Hey guys.
I hope you’re less tired than I am today. I thought it would be a good idea at 10pm last night to try to set up my new Roku TV. We’re talking about the same girl who placed an IT work order earlier the day for a non-functioning keyboard that ended up not being plugged into a USB port… so yeah. This was kind of the scene in my room.
Lily hid under my bed. I think she thought we were moving again. But the good news is that now I have a TV! And trial subscriptions of Hulu, Netflix, HBO and Showtime. All of which I will probably forget to cancel when the free trial ends.
But on to more important things: I have some very exciting news to share with you!
I am doing a triathlon in September!
Or I will hopefully be doing a triathlon in September 
Competing in a triathlon has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and I knew I wanted to try to do one once I felt confident that the torn tendon in my foot had healed. I have steadily been increasing my exercise this spring and things seem to be going well, so I decided to go for it.
Triathlon Deets
Jimmie Johnson Foundation’s Davidson Lake Triathlon
September 11, 2016
Sprint Distance: 500 yd swim / 13 mile bike / 5k run
Triathlon buddy: My roommate, Micah, is going to do it with me!
Goal: to finish!
Thoughts on Each Event
Swim: I’m kind of nervous about an open water swim but I also feel like 500 yd is very doable. I know many people go into triathlons feeling like swimming is their weak sport but I swam a ton during rehab. Freestyle is now my jam.
Bike: You guys know how much I love cycling so I’m excited about the bike. Howeverrrrr I really have not cycled much recently so I need to get back into things.
Run: I’m most nervous about the run. I am a horrible runner so I think that I will have a hard time with this, especially after a swim and a bike ride. I know physically I will be fine with only running 5k, but I also know running is the main thing that is going to put more stress on the various orthopedic issues I’ve had over the past 2 years. This is a big reason I’m only doing a sprint right now.
Training
I am following a training plan but this section got a little lengthy… so I decided to save it for another post.
Gear
I *think* I’m pretty good to go here. I decided I’m not going to wear a wet suit but several people have recommended a tri kit. Otherwise I’m covered for the swimming portion.
Very squared away with cycling- bike, helmet, clipless pedals, shoes and plenty of extras.
Run- well, you don’t need much here! But I guess now is a good time to mention that I am loving the cushiony support of my Brooks Transcends. I also recently got a running belt and have really liked sticking my phone in there!
Things I still might want- the main thing I’m thinking about purchasing is a bike trainer so that I can ride inside if I want to. And it keeps raining in Charlotte, which is further reinforcing this want! I also think my Garmin Forerunner might be on its last leg. I will hold onto it til it completely dies, but I will definitely want to replace it if it does.
Need Your Input
I know several of my blogging friends out there are triathletes so I would love to hear your advice!
Did you follow a training plan for your first tri?
What are 2 tips you would give to someone competing in her first sprint?
Any other advice?
What are you currently training for?
Yay! You are brave! I think the swim part would be my biggest challenge for me. I hope your training goes well… prayers for no pain!
Thank you!
So exciting! Open water swimming is definitely different than pool swimming, mainly because you have to worry about looking where you’re going and not getting hit or kicked and other things you don’t have to worry about in a pool ;) I only did one open water swim before my first tri. I didn’t think I needed to practice a ton since, like you, I was pretty comfortable swimming in general, but afterward I was glad I had taken that opportunity just to get acclimated.
It sounds like you are good on each discipline, so my biggest piece of advice is to practice transitions! That’s actually the hardest part I think. I just remember being so disoriented when I got into T1 at my first tri so now I always get my bearings (take note of where the ins and outs are) when I’m setting up my transition area. Also make a mental note about where your bike is racked! Count the number of racks, see if there’s some marker like a tree or a flag nearby, whatever. I know that’s not exciting advice but you can already swim, bike, and run!
Good luck and I can’t wait to hear how it goes! I have a tri that same day so I’ll be thinking about you!
I thought about you when I registered because I found your blog when I first wanted to do a triathlon 2 years ago. Thank you for the tips and I hope your tri goes well!
WHOOO! That’s great news, I’m so happy for you!
I’m sure if I had to setup a TV my room would look exactly the same! :)
Thankfully I somewhat cleaned up things. And then binge-watched Orange is the New Black.
Good luck!! I remember not too long ago you were recovering from injury, so you go girl! Awesome that you can set these goals again.
Thank you!
Wow, that’s awesome! Looking forward to your training plan :) I love having something to work toward! Currently I’m getting ready for a half marathon (my first!) xo Kelly http://lazygirlsguidetofitnessandbeauty.blogspot.com/
Good luck on your half!
So so so excited for you!!!!!!!! I would love to chat in depth about this so feel free to email me directly- we can swap tips (teach me your clipless pedal ways)… but my number 1 tip is to do at least 1 open water swim prior to the event. My number 2 tip is to practice riding in the rain a little because it might be raining on race day (I speak from personal experience!) I usually print out or make a plan to follow for any race but rarely end up following it. Can’t wait to follow along with your training!!
Yes! I would love to talk to you! I have speedplays and I like them because you can clip in from either side of the pedal :) I actually just browsed through some of your triathlon posts and read your top 10 tips for your first tri.
OMG THIS IS SO AWESOME! I am so excited for you :)