Taking the Reins

Yes, I am still around.  It’s been months, I know, but to be honest, I’ve been a little distracted.

On Saturday, I will attempt my first Olympic distance triathlon.  A year ago when I started this triathlon thing, I thought it would be a great way to get into shape and challenge myself.  I raced sprints, which are short, 1.5 hour events that require you to do a little bit of everything.  NEVER, in my wildest imagination, would I think myself capable of stepping up to Olympic, and swimming 1 mile, biking 26 miles, and running 6.2 miles.  Never!!  In fact, even though I have consistently put 2 of the 3 together in practice at that distance, I still am wondering if this is something I am capable of doing.  Darn self doubt.

The past few months have included a lot of firsts for me.  My first 3 hour bike ride.  My first 7 mile run.  My first 2 mile swim.  Each first seemed sweeter than the last, and left me feeling like I’d conquered the world, no matter how slow I actually was.  And I have to admit, I’ve been eating things I ordinarily wouldn’t dream of eating.  So even though I burn 2500 calories on a Saturday morning, I eat 1/4 of them during my ride and then probably compensate by going out to eat and demolishing everything in site.  No major weight gain, but clearly, NOT on program.

So after Saturday, I will be back on weight loss mode.  Because lighter means faster, and I have a uniform to squeeze into for the rest of the summer!

But yes, I am alive…..if anyone remembers me.