When I wrote a few weeks ago about my new running club and fitness team I had joined through Moms In Motion, I was vaguely aware that the women may be training for a mini sprint triathlon. I really was just looking forward to getting out of the house one night a week, exercising without my babies, and meeting some other great moms.
My First Triathlon!
I didn’t have much interest in training for a triathlon. Once I started running with these women, and saw their enthusiasm for training, I knew I couldn’t just show up on Wednesdays and not join in on their goal. Not to mention the fact, that all of the sudden I was a part of a team again. For most of us it’s been 10 years plus since belonging to some sort of organized athletic team, and I have forgotten what a great feeling that was. So, I said, “What the heck?” and have now committed myself to finishing this triathlon put on by Ultra Fit USA on June 12. 
It is a short distance, women’s only race, which makes it a great first time race for us to try. None of the other moms have done one either, so we are all charting new territory together. The race consists of a 400 meter swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run. Independently, I can do all of these things easily, it’s putting them together and learning how the transitions from one event to the next are going to feel that are new to me.
Our group was lucky enough to hear a great presentation from our local Trek bike store today on triathlon training, gear, and race procedures. It was so very helpful! I needed a lot of little lesson on my bike, how to properly take the tire off, adjust my seat, etc., and the people at Trek were so very helpful in teaching me about my bike that I bought right before getting pregnant with baby number 1, and never had a chance to ride!
Finding “Me Time” to Train
The other big issue has been finding the time to train for this event. I have a great support system of my parents, and my husband (when he isn’t traveling for work) who have been able to help out. I am also very lucky to have a great community rec center in our area with childcare, so I can practice the swimming. The biking has actually been the toughest so far to squeeze in. I don’t have a bike trailer, so taking the kids is out of the question. So I have relied on getting out in the evenings with some of the other moms, after the kids are in bed for an hour or so ride. But, exercising after the day is done has always been hard for me, I like to get it done early in my day.
Not to mention the guilt. Why do us moms feel guilty leaving the house, even when the kids are all tucked in bed, I always feel this rush to get back? Like the house is going to crumble in my absence. I know that isn’t really the case, but I just get this feeling in my stomach that I belong at home “just in case”.
More to come as the race gets closer, but in the meantime…. wish me luck training!
The next challenge: gear. There are a lot of options out there, and I need to figure out the right combination for me. Any suggestions for what to wear while I swim bike and run?
Amy
May 31, 2010This is so exciting! No idea what in the world you should wear, but I can’t wait to hear what you decide on.
I agree that belonging to a team is fun and important. Woo hoo!
Kate
May 31, 2010Good for you, Monica! I’m so impressed. As you know, clearly I have no suggestions on gear since the last time I rode a bicycle it was a Schwinn 10 speed. But, I hope you’ll share what you decide on.
Can’t wait to follow your triathlon journey!
Actually if I had a 10 speed I might be in better shape than the bike I do have!
Tiffany
June 1, 2010That’s awesome. You’ll be surprised at how addicting it gets. I’m running a half marathon next Saturday and ran that distance today. It’s a matter of mind over matter and you can’t let it intimidate you. I don’t know much about biking, but swimming and running I do.
I’m a fan of anything TYR and it was the brand that I used most of the time when swimming competitively in high school. Silicone swim caps are best also because they don’t rip.
As far as shoes go for running, if you are willing to spend a bit of money, go get fit for a pair of shoes. I got fit for a pair about a month ago because I was having some problems with my current shoes and they have been awesome. (They are Mizunos.)
Feeling guilty about leaving the kiddos at home? I felt that at first, but realized that by training and getting into shape that I was able to be more active when I was with them and had more energy. So if you look at it that way, it doesn’t make you feel bad. And moms deserve a break, right?
I can’t wait to hear more about your journey! Good luck Monica!
Tiffany congratulations on the half coming up! I ran my first half marathon a few years ago and absolutely loved it. We are training for another one in October. Thank you for the gear advice. I have my swim cap (silicone like you said), and have long been an asics devotee for my shoes since I was fit for them awhile ago. the last purchase I need to make is a tri tank to go with the shorts I bought. This way I don’t have to change during the whole race.
Jennifer Kruse
June 1, 2010That’s awesome that you’re training for a triathlon! I’ve also heard that it can become addictive. I may have been interested if I could swim well and if I didn’t get shin splints when running. Oh well. Good luck on June 12th!
Rachel C
June 1, 2010Wow – congrats! Sounds like a great time. I know what you mean about feeling guilty. We want the time away, but then when the time comes we aren’t sure if we want to be gone! Oh well, make the best of your time and enjoy it! Good luck with your training