..waiting...

I regret to inform you that there is no big news on the triathlon front.

There is, however, little news:

-I apparently get a mentor through TNT who will ..mentor me through the training process and the actual race. I'm actually very grateful for this feature of the training program, as I always come up with crazy questions or issues and it will be good to have a point person to talk to. I think she might get sick of me.
-There is a KickOff Party on May 3rd in Elmhurst. Most of you know that I do not own or have access to an automobile, and that public transportation doesn't reach Elmhurst making it nonaccessible by bus, train, or bike (I won't get up at 3am to bike there, I just won't do it.) But I asked my mentor (told ya she'll get sick of me..) what options I had and she said she'd ask around about people who are going there from the city. BUT-- guess what?! If I bring a friend, I'll get free socks! So, if you or anyone you know in Chicago wants to do the triathlon and, more imporantantly, to raise money for a WONDERFUL cause while doing it, tell them to save MAY 3rd for this KickOff party.

That's all the news I've got. As of now I am just waiting to get a training schedule. They gave me one at the info session downtown, but it just says to run for 20 minutes, swim for 20 minutes, or bike for 30 minutes on different days. It's not really where I want it to be as far as intensity goes. Also, it doesn't include any resistance training which is a BUMMER because that's crazy important. I guess that's one thing I am concerned about-- if I don't like the way a training schedule looks, I will toss it and do what I want. I need to figure that out and trust that whoever makes the schedule knows what they're doing. We'll see how that goes.

Soon to come: my fundraising website-- hooray!! ..

... so I'm competing in a triathlon...!!!

So... I'm going to do a triathlon.

If you know me at all you know I enjoy running and swimming. Over th epast year, I have come to love spinning classes, too. After a half marathon over winter break that was more brutal than it should have been, I had to re-assess my full marathon aspirations. At this point in my life my knees will not tolerate training for a 26.2 mile race... so I tweaked my goals a little bit and came out with the Chicago Accenture Triathlon.

I inquired with an organization called Team in Training. They raise money for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society through these races (they do tons-- Chicago Marathon, Chicago Half Marathon, races all around the world...) I am excited, as they will help me to properly prepare for this event in exchange for me raising $2,000 for the Lymphoma and Leukemia society. I won't lie, that is a crazy daunting number. But with the support of friends and family, I know it can get done. (hint hint) =)

I went downtown to the informational session for Team in Training (TNT), and came back with a starter kit and a $75 hole in my pocket. I'm in.

So.. I thought it might be a good idea to keep a record of sorts of this whole process. A good activity at least. I honestly don't know how long it will last or how diligent I will actually be in 'blogging' (i really don't like that term...) but if it works out it will be neat.

I am insanely nervous to start this, but SO EXCITED, too. I've wanted to compete in a triathlon for a long time now, and am thrilled that it's becoming a reality.