Kim - February 22, 2010

A few years ago, I witnessed participants of the Nautica NYC Triathlon in Central Park. I was amazed at the number of people who were participating including many with disabilities. I was truly moved and inspired by the sheer power and commitment each one of the participants possessed. I knew that I wanted to be part of that experience. When I finally graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design I knew that the opportunity was now or never.

So now that I know I am going to participate in at least one triathlon this year, I realize that training is crucial to survive such an arduous event. Thanks to Chelsea Piers, I have the opportunity to be part of a group that is led by a true triathlon coach. The schedule consists of three workout days a week, two of which require me to wake up at 4:30 AM. On Saturdays, I have the privilege of sleeping until 6 AM. I really have no idea how I am going to deal with this but commitment means that I can't ever complain about early awakenings.

It has been three weeks so far, and I am surprised by how I have gotten used to waking up early. It is even more exciting to know that I will be joining my group with a workout that we will all be sweating to. Fortunately, I have befriended someone in the group who happens to be on the same 5:17 AM bus. We are both half awake and I can barely speak coherently. We do, however, perk up once we arrive at the gym.

The most recent workout was last Saturday. We had a substitute coach who was an actual swim coach for the Full Throttle team. For 60 minutes, we literally swam non-stop. I was surprised how I managed to keep going. I also had an appetite that kept going. Three other participants in the group and I filled our bellies with food from the cafe before we hopped into a cab for the Run for Haiti event in Central Park. Word to the wise: never drink a protein shake before running. 

Today, Monday February 22nd, I performed my long run. So far so good with the legs. I haven't had any shin pains or ankle problems. I took the advice of our coach and did a fair amount of stretching before the run and continued to stretch after. I even took a bath to make sure any inflammation would go away. I am excited about meeting my nutritionist this Thursday. I am sure she will give me a list of things to eat and avoid so that I can perform at my best. I hope I can keep some food that I love like pretzels! They are amazing after running. Although Bagels and peanut butter are even more delicious- needless to say I don't eat them regularly. Now that I am training, maybe I can have one once in a while… Hmmmmm.

I am looking at my watch and reminding myself that I have 4 hours until bedtime. I don't have the stamina to stay up beyond 10 PM anymore. Tomorrow is the run session and I plan on doing weights right afterwards. I found a great book that shows weight work-outs to improve speedwork. Tomorrow will be a long day. Let's hope that with enough coffee I can pull through until bedtime. Which of course, is 9pm.