Before classes even started, we were getting emails about this and that, tips, techniques, ideas, guides, schedules, warm up drills, etc.
The flood of information was intimidating, confusing, and comforting at the same time. We weren't going to be thrown into the pool or onto the road without knowledge beforehand. Just like NOBO, baby steps. We missed week one since we were on vacation, but we did manage to get running in while on the cruise (yeah, that was fun!).
Week 2: We did a timed mile run in the cold, wet weather to kind of build speed groups and lump us with people of comparable speed. My mile time was 8:20 - faster than my multi mile time, but slower than I have run it (years ago). We did a lot of stretching before and after, so no issues would arise. But unlike NOBO, we have swim and bike to worry about. So after the run, we went upstairs at Nesin Therapy and they discussed form and fit on a bike. Road bike, hybrid bike... any can be used for our sprint tri as long as it is safe.
Now, being the competitors we are, my wife and I got new bikes. Our old mountain bikes must have been made from a Spanish galleon's anchor - they are freaking HEAVY! And about 15 years old. With dirt tires. We opted to get road bikes and went to all the local bike shops to find the fit, form, and style we wanted. We ended up with Specialized bikes. Both were previous model years, but brand new. So we saved some money there. Got a few accessories for them like water bottles, lights, and patch kits so we'd be ready for basic rides. And yes, we liked how they looked. If you like how it looks and how it fits, you're more likely to ride it more often. My wife's bike is black and pink while mine is black, red, and white. Stylin! Of course, helmets match our bikes. Can't clash now!
Before our first ride in Tri101, we met up with our friend David over in Athens and he took us for our first 'road' ride. Being damned cold, we layered up, and I ended up with a sweat jacket on top. You know the swishy kind. Problem is, on a windy day, it becomes a sail. I was SO worn out after only covering about 10 miles (if that). David is also a world champion triathlete, and trying to keep up with him was only possible because he rode at a slower pace so us mere mortals could keep up. But he's the best guy you'd ever want to meet. Kind, generous, and very knowledgeable about riding and all things tri! He gave us great tips and encouragement. We went home tired, winded, but excited about the future and riding.
Fast forward to last weekend. We rode again with David (after doing rides with just the two of us) and a bike group in Limestone county. We covered nearly 20 miles. Up and down hill, into the wind, over rougher roads, and with traffic. We had a BLAST. We finished a lot stronger than the first ride (the right gear helps too) and even more excited about longer distance rides. We're nothing if not eager and big thinkers at this point!
We also had a second session this week for Tri101, but it was in the pool! Uh oh. Do you remember those swim lessons as a kid where there was one kid that just sucked at swimming? Drank all the pool water, coughed, gagged, and choked every few feet? Cried because the kickboard didn't feel right? Yeah, that was me. I was kicked out of swim lessons as a kid. I hated surface swimming and preferred being a fish and gliding under water. Guess that's why I got scuba certified. My favorite swim style with cool gear and longer down time. SWEET! But surface swim? Freestyle? I was screwed. Okay, I can now do a freestyle swim, but I taught it to myself and it isn't pretty at all. Somewhere along the way I learned to breathe while swimming without choking, but all that was going to be worked over by the coaches. Let the self doubt begin again!!!
We got there early to watch the other groups swim. That helped. The coaches were VERY helpful yet again, and had no problems answering any question and offering tips when needed. WHEW! When our group swam, my wife did an awesome job. She had a coach watching over her and offering tips, but she's a natural with it. Me? Not so much. I did the drills and had flashbacks yet again to being a kid and choking in the water. I was NOT going to let that happen (as often). The drills were very helpful and something I have been doing in the water every time I swim now to help reinforce those lessons. Despite my self-doubt, the coaches reassured me my form is not too bad, but it gets messy when I lift my head to breathe. Focus on left and right side breathing. Don't look forward, it screws you up. Reach your hand and arm forward to stretch out the lats. Find a good position for the arms to save the shoulder. Just a few tweaks.
The lessons were priceless. So THAT is what a swim lesson should be like?
Week 3: Our first ride with the Tri101 group! Lots of nice road bikes. Lots of nice mountain and hybrid bikes. And a really cool recumbent trike! Lots of old bikes. Lots of new bikes. And lots of nervous faces! You know... the fear of being able to get on and not fall off. The fear of crashing. The fear of running into somebody. The fear of failing. Those pesky demons seem to show up everywhere, and it isn't just with me. So now I don't feel so different.
But again, our instructors gave us great lessons and some shots of confidence. I mean, it wasn't the Tour de France here, just a 2 mile loop with little traffic, and lots of space to get used to being on the saddle and riding. No drafting and lots of space between bikes helped alleviate a lot of fears. Everybody finished that session with smiles (and probably a few grimaces from the sore butts) and more confidence.
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