Triathlon
About three years ago, I started running. It was initially as a way to lose weight but slowly began to be something I enjoyed. In February 2014, I ran my first half marathon. I’d only ever run 6 miles before running that but nevertheless, I managed to run the whole thing in a still respectable (for me), 2 hours 20 minutes. From there the running continue to grow. I also decided to sign up for triathlon in 2014 this was a race called Iron girl. I had bought a hybrid bike which held up well on the roads for shorter distances. I raced Iron Girl triathlon, and loved it, placing 3rd in my age group. This was the beginning of another expensive sport. Soon after that race, I bought a triathlon bike and named her Queenie.
Queenie I and Queenie II
One thing led to another and I’m now two ironmans in and training for my third. For anyone who doesn’t know, an Ironman is a long course triathlon, you swim 2.4 miles, usually in a lake, river or sea. Then get out of the water and get on your bike to cover 112 miles, this is my worse leg. Then you finish it off with 26.2 miles on foot, ideally running (I have to walk/run, as I’m often a little tired by this point). It’s a great way to stay fit and I love the badassery of it. There are all sorts of amazing people doing these races, some are fast and some are slow (you have 17 hours to complete it). I’m definitely in the latter category but continue to feel that just finishing in under 17 hours is a solid accomplishment and justifies eating just a bit too much pizza for the rest of the year.
Ironman Lake Placid 2016: Still smiling after about 12 hours of racing
This year, I’m training for my third Ironman and in all honesty, it’s not been going great. I was signed up for Ironman Boulder, in Colorado but a combination of factors, weather, personal mindset, and a lingering injury have taken that one off the table. That race is June 10th and I’m not ready. I emailed Ironman this week and I’ve asked to transfer my entry to Ironman Mont Tremblant, in Canada, which takes place at the end of August. So keep your fingers crossed for me that Ironman accept that transfer.
This weekend I raced a great local race called the Mountain Goat, a 10 mile, hilly course through Syracuse. It was a good run to test and boost my fitness. The weather cooperated and I had an okay race. Had I skipped the Prosecco the night before, I suspect I might have had an easier race (note to self!). I ran this with Jay, who is another wonderful addition to my life. I met him about a year after moving to Syracuse and much like an Ironman, he’s challenging but hugely rewarding. Just kidding! He is wonderful and I’m so grateful to have him in my life.
Jay and I running the Mountain Goat 10 miler last Sunday