So Where am I Now?

Am I ready for a Tri?

Nope.

But I am getting closer.

I'm finding my running is getting easier, my swimming smoother, and my biking a LOT of fun!  Endurance seems to be my issue this point, especially with the run and swim. 

My running ability is up to 2 miles at a respectable pace without having to stop.  Those demons are getting easier to handle and get out of my head.  I'm ready for Spring weather though!

My swim stroke is too fast and 50m is a workout in itself.  Holding on the the wall is gonna kill my time.  I figure with more pool time, I can slow my stroke a bit and let more gliding and form take place while letting me feel more rested without having to take the wall breaks.

My biking feels good, but Nancy's spin classes are always teaching us ways to deal with the issues involved in riding.  You know, those things like gravity (hills), resistance (wind), and fatigue.  Nancy is an incredible spin instructor, and is leading a team to ride in Alabama's MS (Multiple Sclerosis) ride in June.  With 25, 45, 75, and 100 mile options, we have a choice.  I know we'd love to ride the full century, but we'll have to see how we progress between now and June.

And if you want to contribute to either my wife's or my ride, let me know and I'll get you the links to make an online donation! Money goes to further MS research and help families that can't afford the crazy medical costs associated with MS.  MS has affected our family directly and we want to knock it OUT!

Anyway, I'm starting to look at my diet to see where I can help maybe get some muscle mass.  My wife says I'm getting too skinny, but my body has always done that when I do endurance training.  I weighed 120 lbs in high school (5'9") and a light breeze would knock me over.  Sometimes literally.

Mentally, I'm getting stronger.  I mean there's always the twinge of apprehension before a run.  The pang in the stomach when I first go underwater for the first lap.  And the "Dear God, don't let me fall off this thing" when I first get on the bike.  But I am progressing far enough now to know I CAN do it - as long as I tell those voices who is boss.

By next weekend, we'll be up to 3 miles in NOBO.  Another milestone.  That race is in April, so I'll be 5k 'ready' before the tri.  Perhaps a few 5k races between the NOBO race and the tri would do me some good.  I don't expect to win a prize, but the mental victory is that much sweeter and means a whole lot more to me.

As long as the T-shirt is cool!