can I do this?

[pickles521]

Hi everyone,

I've been a lurker here for a while, i even joined a BL challenge once, so please don't write me off because you don't recognize my name. I need some honest opinions.

I want to do a sprint triathlon. I'm motiviated and really excited, but I'm struggling with whether i'm just TOO excited. I walked the Country music 1/2 marathon on Saturday with a friend. We averaged 19 min/mile and I was going bonkers because it was just too slow. I had no adverse effects at all (ok - there was that spot caused by my bra, but that doesn't count because a new bra will fix it). I was walking normally in under an hour and no residual soreness at all, so despite the fact that I'm overweight, I'm not totally out of shape.

I have swim lessons set up to start in two weeks and a new spot in my budget for gym/pool fees. I have an OK bike, but I'm looking for a better one. I feel like i'm really on the right road, but can I do it? I want to find an event in October. That gives me 5 - 6 months to train for it. I don't want to break any land speed records, I just want to finish. Is this enough time, or am I biting off more than I can chew?

I think I'm just looking for a general "yes! go do it!", or a "do it, but give yourself more time". DH is trying to be supportive, but he still gets the "yeah, right" skeptical look when I talk about it. From my time on the BL threads, I know you guys are really supportive, but also realistic. What are your thoughts? Should I go for it?

 

[lil mermaid]

I think you can do it in 5 -6 months. I wouldn't try for an Ironman or anything, but a sprint distance tri? Sure! Go for it!

 

[ghoulishgirl]

I say go for it! I think your goal is a good one, finish and have fun! I am signed up for my first triathlon (a sprint) in June. I already run, so no problems there, but the swimming was a problem. I have been working on it and I've had 3 private lessons and last Tuesday, I swam 800 yards, which is twice the race distance. I'm still scared out of my mind about open water, but I'm going to try! Good Luck!

 

[pickles521]

Thank you so much for responding! I think I just needed someone to say I wasn't totally out of my mind!

I'm really excited about it - I can't believe that me - fat girl couch potato me! - is seriously headed for a triathlon!

 

[Buckalew11]

My DH started out with a sprint tri. The swim was in a pool and I thought all the people like him (newer to the sport people) were going to drown each other in that pool! Each race he has gotten better, smoother and faster.

Last August he finished the Louisville Ironman in about 10 hours!

You have to start somewhere, OP! I think I'd try a pool swim first race and not an open swim. JMHO.

Good luck in June, ghoulishgirl!!!

 

[TammyNC]

I don't know about the training process for an event like that but I say go for it!! You have to set goals for yourself and keep things mixed up to help stay motivated. I look forward to following your journey, keep us posted on how the training is going!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I love that you are going to do this! If you have questions, there are several on the events side of WISH that have done tris and sprints and I just know they will love to help you.

I just know you will do well. Remember, have fun! Please let us know how it is going as you journey progresses.

 

[ohMom]

how's the training going??

 

[pickles521]

The training is going slowly. I can't seem to get my bike fixed - dh promised he'd fix it Sunday, and my swim instructor bailed on me. I have a new one set to start next Wednesday.

So - I still want to do the tri VERY MUCH, but I've changed events (hopefully more like added an additional event) to the 13K in October. I'm thinking I can train for both since I'm not competing with anyone but myself for either of them. I'm just a little concerned that the timing for the tri won't work out too well. I think tri "season" is in the summer, so it will be a bit more difficult to find an event in the winter. Not impossible though. I'm definately aiming for a tri - just not sure when.

But I figure the worse case is that I train longer than necessary for my first tri. Where's the bad in that? I lose a few more pounds? Oh darn! Oh - I've also joined the local Y (they have the closest pool) and have told anyone who will listen that I want to do a tri and I'd love to find someone who can help train and motivate me. It's amazing how obligated you are when people introduce you as the girl who is going to do the tri! It's even more motiviating when the overweight women (i'm almost 100lbs overweight myself) will hunt me out afterwards and ask me why I think I can do it. Not in a mean way but in a "if you can do it I can too!" way. That's kinda cool! They look at me and see motivation. I look at me and see fat girl - so I'm learning to see something different in the mirror - all due to an unlikely goal. Strange how life works, sometimes.

Thank you so much for asking me! I really appreciate not being forgotten!

 

[MelanieC]

Good for you - You can do this. As you know from doing the 1/2, racing is addicting. I really want to get back and do another 1/2 too.

Keep up the good work - glad they are looking up to you. Keep us updated.