Firsts

Ok, Slacky McBlogsALittle, it's time for an update.

My first tri of the season is this week.  Really, I have no idea how it's already here.  I don't feel unprepared, I just don't feel like it can be nearly June.  I've got some transition practices to knock out over the next week, so hopefully, I'll arrive at the race course better than rusty.  But the first race of the season always feels like a bit of a craps shoot.  I've put in the hours training, but there's no substitute for a race.  I'll have to talk it over with my coach, but expect a race plan here over the next few days.

What I'm most proud of and excited by in the lead up to this race is my running.  It was mid-March before I got the all-clear to start back again.  I'm now running close to 20 miles per week, completely pain free.  It feels like a miracle.

Then there's other firsts.

This weekend was R's first half marathon.  I was stoked to cheer her on as she crossed another goal off her list.  I continue to be in awe of her determination and progress.  Halves are my favorite distance, so I was also eager for her to get a taste of the distance that you can't just go and do.  The distance that is equal parts legs, heart and brains.  And she totally rocked it.  Each time we saw her, she had a smile on her face.  She stuck to her plan and knocked out her goal.  It was fantastic!  And then she signed up for another.  I love it!

And finally, last fall when I switched coaches, I started down a path of regimented training for the 2012 Age Group Nationals Championship.  I realized that this style of coaching, though exactly what I was looking for, was not one that was super conducive with social training.  However, I've been proved wrong.  This winter I've done almost every single trainer ride with my friend A.  I've done nearly all of my swims with her as well.  She's been flexible enough to go along with my plan and steadfast enough to get me to all of my workouts.  I'm not sure I would have gotten them done without her.  (She left for vacation last week, and I'm super glad I have a taper week now, otherwise...)  

The happy byproduct of all this training with A is that she's decided she's ready to tackle her first Olympic distance triathlon at this year's Mass State race.  And she's decided to tackle it on her very own first road bike.  She's been a champ doing most of our bike rides on my road bike which is much too small for her. A few weeks ago, we went to the local bike shop and came out with a bike, pedals, shoes, a helmet, sunnies, and a saddle bag.  She is ready to roll.

So here's to the start of the 2012 season, and here's to new challenges, new goals and PRs.