My fitness goals this summer focused on completing two sprint triathlons, the Wildbear in June, and Pumpkinman in September. I chose those two as bookends to motivate me to get moving in the Spring and maintain the pace throughout the Summer. Otherwise I could see myself slacking and losing focus. My strategy worked and I had a great time racing.
I realized that I haven't been this fit since I was about 8 years old. A lucky kid, I spent my summers swimming until my lips were blue, riding bikes with other kids, and running around playing tag until bedtime. Triathlon breaks down to these three same basics: Swim, Bike and Run. I've noticed that my three kids are falling in to the same pattern and it will be my goal to make sure they don't lose this level of activity as they grow older.
When I hit middle school and then high school it was all about team sports. If triathlon had been an option, I think I would have signed right up. After some fun with gymnastics but never excelling in the sport I found I didn't have much to focus on. This led to a long hiatus in regular exercise.
I am glad I found triathlon. After racing these two sprints my goals for next summer are to complete an Olympic distance tri in June, Mooseman Triathlon and then a half Ironman distance added to Pumpkinman. I'm scared but determined to train for the first ever half Ironman to be held in Maine. A 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.
My kids sometimes complain about me being away from them to train. When I mentioned that kids can compete too my oldest daughter, almost 8 years old, became very excited. Kids' tris are usually untimed events with much shorter distances. But there is no doubt that the excitement of going the course will reach even the youngest participant. I hope all my kids learn to love triathlon but even if they don't like to compete they can still enjoy the basics. Swim. Bike. Run.
I realized that I haven't been this fit since I was about 8 years old. A lucky kid, I spent my summers swimming until my lips were blue, riding bikes with other kids, and running around playing tag until bedtime. Triathlon breaks down to these three same basics: Swim, Bike and Run. I've noticed that my three kids are falling in to the same pattern and it will be my goal to make sure they don't lose this level of activity as they grow older.
When I hit middle school and then high school it was all about team sports. If triathlon had been an option, I think I would have signed right up. After some fun with gymnastics but never excelling in the sport I found I didn't have much to focus on. This led to a long hiatus in regular exercise.
I am glad I found triathlon. After racing these two sprints my goals for next summer are to complete an Olympic distance tri in June, Mooseman Triathlon and then a half Ironman distance added to Pumpkinman. I'm scared but determined to train for the first ever half Ironman to be held in Maine. A 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.
My kids sometimes complain about me being away from them to train. When I mentioned that kids can compete too my oldest daughter, almost 8 years old, became very excited. Kids' tris are usually untimed events with much shorter distances. But there is no doubt that the excitement of going the course will reach even the youngest participant. I hope all my kids learn to love triathlon but even if they don't like to compete they can still enjoy the basics. Swim. Bike. Run.
