Triathlon - Starting Over

I fell in love with the sport of triathlon after completing my first race in October 2012. I started this blog so I could share everything I was experiencing. At least once a year I publish a post encouraging people to give triathlon a try.

Following my first triathlon in 2012

• 2017 - Repost 
• 2016 - A Different New Year's Resolution
• 2015 - Tri in 2015?
• 2014 - Triathlon 101
• 2013 - Central Valley Triathlon Club

This year, I am struggling to find the words to encourage people to try the sport. Most of this is due to the hit and run while riding my bike. At this time, I cannot fathom riding on the road. How do I encourage people to try this sport when I am scared to death of one of the best, most fun aspects of it?  "Hey, you are going to love triathlons! Just watch out while doing your bike training because someone may run you over. I'll be at home on my trainer." Yeah...I don't see many people wanting to sign up with a sales pitch like that.

I truly miss riding on the road

Another reason I think I am having a problem getting people pumped up to swim-bike-run is because this is the first time since 2013 that I do not have a "big" race planned. 2013 and 2014 had Barb's Race as my focus. 2015 was Vineman, my first iron-distance race. 2016 was IRONMAN Vineman, same race, different name. Last year, was IRONMAN Santa Rosa 70.3. This year I have nothing big planned.

Since I have an issue riding on the road, most of my races are going to be smaller, closed courses. I found myself depressed and feeling like I wasn't a triathlete just because I wasn't going to be racing for 6 to 12 hours. I worried that I was going backwards and that shorter races were equated with "beginner" races. I also worried that I would lose fitness and gain weight without hours and hours of training.

Size doesn't matter. All races are fun!

Believe me, I know that none of what I just wrote is true. The distance of a race does not determine whether or not I am a "real" triathlete. I also know that with proper diet and training, I am not going to get fat or out of shape. Now, will I be able to complete an IRONMAN race in 2018? Probably not, but that just means I am not trained for it this year. It doesn't mean that I couldn't do another one if I decided to in the future.

Plenty to Do in 2018

In order to keep myself focused, I have listed out most of the events I want to do this year including cyclocross!

• January
• Kick Start Duathlon
• Dirty Duathlon
• February
• Double Duathlon
• Lost Trail Half Marathon
• March
• The XTERRA Real MTB Triathlon 
• April
• Ice Breaker Triathlon
• May
• Folsom Lake International Triathlon
• Avenue of the Vines
• June 
• Enduro MTB Race at Mammoth Bar
• July
• Dirt, Sweat & Beers MTB Triathlon
• August
• The 21st Annual Granite Bay Triathlon/Duathlon & Relay Team Challenge
• Oakland Triathlon
• Mark and Tony's Margarita Trail Run and Party
• September
• Bear Valley Triathlon (Finally going to try this race AND we get to stay at our cabin in Arnold)
• October
• Cyclocross season starts! A whole new adventure!!
• November
• Salmon Duathlon (If I can muster up the courage to ride on the road)
• December
• California International Marathon

Getting Re-Started

Yesterday I completed the Kick Start Duathlon. It has been a couple of years since I did this race. I almost didn't sign up because I was worried about competing. I am so glad I sucked it up and raced. It reignited all of the old feelings that made me fall in love with triathlons. At the end of the race I found myself energized and focused...feeling like I can't wait until the next race. 

Now my next big challenge is getting back in the pool!

Ugh! LOL