Take at Least One ... a Chance!

A couple of months ago, right after moving to my new town, I met some gals who were planning to do a 10K charity event. Technically, the 10K was a race, but most of them were walking it instead. I was invited to join their group and with little hesitation I said "Yes"!

Thus began my two month training period to build up my strength and endurance so that I could: 1) walk a 10K, which is the US equivalent of 6.2 miles, and 2) not feel like death afterwards.

I am very happy to report that I succeeded on both counts. I'm less happy to report that during the entire event rain poured down upon us. For nearly two hours we slogged through town, spanning massive puddles that flooded our shoes just as completely as they flooded the streets. We were a chilly drippy bunch at the end.

And yet...

...and yet we loved it!

And now a bunch of us have gone and done something crazy. Crazy with a capital C. We've registered (aka committed perfectly good, non-refundable money) for a Triathlon! In May! We have 16 weeks to train ourselves up so that we will be able to

1. Swim 1/3 of a mile
2. Bike 19 miles
3. Run 3 miles

...all one right after the other.

For those of you who are into this kind of thing, this probably seems like small potatoes. For someone like me, however, this is a Big Deal.

1. I don't run. I mean, yes, if the zombies are coming I will run - but truly, why run when you can just walk - then you can keep talking and not spill your chai latte.

2. I do like to bike, but I haven't used my bike in a couple of years, so those particular pedal pumping muscles might be a bit, well, "under utilized". Around here there are mountains aplenty, so there isn't any easy level area to start bike training. I'm a little freaked concerned about looking like a prize idiot crawling up the hills slower than a bumblebee in the summertime. So, I also have to work on protecting my ego...

3. I can swim, but not like with any decent form. I can tread water quite well (ask the U.S. Coast Guard - they may still have records about that little accident adventure way back in the 80's) and we had a swimming pool at our previous house. One third of a mile, without stopping to hang out at the pool edge, is, for me, a significant distance. Living on the edge of a mountain, we don't have a pool for me to practice in, privately and with no fear of being seen distractions. Guess I'm going to have memorize the open swim schedule at the local Y and learn to stroke, stroke, stroke (breathe), stroke, stroke, stroke (breathe)...

To help me stay focused on my fitness training schedule and healthy eating I decided to create this, my Kick-Butt Fitness Blog. I will be chronicling the ups and downs as I train my way towards becoming a triathlete and will happily hear from any of you who are also on a transformation journey.

Welcome!

...now, let's kick some butt!