is to get my arse out of bed and actually go for a run in the mornings. Long term: Marathon. Clearly, I have a long way to go.

  73. Danielle on July 14th, 2009 7:25 am

    For a few years I would get these thoughts of doing a triathlon, mostly because I thought those athletes were badass with their doing not one, but three sports in one event. Instead I signed up for a half-marathon after finishing my first 5k. I just ran 10k for the first time and the thought of me running 14, 16, and 21.1 km makes me both freaked and excited. Goals are great. I hope to do a triathlon next year. Good luck.

  74. Amy D on July 14th, 2009 7:31 am

    I just finished my second triathlon two days ago, and, yes, it was HOT SCREAMING DEATH. But if I can do it, you can do it. Especially that one you described in September. And I bet it won’t be 100 degrees up there when you do it. You’ll breeze through that and wonder what the big deal is about. Seriously, you can do it.

  75. Kristin on July 14th, 2009 8:00 am

    First, I have to say I love your blog and read it all the time!

    As for the swimming, you might consider joining a Masters swimming club. I was a *terrible* swimmer and joined one years ago and it was the best thing. They tend to be a mix of skill level, so don’t be intimidated. Good Luck!

    http://www.usms.org/lmsc/

  76. Tara on July 14th, 2009 8:17 am

    Wow, you inspire me!

    Short-term goal is just to get fit & healthy, and I’m on track to get where I want to be in a couple of months. I think.

    Long-term goal is to branch out and really make fitness a part of my everyday life, not just a morning workout sort of thing. Swimming is one thing I’ve been thinking of adding (and WHOA, yes, that is a workout–I did one round-trip lap at my local pool and nearly passed out afterwards!). And maybe biking, since now that my son is up to two wheels, it’s something we could do together. And–who knows? I just know that a lot of ways to stay active are fun and not like exercise at all, and I’d like to enjoy myself while maintaining a good level of fitness. I think it will stick longer that way.

    Part two of the long-term goal is still fuzzy, but I think I want to change careers entirely and focus on something fitness/nutrition-related, to help others find the joy and the much-improved health that I’ve found. Part of that might entail becoming a certified group fitness instructor and/or personal trainer, but I’m still noodling over it. I’m also intrigued by the PE4life concept (www.pe4life.org), which is changing the whole focus of phys ed in schools to “fitness for life” rather than “hey, try not to get picked last to practice a sport you will NEVER EVER PLAY AGAIN IN YOUR LIFE.”

    Anyway–you’ll kick that triathlon’s ass. Go for it!

  77. Erin on July 14th, 2009 8:24 am

    I myself am training for a sprint triathlon in September. A guy at our local bike shop recommended totalimmersion.com for swimming tips. They’ve got some helpful downloadable pdfs. One of the tips is: To become more comfortable breathing while swimming, practice breathing in the shower while water is running over your face.

    I’m not afraid of the water, but if anyone ever wants to torture me, know this: water boarding would be an unnecessary method. Just put me in the shower and make me get my face wet and I start to panic.

    So basically, this website has been helpful.

  78. Stacey on July 14th, 2009 9:03 am

    I don’t normally comment, but this is one of my favorite topics. My goal in life right now is to get pregnant, but since that seems to be completely out of my control, I do triathlons instead. I just got third place in my age group at a tri on Saturday, and let me tell you, judging by how fit you LOOK, you can finish a tri. One caveat – I’m a swimmer. I’ve heard that the swim leg is what keeps a lot of people from even attempting a tri. Consider joining a master’s swim team if there’s one nearby. Being a strong (or at least competent) swimmer is, I think, the key to having a happy triathlon experience.

  79. cat on July 14th, 2009 9:08 am

    I’m doing my first Triathlon the end of September. I didn’t even think I could run until a couple years ago. I was walking on the treadmill next to my running friend and the little preset program I was on slowed way down going up a ‘hill’. I kept upping the speed because it was too slow but then all of a sudden, it started to go downhill. I HAD to start running to keep from flying off the back of that treadmill and I was running so hard I couldn’t figure out how to turn anything off. And then after a minute or two, I was like, wait, I am totally doing this.

    After that I run a bunch of 5ks and even a half marathon (which was hell by the way) and though my friends are all running marathons, I have no desire to do so. But I have always wanted to do a triathlon.

    Good luck to you!

    You are totally badass enough to do this!

  80. Pam on July 14th, 2009 9:22 am

    I did a sprint tri a few years ago. I kicked ass on the bike, and then got passed by everyone on the run, even the lone entrant in the 70+ category. I would hardly call what I did in the water “swimming” – it was more like a struggle to not drown. But the best part was the end of the run, where the spectators lining the side of the course would shout for you by name, which was printed extra large on your race number for that very reason. And then the announcer would call out your name as you crossed the finish line, and everybody would cheer. SO WONDERFUL.

    Two resources for you:

    BeginnerTriathlete.com

    “Slow, Fat Triathlete” by Jayne Williams. (Even though you’re not fat. But she has tons of great advice for newbies.)

  81. Kathy on July 14th, 2009 9:45 am

    Best swimming tip I’ve ever gotten: when doing the basic crawl, keep your chin up, literally. Your hairline should be at the water line. Feels awful darn awkward until you get used to it, but it helps to make you more streamlined, so you can go faster with less effort!

  82. Anyabeth on July 14th, 2009 9:49 am

    Swimming lessons! I took adult swim lessons at the Y last fall and it was brilliant. Especially if you are like me and could swim well enough to not drown but not efficiently enough to do it for any length of time. Now I can swim a mile without stopping which is a huge achievement for me. Sixty bucks and a little dignity left at the bottom of the pool. Very small price to pay.

  83. Kath on July 14th, 2009 9:55 am

    Oh yes. 49 of them in fact. I turned 49 yesterday and a commenter challenged me to create a list of 49 things before I turn 50. http://www.soeursdujour.com/2009/07/49-things-before-im-50.html

    I was totally surprised at the list when I was done and am going to try to get it done.

    Advice for you? Be thankful you’re starting your self-care and fitness routines now … it sucks to be thinking about them 14 years later and wishing I had done something earlier. I’m in not bad shape and I look pretty good, but I could be way better. Ah well, no time like the present, right?

    You my dear, are an inspiration.

    I know you can do it.

    Kathleen

  84. Eliza on July 14th, 2009 11:26 am

    You can totally do it. The distances you’re looking at for your first one are totally do-able. From the 2 triathlons I’ve done, just in the past few months, so I speak as a beginner, it’s been evident that there are people of ALL abilities there in each of the three sports. It’s super hodgepodge-y and that’s part of the fun and awesomeness of it. The swimming is the best part for me, but if it’s not your strong suit, it’s over so quickly (as others have mentioned) that it’s like a mere blip in the grand scheme. I love, love, love, love triathlons, apparently, and have 2 more coming up in the next month. If you want to talk turkey, just drop me a line.

  85. erin on July 14th, 2009 11:45 am

    400 yards is the equivalent of swimming back and forth in a 25 yard pool 16 times — 8 laps, 16 lengths. If you are starting from a beginner level, you should definitely work with a coach/teacher. I’ve done triathlons and if the swim is in open water rather than in a pool, you actually need to train for a longer distance, because you won’t be swimming in a straight line. You will also want to get a brightly colored swim cap in case you get overwhelmed by the “pack” sensation of the open water swim — it makes you easier to see if you need assistance from the monitors and life guards. My first triathlon I did as a relay. I did two of the three events (swim and run) and it was still a lot of fun! Maybe you could find a friend who is a strong swimmer for the Sept event and train to do all three for a later event?

  86. Kate on July 14th, 2009 11:52 am

    Completing a sprint triathlon is on my life list but I too am terrified of the swimming.

    My little boy just turned 6 months old and I desperatly needed something to kick my ass in gear, so my husband and I have decided to train for a 1/2 marathon in October. I’m scared to death of this, but this post reminds me that with a little determination our bodies are capable of pushing the limits. Thanks for the boost!

  87. Chrissy on July 14th, 2009 12:13 pm

    Adding several more DO ITs! to the pile. Ready? Do it do it do it do it! You’re more than capable, and you will rock it.

    I’ve desperately been wanting to get into triathlons since graduating college this past spring also ended my 12-year competitive swimming career (OOF bittersweet.) The only thing stopping me is well, being a brokeass recent-college-grad who can’t afford a decent bike right now. And I used to be really freaked out by fish (oh people thought that was all very har de har har, with being a swimmer and all, but we swim IN POOLS, yo) and this past January I swam my first open water mile while on a training trip with my team and GODDAMN did that feel good. I’m so antsy for another open water race, and so excited for you to venture into uncharted, challenging and what I’m sure will be SO satisfying fitness territory.

    And a note on goggles, since I just saw your tweet and am apparently offering a laundry list of all things remotely tri-related? I know you already ordered them so uh, well anyway–I just wanted to recommend the Speedo Women’s Vanquishers. After trying out TONS of styles way back as swimming youngen (youngin’?) they’re the only ones that stuck. Virtually every girl at every meet I’ve ever been to wears them. It’s a personal choice, of course, but I just wanted to let you know they come highly recommended, for whatever that’s worth.

    Rock on, Sundry!

    PS. I could also go on for days about how great swimming is, about how it ran me through the gamut of elation and deflation and back again, about my sick love for the extra hard, extra long 8,000 yd work outs that kill you but then you float on your back at the end all FUCK YEAH, but I’ll stop myself. But if you need that? It’s here.

  88. monkey on July 14th, 2009 12:33 pm

    OMG, I actually was asking a triathlete the other day if they had “lazymans” for the not-so-ironwilled amongst us. After my testing stuff is done I’m going to try to make this type of event a goal.

  89. Sarah on July 14th, 2009 12:35 pm

    yes, Pam is correct!

    Beginnertriathlete.com

  90. jessica on July 14th, 2009 2:05 pm

    a triathalon is also my long term goal, but before I can acheive that, my short term goal is to basically learn how to run. outside. like *real* runners do. See, I LOVE swimming, I LOVE biking, and oddly enough, I enjoy the hell out of huffing and puffing on a godforsaken elliptical machine, and I’ll even put my time in on the treadmill for a change of pace every now and then, but HOTDAMN do I HATE “real” running. I cramp, I ache, I can’t breathe right, I’ve even been known to cry. But, I really want to get over this. I mean, my 55 year old mother runs marathons, and she only started doing that 10 years ago. I know it isn’t impossible. So, yeah, I’m making the commitment to myself to get over my…whatever…and just get out there and run. uh, any tips on getting over the “I CAN”T DO IIITTTTT” part? probably just “go effing do it”, right? yeah, damn, I thought so.

  91. Amy on July 14th, 2009 2:18 pm

    You are bad ass so I’m sure you can do it! But if you’re not up for swimming yet, what about finding a triathalon where you kyak instead? We have one in Sacramento..Eppie’s Great Race. If not…just get in the water and keep practicing. It’s easy (ok…I swam competitively for 14 years, taught lessons and lifeguarded after that and can still do a mean butterfly when I want to….BUT I can barely walk without tripping over my own feet!) We all have our issues.

  92. Joanne on July 14th, 2009 4:07 pm

    You have to! Big part of why I’m doing one is the number on the shoulder – it just seems so… hard core.
    The swimming is do-able – get some good lessons. And if it is open water get used to pool swimming before you try sea. They’re totally different.
    And a tri is no different to 30DS – level 1 sucks – by the end you can do all 3. And it’s awesome.
    (Also here you have to use wetsuits for open water swims – highly recommend them – swimming is easier and they keep you afloat if you get tired)

  93. Melissa D. on July 14th, 2009 5:22 pm

    Wow – go for it! I want to run a 5k soon and also trying to get pregnant with my third…could be conflicting goals I guess. Also want to finally finish college….I’ll get there! :)

  94. Jen on July 14th, 2009 6:04 pm

    I’m taking the Bar exam in 11 days. After being a waitress, maid, dishwasher, and youth mentor for years, I am just about to jump through the final hoop in creating a self-sufficient life for myself.

    Next major thing on my life list is to get myself in shape. My confidence has arrived. Time for the body to finally show it on the outside, too.

    Thanks for being so inspiring!

  95. tracey in toronto on July 14th, 2009 6:15 pm

    most pools have “stroke improvement” class (teehee). i’m sure jb would approve

  96. Chanell on July 14th, 2009 6:46 pm

    I applaud you! I just started getting really into exercise; I spent the first 23 years of my life overweight and now that I’ve shed some pounds (still not at my goal) I find it easier to push myself to try harder things. The hubby and I are, at the moment, in love with mountain bike riding! I thought there was no way in hell I could go a mile but after two weeks, we’re now going 10+ miles every evening. It’s a good feeling to push yourself! I think the swimming lessons are a great idea as well; I took some last summer at a local rec center and was a decent swimmer by the end of the 3 week lesson. Good luck!

  97. Leah on July 14th, 2009 8:16 pm

    Just wanted to say that Simon didn’t really swim before he started training for triathlons, and by the end of the season he’d done a bunch of sprints, a couple of Olypmics, and one insane, three-hour Escape from Alcatraz without dying. (And then he jacked up his back and hasn’t done anything in the two years since!) But! He did learn to swim, and that was my point.

    Oh, and my goal is to slowly wean myself from eating a giant bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats right before bed and instead have a giant bowl of plain Shredded Wheat. Aim high!

  98. .303 Bookworm on July 14th, 2009 10:10 pm

    DO IT! Both the ‘Get out there and Tri’, the taking Riley to swimming lessons AND the remedial swimming lessons for you. If you spend any time at all on or near water then been able to swim is a ‘must have’ skill. Hopefully your life will never depend on it, and it will simply add to the many enjoyable moments you spend in lakes, rivers, the sea. But whatever your reason, please do it!

    On a lighter note, here in NZ they have ‘She’ triathlons each year which sound similar to the one you’re talking about. The idea is to give it a go but I’ve a number of friends who’ve found it so satisfying they’ve gone onto bigger events – one of my friends is currently training for a ‘Iron-woman’ event – truely hardcore!

    Have fun!

  99. Anya Paull on July 14th, 2009 10:11 pm

    Maybe commit to Team in Training, you do some fundraising and in exchange you feel great about helping an awesome cause and they train you for triathlons, including swimming!

  100. Sue on July 15th, 2009 6:42 am

    My boys are swimmers and our club hosts a sprint triathlon every spring. I know in preperation for it they offer mini clinics for each part of the race in the weeks before. Check with the race sponsor and see if they have one for swimming. Also lots of high school pools run swim programs for adults to train for masters swimming events.

  101. Swiggy on July 15th, 2009 9:43 am

    Good for you! Your goals are awesome!

    My first goal is to lose at least 75 pounds, hopefully closer to 100, by April – so far I’m down 14 from when I officially went on Weight Watchers in the beginning of June.

    After that I hope to at least complete a 5k before summer begins and do one if not all legs of a triathlon by next fall.

    Good luck in endeavors!

  102. Kristin H on July 15th, 2009 10:40 am

    I just finished my 16th triathlon last month and I think you can absolutely do it. You look like you’re in way better shape than me. The worst part is the nerves beforehand. The best part is being done. Everything in between is just you against yourself.

  103. Lisa S. on July 15th, 2009 11:15 am

    Linda, I taught adults how to swim and I’ve done open-water events. I’m going to be in Seattle in late August; find a pool and I’ll be happy to look at your strokes and give you pointers.

  104. Trenches of Mommyhood on July 16th, 2009 8:04 am

    Funny you should ask – my cousin in Raleigh just asked me last night to fly down in Nov. and run a 1/2 marathon with him. He even said he’d pay for half my flight!

    Am considering it…(I ran one in Oct. 07 and it was the best accomplishment of my life, aside, of course, from birthing children.)

  105. Heather B. on July 16th, 2009 2:25 pm

    I’m thinking about two, count ‘em TWO, half marathons this fall. The things I know I can do it. My friends know I can do it and yet, I’m hesitant. Then again I went on my first run in three weeks today and flew threw 3 miles. So maybe there is hope for me.

  106. Leah on July 16th, 2009 4:57 pm

    You and JB should do a MuddyBuddy: http://www.muddybuddy.com/

  107. WonderSpot on July 19th, 2009 11:16 am

    I only just started running, as well. Did my first 5K yesterday and thought I’d puke all over the nice cheering volunteers at the finish line. I’m signed up for a 1/2 marathon over Labor Day weekend, and am pretty sure I should write a will before hand.

    A tri sounds terrifying, but fun. I can swim OK, it’s the bike thing that would get me. Plus, you know, the idea of doing all three of these things back to back.

  108. erin on July 19th, 2009 7:23 pm

    You can totally do a tri and I guarantee once you do and experience the rush you will be hooked. All I can say is yay for you!

    If you’re looking for swimming guidance the Total Immersion swimming program is incredible and they offer clinics in the Seattle area quite frequently.

    I just want to thank you again for the inspiration. I used to define myself by my athletic accomplishments but I have spent the last 5 years defining myself as ‘mummy’. I am proud of bringing my 2 girls into the world but I have hidden under excuses of too tired, no time, and the guilt of using up time I should be with them on my training. I’m still trying to figure out how it will work (gawd I hate the early morning workout), but I’m going back in. I love it too much and I think my girls will be better off for it as well. So thanks again!

  109. Merced on July 21st, 2009 1:58 pm

    I thought this was a lovely quote: “A good support network is a key to success. But beware of the negative dream crushers. Be selective, surrounding yourself with people who encourage your success.”

    The article is a decent read – hokey in some places but still nice.

    http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/21/rich.roll.getting.fit/index.html

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