How Did This All Get Started - Part III

In the first two parts (Part I, Part II), I talked about my introduction into endurance sports and my move into doing "brick" workouts.  In this post I'll finally get into triathlons.

So ending from my last post, time passed, and again I was looking for something new. (um, A.D.D., right?)  I was REALLY thinking about running a marathon and decided to do some research online.  I also received this flier in the mail for a group called Team In Training.  So naturally, I decided to look them up online.  It turns out the timing was just perfect because they were having an info meeting right in my own backyard in Pasadena.

Team In Training

I ended up going to the info meeting thinking to myself, "I think I'm going to run a marathon, but I'll see what they have to say about triathlons."  I've seen fliers in stores before for groups like these.  Mostly, I've seen the training programs for the AIDS foundation.  But I never really knew much about these organizations.

While I'm at the info meeting, I watch the video about Team In Training, and I hear people speak about having the time of their lives.  I also hear them mention how they have been affected personally by Leukemia.  Either themselves were infected, or they knew someone close.  Now, during this same time, I actually had a co-worker who's 2 year old son was infected by the disease.  It never really sunk in until I went to this meeting.

On top of that, I also heard stories about the training program, and how the participants do it to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Then I thought to myself, "It's a win-win situation. I can train for a sport, and at the same time I can raise funds for a good charity."  I was a bit intimidated by the fundraising, but I also thought that this could be lesson in learning how to fund raise (since I've never raised this much before).  I decided I was going to join, but now the question was, which sport?

Well, I did run a half marathon before, and I really wanted to try something new.  After hearing the coach speak about tri's, I was about 85% sure I was going to do one.  It wasn't until I was reassured by a few of the staff that the question I asked myself before, "could I really do it?", seemed like it had an answer of "Yes, definitely!"

So I signed up.  I was set to train for The Triathlon at Pacific Grove to be held on September 8, 2007.  It was perfect.  I was turning 30 in November, and I could also be a triathlete - something I never envisioned.

I never really knew how to swim freestyle when I first started, but these coaches taught me how.  It took me about a month before I really got used to the water.

After getting comfortable with the water, I was still puzzled how I'm going to put this all together and have the stamina to do a swim, bike, & a run.  But I just continued to follow the schedule, and train as much as I could.

So race day is approaching, and what's in the Monterey news leading up to the race?  A shark attack.  No shit.  Seriously?  Ah well, luckily I'm not the type to freak out by that, but it did make for a good joke and a good story.

We get to Pacific Grove, then, after 4 months of dedicated training & fund raising, I crossed that finish line at Pacific Grove and I was officially a triathlete!  Awesome!

I enjoyed my first season with the team.  I also met a LOT of friends who are still my good friends today.  But the one thing you find out about the world of triathlons?  It's addicting!

Because I had just a great season with Team In Training, I decided to give back this time and come back as a Mentor.  I would help others know that they too can get to that finish line.  I signed up for my next race, the same race the new team was training for, the Lavaman Triathlon in Waikoloa, HI.

A cool thing to note about that race?  Well, not only is it in Hawaii, but part of that course is the same course where the real Ironman World Championships are held.  Right along Queen K Highway.  And let me tell you, after feeling those winds, I TRULY admire the Kona Ironmen.

So that pretty much sums how how this all got started.  I signed up again to help with Team In Training as a Captain, and currently as the Web Captain.  I also signed up for a smaller races like the Wildflower Mt. Bike Triathlon.  As you can see, the addition still continues.  In my next post, I'll talk about the next big event that was on my list.  My first Half Ironman - the Vineman Ironman 70.3.