Two Tri or Not Two Tri

Bucket List Item #18, This is YOUR time.

It reads " Complete a Triathlon before age 40"

In a nutshell, this is how I found myself signed up for not one, but two triathlons.

Stephanie and I are in Portland for Christmas with my family. We've just stepped out for a dinner downtown with friends we had recently met on an REI Adventure, Kathy and Harry.  Before I get too far, let me supplement this discussion by adding I am feeling quite more svelte than my usual self after a horrific bout with a gut bug that has left me light and trim. In addition, I've recently bawled while reading Dawnetta's wildly inspiring ironman report.  Kathy mentions The Pacific Crest Triathlon and invites us to participate for the end of June event.  I am feeling confident and (falsely) Fit, but in the excitement of it all agree to do it! Fast forward a month when I'm sitting in front of the registration page punching in my credit card numbers. A few of the familiar lumps and bulges are back and realize I can't rely on gut-wrenching illnesses to get my weight down to a healthy level. I press submit.

Now I've signed up for a local triathlon training group sponsored by Fleet Feet Sacramento  with coaching provided by Gutzy Tri.  We are into out first week of group training (10 weeks total) and all the buzz is about Wildflower happening the first week of May.  Coach Jamie Whitmore tells me she will have me ready for the olympic distance event in 10 weeks. Earlier that week, I pulled the old bathing suit out of the land of misfit toys and, while trying it on again, wrenched every one of its fibers to the peak of its elasticity . I'm not sure if I believe Coach Jamie, but I want to.  Thrift swings the pendulum on Friday night when I find the the discount registration is coming to an end. Submit AGAIN!

At the end of Week 1 Training (February 23 thru March 1)

Biking - 45 miles
Running - 10 miles
Swimming - 2000meters
Walking the Dog - 11 miles

I'm doing something completely out of my comfort zone and posting my BEFORE Pictures as well as listing some other stats:

Starting weight = 142 lbs
Oompa Loompa Rating = bulges cannot be hidden well under clothes

 

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