Getting Started...

I did my very first triathlon last summer and was hooked. Plain and simple. I had never considered myself a biker...EVER; I "...only rode downhill bikes", to quote myself. And hadn't seen a lap lane of a pool since I was a kid. So, aside from running very recreationally, this was a formidable task.
I started with the guidance and encouragement of a very dear friend, Cathy, who, as an Ironman finisher herself, was only more than happy to enlighten another soul into the fold. I bought a bike, signed up for Master's Swim (much to my Mom's amazement, I'm sure!) and began to fall in love with this sport we call triathlon.
My first race was the Kal Rats Sprint Triathlon, July 2007. It was a blurr...not from my speed, but more from the fact that it was over WAY too quick. I should probably include that I am more comfortable doing longer distances (10km runs to warm up, half-marathon distances are my favourite and I swear that one day I will qualify for Boston). I got an introduction to the "blender" of the swim start, flew onto the bike and damn near died in the run (didn't take in any fuel or fluids...but I'll save nutrition for another posting). BUT, the important thing I got from it was that I loved it!
I had signed up for the Penticton Peach Classic (Olympic Distance) the following weekend...in fact, that was my goal. To say I enjoyed myself would be an understatement. The grin I had crossing that finish line is something I'll always remember. Yes, I was hooked!
I realized early on that getting a coach would be a valuable move. I was connected with, of all people, an incredible woman I went to high school with. Ginny (and her husband Andrew) have been such a gift in this whole experience. Her knowledge and passion for the sport were not only infectious, but clearly evident in everything she does. Her ability to temper my enthusiasm with information and just the right amount of reality has continued me to reach for higher goals. I started this with the intention of "getting fit and being healthy". That changed after that first race. I knew I could do more than just complete a race. I wanted more...
I have fallen hard for this sport...like you do for your first "love". I ache to train. I live to see the download of my days event from my Garmin on my laptop...I can't wait to get into the lake, on my bike or lace up my shoes to head out the door...this is my happy place and I am so grateful to have found it. The friends I have made, the experiences I've had and the things I'd like to accomplish are so profound that I've started a blog...who'd have every thought? I'm serious about doing IMC 2009 and this will be my training diary...of sorts!

"Swim Smart, Ride Strong, Run Tough"