The First Triathlon I’ve Done Twice is Just Two Weeks Away…

New York, New York. A double rainbow. Twins. Double mint gum. When unusual things happen two times it’s newsworthy, right? That’s why they say New York is so nice, they named it twice. Or the video going viral of that guy being so happy about the double rainbow. Well, I’ve got my own double delight to be excited about. Can you guess what it is?

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If you guessed that I invented a way to work AND nap at the same time, you’re way off… but I like the way you think. Imagine you’ve been doing sprint triathlons for about a year. Each one has different challenges than the race before it. One might have a long swim and a flat bike ride. The next is a hilly bike and a run that takes you through a neighborhood. The following race is a pool swim, a long bike, and a flat run. But then your first year of racing comes to an end and the calendar of triathlons resets.

For me, a new year means that in just a couple of weeks I’ll participate in the first race I’ve done twice! I almost can’t believe the time has come. I thought it would happen in April, the anniversary of my first race ever, but because of unavoidable circumstances that triathlon was nixed for 2024. So this July, finally I’ll get to measure where I’ve improved compared to the same competition last year. I’m pretty excited and I’ve already put together my tentative goals for the race. It’s a short sprint (400yd swim, 10m bike, 5K run) so it’ll blow by (especially if you’re one of those elite athletes who finishes the run while most people are still dismounting their bikes 🤪).

I know I’ve come a long way since my first entry into the triathlon world. Just from training with my brother-in-law and becoming part of an awesome triathlon club (folks I also train with), I’ve learned so much about strength, efficiency, and skill. On top of that, my swim attire has changed as well as my bicycle, helmet, nutrition, shoes– OK it would just be easier to mention what hasn’t changed…

😶

…Yep, basically everything has changed. And I have, too. I can’t wait to have the data to show it. I’m so grateful for where I am now as a triathlete, and I bet next year at this same time I’ll be saying the same thing. It’s progress and I’m learning to be OK if it happens slowly… kinda like my slowly-improving swim skills 😉.

But definitely let me know if you figure out the work/nap thing.

-Out of the Wilderness