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Triathlon Ramblings

My first triathlon of the season is four weeks from today.  I'm pretty sure I am going to bonk, hard core, but I will finish the race on my own two feet.  This training as a single mom is a little harder than I thought.  Especially with both boys having activities that take up time.  I'm hoping to get on the bike  course at least once prior to the race.  Was supposed to ride today, but my training partner got scared off by the rain.  I still love her any way. 

Came to the realization this afternoon that Green Lakes tri takes place on what will most likely be day two of my cycle.  This is not a good thing.  Really hope I'm late this cycle, so that I don't have to worry about it.  I know you don't need to know this, but it's kind of freaking me out.   One thing I had hoped to avoid until I don't feel like a newbie triathlete anymore.   Sometimes men don't know how easy they have it!   Really would still appreciate advice on how to deal with this on race day.  I asked a while back when I only had four followers.  Maybe now that I've got a few more, I can get more advice. 

 I need another training partner.  One who is about my speed, or maybe a little faster.  When I have someone counting on me to be somewhere, I won't bail on the workout.  I hate letting other people down.  If I had someone local, who was willing to bike and/or run with me once a week, it would make me work that much harder.  Any volunteers?

Today I finally picked up my shoes, cleats, and pedals from my friend who has had them for me for at least a month.  I put the pedals on the bike all by myself, and put the cleats on the shoes all by myself.  And then taught myself how to clip in and out on the trainer.  The only damage so far was to my poor finger nails.  They didn't fair too well during the assembly.  Tomorrow I will try a short, flat ride outside, and hope I don't kill myself.  The shoes are very pretty.  Pink and grey.  Very 80's!

Do you wear socks with your bike shoes?  Or go sockless?  I tried both ways, and found my socks very uncomfortable.  I also figured out that I can unclip much easier on my left foot.  It's either how I put the cleat on the shoe, or somehow my left leg is stronger.  Hoping this is the leg I put down when I stop anyway.  But we will find out tomorrow. 

Finally, my good friend Kristin is participating in her first 70.3 as a pro triathlete tomorrow.  I am so excited for her, and can't wait to hear how she did.  I know she will rock it, no doubt in my mind.  If I could only be 1/2 the athlete she is I would be thrilled!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I had the same issue during BOTH triathlons last year. Of all the timing... To be a man would've been great! I truly thought it would be horrible but it was fine. "'changed" just before and right after the race. It was less than 2 hours in-between so no biggie. Oh, and I took Aleve around the clock! I would bike with you but you love sooo far away now. ;-)
Shioban
Erin said…
Yes, I know. I suck. The rain scared me :-p. I would have gone had I actually rode my new bike this year when the course dry & I was somewhat decent of clipping in & out!! I fail. Lovee youu!!!!
Kerrie said…
I think you'll be OK, it's just a sprint. But I think we had this conversation last year and I recommended a product-- do you remember?
Jason said…
Sockless on both the bike and the run. I taught myself to pee during both and well socks tend to get soggy....

Having a training partner is clutch. I have found one that has truly helped me at the end of my last training cycle and know that he will help me leading up to Longhorn.
Jenn said…
Hey Car - coming from a non-triathlete but former high school athlete, on days when I had a game or meet, I would just use sthing anyways, as a preemptive strike.
Unknown said…
Sockless is the way to go!! See you bailed on me Yesterday!! :) I will be more than happy to get together with you anytime!! And don't sweat the small stuff like your menses. Just do as you would normally do. Itll only be a couple hours at most!!! Greenlakes tri here you come!

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