Ooohing and ahhing here too! :D Thank you for a GREAT story, Anne! I'm in awe of what you've accomplished :cool: .

Thanks! I love my finisher's medals. Tangible evidence.

Anybody can do this. A couple years ago I couldn't so much as walk around the block, let alone run, or bike, or swim. It just takes some training, one small step at a time. And sometimes it is a psychological challenge more than anything. Lots of people are genuinely afraid of swimming, and I was terrified of crashing on the bike. These too are overcome one step at a time.

The thing that really astonished me when I started doing this, is that people of all shapes and sizes really do this crazy sport. I always thought it was for the uberfit crowd, but larger people do race triathlon, and they do it respectably. Everyone is very supportive too--it tends to be a very welcoming community. Runners are good too, but it tends to be a larger community and I don't generally get to know people there as well just because of the number of people involved.

One warning, I re-experienced this morning. The day after a race, weight tends to jump a few pounds (verified this with a bunch of other triathletes and runners). With the hydration balance issues--heavy sweating and overcompensation, swelling sore muscles, extra food taken in for energy and recovery, and a digestive system that's a bit off, I'm usually up by 2-4 pounds. :fr: I had to talk myself down very calmly off the scale this morning. It goes away in a day or two, but is sort of shocking the first time it happens. If you have a body fat scale, you'll see it's on the low side as well, since that measurement is also affected by hydration issues.

Anne

Anybody can do this? No, I don't think so! Actually the swimming and biking part don't scare me although I would need to do some major re-training, but these knees just won't ever run distances again. Too many miles on them, too little meniscus.

Your race recap (and your bio in maintainers) is great! Wishing you many years of fun, wet and dry miles :)

Mel

Mel, you are absolutely right and I stand corrected. Not everyone can participate in every sport/exercise for one reason or another. But I absolutely believe 100% we are ALL capable of incredible things, of going beyond our own expectations, and finding an activity you love to do just makes it so much easier. I am so in awe of anyone who takes that first step, any step, and just keeps going. These boards are just filled with people who do this, and it is such a privilege to particpate here and share in everyone's stories. :grouphug:

All right, I'm getting way too sappy. I have some laundry to fold now!

Anne

Anne thanks, I want to do an olympic distance tri in 2007, but want to start sprint distances soon.. I have good endurance, but I need to work on my swimming and maybe invest in a racing bike.

Cheers!

Ali

I think swimming is the hardest of the sports to pick up. Good technique is very important for conserving energy and later on for improving speed. Worth a lesson or two, or maybe look for a master's group. Earlier this year I spent some time training at my tri group's coached swims--made a big difference.

I'd love to get a racing bike too. Right now I just use my road bike with clip on aerobars. All the new 2005 models are coming out and I'm just drooling. But I'm trying to hold off for a while. My road bike is a decent one, and much more practical and multi-purpose. Not to mention paid-for!

I can't swim worth a hoot, and my Wal*Mart bike would probably fall to pieces in a race. But I can run dangit. Do they do singleathelons? Hehe