Yesterday, while I was dropping off my FedEx packages, there was a young woman standing waiting at the bank of elevators in the office where the drop off box is. She was in office attire, a very nice form fitting shift dress with matching high heels and sporting a current coif.
As I blew past her, because I'm always in a hurry lately. I'm looking at her thinking, I remember when I dressed like that. Now a days I'm in my Mephisto sandals, because I just can't imagine wearing heels anymore....a pair of capri pants or some sort of elasticised waistband skirt and I've got my hair in some sort of disarray. Have I turned into some sort of slob, or just going for the comfort factor?
Is this what happens as you get older? Is this what happens when you have more Saucony, New Balance and Zoot in your wardrobe than Halston, Tristan & America, Jacob? Have I replaced Jimmy Choo with Saucony? Do I wear my hair longer so it'll fit into a Stay Put elastic and running hat more easily?
My tan lines are something too, (not that I saw young things tan lines), mostly my legs are tanned below my running shorts hemline and above my sock line, so, very attractive (or not) white feet stick out of my sandals. What have I become? Some sort of running freak, have I totally lost all my hormones and don't care what I look like?? Well now throw in biking and swimming (I'm learning just how crazy you tri guys and gals are), I smell of chlorine and bike chain grease, I'M LOVING IT!
So, back to young thing in the dress, she was coming in from having a smoke, gah, I'd sooner smell of body glide and sweat rather than cigarette smoke. I don't know about you fellows when you see an attractive young thing who is smoking, but for me, when I'm out and I see a very attractive man, I think to myself hmmmm, maybe, wink, wink, but as soon as he lights up a smoke, game over.
This morning I'm re-reading the course for the 2008 Canadian Iron Triathlon, Duathlon, & Run - September 30 and I'm getting pretty excited. Who knew at my age I'd be trying a Tri.
I was thinking about all the excuses, couch sitting, cocktail swilling, making myself "old" past life, then "waking up" after a major health scare and surgery to realise, you've only got one kick at this life....shit or get off the pot. Well, LUCKY ME, I choose to be healthy and happy!!!
September 30, here I come! I've been biking, swimming and running. This week has been crazy with aforementioned tasks and this weekend I am practicing my transitions with my Half Iron friend Anne. I can hardly wait.
Thanks to all of you who read my little musings, because believe it or not, you DO contribute so much to my life and to my enthusiasm for continuing this journey of being fit and active at an older age!!
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
Showing posts with label try-a-tri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label try-a-tri. Show all posts
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Thursday, 7 August 2008
23 Days and counting....
... till August 30, 2008.
Yup, I'm signed up, paid the bucks, will be getting the T-shirt!!
You may have noticed that the Canadian Iron Distance Triathlon and Duathlon is back on my Target Races.
Yup, I'm signed up, paid the bucks, will be getting the T-shirt!!
This is certainly the year to "Try" things, my first 30K race, my first Marathon and now my first Try-a-Tri.
My 88 year old father says "Tri is the beginning of Triumph"...
Now the pressure is on!!!
Yesterday after working late at the office, I ripped home, tried to load up the Iron Horse into the trunk of my car...gah, the chain comes off of the gear, well, not to worry, the fellow who is going to tune my baby up will deal with it!
Off I go to meet the fellow who is going to work on the bike, off to where they will tune my "hot wheels" up and end up in a construction holdup. Folks, I live in "Rural Phoodunk to NO where", I don't live in town! How do you have a road crew hold everyone up in both direction for almost 20 minutes in the middle of nowhere?
Finally I get to the shop and now have to fight to get my tank (ooops bike) out of the trunk...this is a heavy old bike I'm talking about! Done, run into the shop (good practice) and he has left for the day! Gone, didn't think I was coming so he left. That's okay as I do a little deep breathing exercise, this will get me ready for my swim.
Oh, did I mention swimming practices? Yup, Monday and Wednesday afternoon and Saturday mornings.
Off I go to the pool, swimming starts at 5:30 p.m., it is now 6 p.m.
Being new to this swim club I am already giving them a negative impression and that maybe I'm just not too serious about this adventure. I can't find a parking spot because Ice Hockey has started and every mother and her son is unloading their cars full of hockey equipment.
Finally a parking spot, I sprint (again, good practice) to the pool, run inside and check out the pool, Yup they've all been "in their lanes and in their zone" for over a half hour and I get "the look".
Quiet resistance for the new LATE person.
Okay, this is where my shyness kicks in.....
I decide to forgo the swim, not interrupt any one's Zen swim.
I sit from the side and watch....what am I doing?? I'm a grown woman and I'm too embarrassed to get in a swim.
Duh, how we revert to our childhood...and so easily.
Saturday will be different, I'll go and cannonball my way into the group, they are going to LOVE me.
After my swim on Saturday , I'll go pick up my Iron Horse and ride into the wind. Giddy UP!
Tonight is a Tempo run in town.
Swim, Bike, Swim, Run, Bike, Swim, Run....that's what I'll be up to for the next 23 Days!!!
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
*photo's from Flickr*
Monday, 4 August 2008
Tri training, losing weight & gaining strength
Holiday Monday!
The sun is shining, the birds are busy at the feeders and I'm deciding what to do with my day off.
Well, to start off, I'm going to get rid of some of the excess weight that found its way to me during the marathon training which was two months ago.....its been a long enough time for me to hauling this around so I'm signed up and ready to go with Quadrathon's weight loss challenge!
I've even gained weight from when I signed in with Quadrathon!! This is an issue!
Yup, I had lost a little bit with Viv's challenge, but now that I'm seriously (yes I said seriously), starting to get ready for the Try-a-Tri and have to put on a bathing suit....well, let's just say its not a pretty sight and in fact I'm rather chubby!
The weekend has been GREAT!!
Saturday was spent all day with a friend of mine who is a Half Iron Triathlete, needless to say she got me pumped!
We watched the video's from Lake Placid Iron Man 2007 and 2008! Oh my gawd, it is amazing! I am signing up and will be volunteering for next year!!!
Bet You thought I was going to say "signing up for the Mdot!" Nope, it's already sold out!
Between the rain and thunderstorms we got in a lot of swimming.
I hadn't swam like that in 30 years. It felt great to get my rhythm and relax, I even sort of remembered how to breath both sides. (I use to compete freestyle when I was a lot younger). It was amazing!!!
I'm totally psyched out about the bike!
You are all very kind to tell me it doesn't matter what I ride to "try", but in all honesty, I'm a competitive snob....if you don't have the "proper" equipment don't do it attitude....
I know, juvenile right?
DEAR SANTA!
Sunday was our group run, 16K. This weeks run was really great, everyone was very chatty and running with ease. A few of the group had been to the National Capital's Tri & Du on Saturday and were so full of enthusiasm about their bike and run! It was amazing to hear the stories and of course adding fuel to my fire for the following weeks to come.
Today will be spent tidying up and then either biking 70K, well 35K to downtown and have lunch with a few of the Wooo Hooo's, look around at the Buskerfest and then back.
Or we go biking here at home and getting in another swim.**
The sun is SHINING! How weird is that???
So, I'm not going to waste another moment....hope you all have a great day!
Catch up with you later ~ gator!!!!
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
**the Wooo Hooo's are coming to my place for a bike and swim, I love summer!*
The sun is shining, the birds are busy at the feeders and I'm deciding what to do with my day off.
Well, to start off, I'm going to get rid of some of the excess weight that found its way to me during the marathon training which was two months ago.....its been a long enough time for me to hauling this around so I'm signed up and ready to go with Quadrathon's weight loss challenge!
I've even gained weight from when I signed in with Quadrathon!! This is an issue!
Yup, I had lost a little bit with Viv's challenge, but now that I'm seriously (yes I said seriously), starting to get ready for the Try-a-Tri and have to put on a bathing suit....well, let's just say its not a pretty sight and in fact I'm rather chubby!Middle age spread at its finest!!
The weekend has been GREAT!!
Saturday was spent all day with a friend of mine who is a Half Iron Triathlete, needless to say she got me pumped!
We watched the video's from Lake Placid Iron Man 2007 and 2008! Oh my gawd, it is amazing! I am signing up and will be volunteering for next year!!!
Bet You thought I was going to say "signing up for the Mdot!" Nope, it's already sold out!
Between the rain and thunderstorms we got in a lot of swimming.
I hadn't swam like that in 30 years. It felt great to get my rhythm and relax, I even sort of remembered how to breath both sides. (I use to compete freestyle when I was a lot younger). It was amazing!!!
We swam over to the island and back several times....with the next three weeks to practice, I'm confident I won't have a problem with the Try-a-tri swim....now the bike will be a different story!
I'm totally psyched out about the bike!
You are all very kind to tell me it doesn't matter what I ride to "try", but in all honesty, I'm a competitive snob....if you don't have the "proper" equipment don't do it attitude....
I know, juvenile right?
DEAR SANTA!
Sunday was our group run, 16K. This weeks run was really great, everyone was very chatty and running with ease. A few of the group had been to the National Capital's Tri & Du on Saturday and were so full of enthusiasm about their bike and run! It was amazing to hear the stories and of course adding fuel to my fire for the following weeks to come.
Today will be spent tidying up and then either biking 70K, well 35K to downtown and have lunch with a few of the Wooo Hooo's, look around at the Buskerfest and then back.
Or we go biking here at home and getting in another swim.**
The sun is SHINING! How weird is that???
So, I'm not going to waste another moment....hope you all have a great day!
Catch up with you later ~ gator!!!!
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
**the Wooo Hooo's are coming to my place for a bike and swim, I love summer!*
Thursday, 31 July 2008
A chicken of sorts
In my email box on a daily basis, I receive a Newsletter from Rudy Hollywood of TriRudy, a daily publication mainly addressing Tri issues.
Hopefully, through osmosis, I'll really get the Tri bug and "just do it".
Better late than never, I certainly "feel the fear", but have yet to "do it anyway", so now I just have to put my goals into action;
"Achieving your Goals"
by Ronda Gates
There's a great holiday card at my local gift shop.
The front says, "Start your New Year's Resolution now."
Open the card and it reads, "Get out your eraser!!
I've this sense that everyone whose hands have lifted that card from the rack has shook his or her head, chuckled and thought, "I can relate." Nevertheless, I left with the same sense of optimism I believe those readers share. "This year it will be different. "
Because the past few years HAVE been different for me I have a new sense of optimism about achieving goals. Your commitment that "this time it will be different" can be a reality. You are motivated, you are committed. you are optimistic. You may also be afraid that your best intentions will be compromised by another relapse. If you've ever said, I already know what I need to do, I just haven't been able to do it," here are some specific techniques to keep your spark ignited:
SET GOALS (and OBJECTIVES)
Goal setting is the art that makes everything else possible. It adds aim to energy, focuses effort and, for some, structures time. Surveys show that people who plan ahead are much more successful over the long term than those who plunge in without knowing where they're going or how they'll get there. You wouldn't take a long road trip without a map so it makes good sense to have a compass (and road map) for your fitness objectives.
Goals Should Be Smart
S = Specific
Saying, "I'll go to exercise class," is not a specific goal. I have a clearer picture when I write, "Next week I will attend step class at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."
M = Measurable
Set goals that are measurable in quality or quantity. Measuring body fat percentage, hip to waist ratio or journaling and record keeping of diet intake or workouts achieved or increases in heart rate reserve are powerful and motivating tools to assuring a new habit becomes a long term behavior. Instead, make plans for an individual workout that nurtures you. Many folks find they're more committed to measurable goals if they report to a friend or colleague willing to help monitor their progress.
A = Attainable
In the enthusiasm of the moment we often make promises that are difficult to keep when enthusiasm wanes. If you're looking for a magic bullet the chances are you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot. Realizing that change doesn't happen overnight will help you set realistic goals you can achieve. It's the SMALL changes that are the key to permanent lifestyle change. For example, if are trying to lose weight you should avoid the painful rebound of crash dieting by planning to lose no more than one or two pounds a week.
R = Realistic
Goals should reflective of your values and compatible with your lifestyle. If not they can be the source of distress. Success is about learning how to customize your activities to find the right fit for you. For example, if you don't enjoy working out with others it's unrealistic to join an aerobic exercise class. I enjoy being with people most of the time, but have learned that my new heart rate monitor based exercise program is much more fun when I stride out on my own where I can manage my pace without distraction and return with a sense of accomplishment in addition to the satisfaction of another completed workout.
T = Timely
It's not smart to plan too many changes at once-it's too threatening to your internal sense of balance. Before you begin be certain you can identify other areas of your life that might be stressful and prevent you from "doing what you want to do". For example, although a workout can be an important stress reducer if it makes your schedule more unmanageable you may have to postpone a new weight training program or fitness class until it's more in keeping with a balanced lifestyle.
Write Down Your Goals
It's important to put your goals in writing. Written goals are a tangible sign of a promise that you intend to keep. They can remind you of that promise when time is short or if other priorities become pressing. Written goals will also help you track your progress, make your accomplishments more obvious and help you identify problem areas that need more attention.
Sadly, only 5% of Americans write down goals and objectives, but 95% of those who do succeed. (A survey of Fortune 500 executives indicates that they may be successful because they write down their goals and objectives.
Identify Supporters And Saboteurs
Some of us can be the lone ranger, but most people need coaches, cheerleaders and people whose belief in and support of s reminds us of our commitment to change. The friendship and support of others will make it easier for you pass through the sometimes difficult transition from old to new behaviors. I know folks who have taken responsibility for themselves and embarked on a changed lifestyle only to discover that most beloved friends and family members feel they are being imposed upon. So, identify the people who will nurture you and help you maintain your well-being, as well as those (even your loved ones) who don't see your point of view. Those supporters will help you maintain your commitment during periods of stress.
Plan for the Unexpected
Lack of time is the most frequently mentioned reason for discontinuing a fitness program. Life is filled with surprises so include strategies that assure you will make time for maintaining your commitment in the face of changing schedules, unexpected mini-crisis and external forces like long meetings, extra traffic, changes in car pools--you know what I mean!!
Affirm Your Behavior
Affirmations are powerful. Many people find that repeating certain sayings to themselves helps them accept things. They discover they are programming their sub-conscious to new beliefs. Affirmations should be positive such as "I am," "I have" as opposed to "I would like" or "I will try". Remind yourself daily, "I am a healthy person making changes in my lifestyle so I can live in the most healthy way."
Reward Your Success
Set up a reward system so you can reward yourself for changed behaviors. Each of us have different values for measuring success. Yours should be structured to satisfy you, not others. That reward should make you hum from head to toe! Good examples include extra time for yourself with a favorite book, a manicure or pedicure, a trip with a special friend or relative or a class or lecture or play that stimulates your mind. Avoid rewards related to food and drink that may be sabotaging in the long run.
Negotiating the path to new behaviors can be fulfilling and rewarding if we can hang in there for the weeks to months necessary to make new behaviors lifestyle habits. Then you are ready to actualize new potentials.
We have all read information such as this before. I am actually a goal oriented person.
I make my list at the beginning of every year, no matter how big or small my goal maybe.
As I achieve my goal, I do not erase it!! I take a highlighter and stroke through it and write "victory" beside it.
So, when will I be striking through "Try-a-Tri" and scratching Victory beside it?
Hopefully, through osmosis, I'll really get the Tri bug and "just do it".
Better late than never, I certainly "feel the fear", but have yet to "do it anyway", so now I just have to put my goals into action;
"Achieving your Goals"
by Ronda Gates
There's a great holiday card at my local gift shop.
The front says, "Start your New Year's Resolution now."
Open the card and it reads, "Get out your eraser!!
I've this sense that everyone whose hands have lifted that card from the rack has shook his or her head, chuckled and thought, "I can relate." Nevertheless, I left with the same sense of optimism I believe those readers share. "This year it will be different. "
Because the past few years HAVE been different for me I have a new sense of optimism about achieving goals. Your commitment that "this time it will be different" can be a reality. You are motivated, you are committed. you are optimistic. You may also be afraid that your best intentions will be compromised by another relapse. If you've ever said, I already know what I need to do, I just haven't been able to do it," here are some specific techniques to keep your spark ignited:
SET GOALS (and OBJECTIVES)
Goal setting is the art that makes everything else possible. It adds aim to energy, focuses effort and, for some, structures time. Surveys show that people who plan ahead are much more successful over the long term than those who plunge in without knowing where they're going or how they'll get there. You wouldn't take a long road trip without a map so it makes good sense to have a compass (and road map) for your fitness objectives.
Goals Should Be Smart
S = Specific
Saying, "I'll go to exercise class," is not a specific goal. I have a clearer picture when I write, "Next week I will attend step class at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."
M = Measurable
Set goals that are measurable in quality or quantity. Measuring body fat percentage, hip to waist ratio or journaling and record keeping of diet intake or workouts achieved or increases in heart rate reserve are powerful and motivating tools to assuring a new habit becomes a long term behavior. Instead, make plans for an individual workout that nurtures you. Many folks find they're more committed to measurable goals if they report to a friend or colleague willing to help monitor their progress.
A = Attainable
In the enthusiasm of the moment we often make promises that are difficult to keep when enthusiasm wanes. If you're looking for a magic bullet the chances are you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot. Realizing that change doesn't happen overnight will help you set realistic goals you can achieve. It's the SMALL changes that are the key to permanent lifestyle change. For example, if are trying to lose weight you should avoid the painful rebound of crash dieting by planning to lose no more than one or two pounds a week.
R = Realistic
Goals should reflective of your values and compatible with your lifestyle. If not they can be the source of distress. Success is about learning how to customize your activities to find the right fit for you. For example, if you don't enjoy working out with others it's unrealistic to join an aerobic exercise class. I enjoy being with people most of the time, but have learned that my new heart rate monitor based exercise program is much more fun when I stride out on my own where I can manage my pace without distraction and return with a sense of accomplishment in addition to the satisfaction of another completed workout.
T = Timely
It's not smart to plan too many changes at once-it's too threatening to your internal sense of balance. Before you begin be certain you can identify other areas of your life that might be stressful and prevent you from "doing what you want to do". For example, although a workout can be an important stress reducer if it makes your schedule more unmanageable you may have to postpone a new weight training program or fitness class until it's more in keeping with a balanced lifestyle.
Write Down Your Goals
It's important to put your goals in writing. Written goals are a tangible sign of a promise that you intend to keep. They can remind you of that promise when time is short or if other priorities become pressing. Written goals will also help you track your progress, make your accomplishments more obvious and help you identify problem areas that need more attention.
Sadly, only 5% of Americans write down goals and objectives, but 95% of those who do succeed. (A survey of Fortune 500 executives indicates that they may be successful because they write down their goals and objectives.
Identify Supporters And Saboteurs
Some of us can be the lone ranger, but most people need coaches, cheerleaders and people whose belief in and support of s reminds us of our commitment to change. The friendship and support of others will make it easier for you pass through the sometimes difficult transition from old to new behaviors. I know folks who have taken responsibility for themselves and embarked on a changed lifestyle only to discover that most beloved friends and family members feel they are being imposed upon. So, identify the people who will nurture you and help you maintain your well-being, as well as those (even your loved ones) who don't see your point of view. Those supporters will help you maintain your commitment during periods of stress.
Plan for the Unexpected
Lack of time is the most frequently mentioned reason for discontinuing a fitness program. Life is filled with surprises so include strategies that assure you will make time for maintaining your commitment in the face of changing schedules, unexpected mini-crisis and external forces like long meetings, extra traffic, changes in car pools--you know what I mean!!
Affirm Your Behavior
Affirmations are powerful. Many people find that repeating certain sayings to themselves helps them accept things. They discover they are programming their sub-conscious to new beliefs. Affirmations should be positive such as "I am," "I have" as opposed to "I would like" or "I will try". Remind yourself daily, "I am a healthy person making changes in my lifestyle so I can live in the most healthy way."
Reward Your Success
Set up a reward system so you can reward yourself for changed behaviors. Each of us have different values for measuring success. Yours should be structured to satisfy you, not others. That reward should make you hum from head to toe! Good examples include extra time for yourself with a favorite book, a manicure or pedicure, a trip with a special friend or relative or a class or lecture or play that stimulates your mind. Avoid rewards related to food and drink that may be sabotaging in the long run.
Negotiating the path to new behaviors can be fulfilling and rewarding if we can hang in there for the weeks to months necessary to make new behaviors lifestyle habits. Then you are ready to actualize new potentials.
We have all read information such as this before. I am actually a goal oriented person.
I make my list at the beginning of every year, no matter how big or small my goal maybe.
As I achieve my goal, I do not erase it!! I take a highlighter and stroke through it and write "victory" beside it.
So, when will I be striking through "Try-a-Tri" and scratching Victory beside it?
mmmm,
Heck, I even wrote down the date, heck, I even posted it on the blog.
But being the chicken that I am, I haven't given myself the swift kick in the ass that I need to get out of my comfort zone....
Soon, yes, sometime soon! cluck, cluck, cluck! *is this positive pessimism*?
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
Nitmos, Positive Pessimism, not for this chick, LMAO!!
On a positive note, good luck to Vickie who is competing at 70.3 Whirlpool Steelhead this weekend....have fun!!
Friday, 27 June 2008
Reality Bites....
After great angst, I finally had to make myself sit down and re-cap the year so far, concerning my running expenses.
Yes, we are going to have the Very First Ever Duathlon with the Woooo Hoooo Girl Friends in August at my place with our Mountain Bikes!
We might even throw in a swim which would in fact turn it into a Tri! How great is that?
- January ~ Phoenix ~ for the weekend!!
- February ~ start marathon training : more winter running clothes, ran through three pair of Saucony's, not to mention gels, bars, groceries (yes, I gained weight, oink) and sports drinks.
- March ~ Trip to Hamilton for the 30K Around the Bay.
- April ~ Chiropractor visits and massage therapy....
- May ~ more chiropractor visits and new running clothes for warmer weather. Oh yes, another pair of Saucony's.
So, here we are in June and I want to start training for my first Try-a-Tri. Well, this is where reality fits in, dang, I really hate reality....because I bring it upon myself....
- July ~ Utica 15K Boilermaker, wooo hooo!
- September ~ The first ever, Army Run Half Marathon.
- September ~ Toronto Half Marathon, meeting up with Vickie and Tiger!
- Don't have a proper bike, need to get one,
- Get a bathing suit, goggles, cap etc....
- Entry fees,
- Getting a bike rack to get me there,
- More groceries, hahahaha
- Kaching....!!!!
Yes, we are going to have the Very First Ever Duathlon with the Woooo Hoooo Girl Friends in August at my place with our Mountain Bikes!
We might even throw in a swim which would in fact turn it into a Tri! How great is that?
I feel a party coming on!
Nothing better than the Wooo Hooo's, running, biking, swimming and a Pot Luck Barbecue afterwards!I love summer!
Life's fun if you don't weaken!
Lily
Thursday, 8 May 2008
After the Marathon, a Triathlon...of course...
Written by Phil Barnes, for the TriRudy newsletter.
It's almost that time of year again.
The Early Bird triathlon is almost upon us. Is this your first triathlon?The following is advice intended for first-timers interested in a non-competitive finish time. I'm not a coach, and not affiliated with Somersault. I'm just a middle of the pack guy who thought I'd pass on some tips for newbies based on my own experience of this race a couple of years ago.
As with all triathlons I Strongly suggest you read, re-read, and triple read all the information about the particular race, venue and the rules and regulations. (http://www.somersault.ca/rulestri.htm)When you arrive at the site, there will be a large area set up for the bikes.
This is the Transition Zone. It is located outside, in a fenced area, some distance away from the pool building. The transition area is fairly busy, and it's a good idea to only bring what you need.
(So make yourself a little checklist).
There will be rows of racks where you leave your stuff. Most people back their bikes in, and hook the nose of the seat onto the bar of one of the racks. You can set your bike shoes and running shoes beside your bike. I usually leave my helmet on my handle bars, with my sunglasses inside so they're easy to put on.
There are probably going to be 3 openings to the transition area:
Sometimes they designate rows of racks for particular events (e.g. the Try-a-Tri might have a designated area, and the sprint might have another). You will have to share the rack with probably 7 other people so don't take up more than your share, and don't be intimidated to ask someone to tighten up their gear.
You can also chat with people here - I think you'll find that a good 25% are first-timers, and perhaps 50% have only a few years under their belts, the regulars will be very friendly too.
Make sure you get your timing ! chip and body marked early enough too. (The timing chip attaches around your ankle not your wrist).
Regardless of when your particular event starts, they will make an announcement stating that the transition zone is closing, usually about 15 minutes before the official start of the first event.
So make sure you get set up on time. Then, get prepared for the longest wait of your life (unless you're a particularly fast swimmer).
Head up to the swimming pool, (I will be in open water) and find a spot in the long line. There will be different lines for different events. And the lines will be self-seeded from fastest to
slowest. You'll need to know how fast you can swim your distance.
Swimmers will start every 10 seconds. (No diving allowed).
Remember that this pool is 50 meters long, and your time may be a tad slower than that of a 25 meter pool. You'll swim up and down one lane, then up and down the next until you get your distance. Don't worry about doing flip turns under the lane ropes. (flips??!!, I'll be lucky to get to the buoy).
You can just duck under if you want. If you need to pass someone, I recommend waiting until the end of the pool (so that you are not going head-on into an oncoming swimmer); if someone is tickling your feet trying to pass you, I suggest keeping your speed, but try to get close to the rope in case they insist on passing you mid-length; but definitely give them the opportunity at the end of the lane to pass you off the wall.
For new triathletes, I can only suggest to take it easy on the swim. The excitement and nervousness and adrenaline can cause many people to go out far too fast, and be totally drained after the second lap. (there are two laps???)
Running after biking can be a different experience. Your legs may feel like bricks. You may get pop-corn sensation in your calf muscles.
This is normal. It will go away.
Enjoy it. You're almost a triathlete.
All I can suggest for the run, is that you tough it out.
You'll feel awesome when you cross the finish line.
After your finish, congratulate yourself (I will), and then write up a race-report to post to My Blog so that others can learn from your experiences!!
Stay tuned, you real triathletes will be in store for a real laugh!!!! (sometime later this summer)
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
It's almost that time of year again.
The Early Bird triathlon is almost upon us. Is this your first triathlon?The following is advice intended for first-timers interested in a non-competitive finish time. I'm not a coach, and not affiliated with Somersault. I'm just a middle of the pack guy who thought I'd pass on some tips for newbies based on my own experience of this race a couple of years ago.
As with all triathlons I Strongly suggest you read, re-read, and triple read all the information about the particular race, venue and the rules and regulations. (http://www.somersault.ca/rulestri.htm)When you arrive at the site, there will be a large area set up for the bikes.
This is the Transition Zone. It is located outside, in a fenced area, some distance away from the pool building. The transition area is fairly busy, and it's a good idea to only bring what you need.
(So make yourself a little checklist).
There will be rows of racks where you leave your stuff. Most people back their bikes in, and hook the nose of the seat onto the bar of one of the racks. You can set your bike shoes and running shoes beside your bike. I usually leave my helmet on my handle bars, with my sunglasses inside so they're easy to put on.
There are probably going to be 3 openings to the transition area:
- Swim in - this is where you will run in after your swim.
- Bike Out/Bike In - this is where you will leave on your bike (You will have to walk/run with your bike from your rack to this opening before you mount your bike and begin your ride. You'll also have to dismount your bike here when you return.
- Run out - this is where the run portion starts. You will run from here after you re-rack your bike and put your running shoes on.It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with these openings, and practice going from the swim-in to your bike, from your bike to the bike-out, from the bike-in back to your position on the rack, and then out to the run-out.
Sometimes they designate rows of racks for particular events (e.g. the Try-a-Tri might have a designated area, and the sprint might have another). You will have to share the rack with probably 7 other people so don't take up more than your share, and don't be intimidated to ask someone to tighten up their gear.
You can also chat with people here - I think you'll find that a good 25% are first-timers, and perhaps 50% have only a few years under their belts, the regulars will be very friendly too.
Make sure you get your timing ! chip and body marked early enough too. (The timing chip attaches around your ankle not your wrist).
Regardless of when your particular event starts, they will make an announcement stating that the transition zone is closing, usually about 15 minutes before the official start of the first event.
So make sure you get set up on time. Then, get prepared for the longest wait of your life (unless you're a particularly fast swimmer).
Head up to the swimming pool, (I will be in open water) and find a spot in the long line. There will be different lines for different events. And the lines will be self-seeded from fastest to
slowest. You'll need to know how fast you can swim your distance. Swimmers will start every 10 seconds. (No diving allowed).
Remember that this pool is 50 meters long, and your time may be a tad slower than that of a 25 meter pool. You'll swim up and down one lane, then up and down the next until you get your distance. Don't worry about doing flip turns under the lane ropes. (flips??!!, I'll be lucky to get to the buoy).
You can just duck under if you want. If you need to pass someone, I recommend waiting until the end of the pool (so that you are not going head-on into an oncoming swimmer); if someone is tickling your feet trying to pass you, I suggest keeping your speed, but try to get close to the rope in case they insist on passing you mid-length; but definitely give them the opportunity at the end of the lane to pass you off the wall.
For new triathletes, I can only suggest to take it easy on the swim. The excitement and nervousness and adrenaline can cause many people to go out far too fast, and be totally drained after the second lap. (there are two laps???)
Most people do not change out of their bathing suits (or tri shorts) after the swim. 
You'll dry off pretty quick during the short run to the transition zone plus the first hundred meters of the bike.
There are changing rooms close to the exit of the swim, if you feel you will be more comfortable changing - you will lose time for sure changing, but this is fine, if you feel it's worth it for comforts sake. I've seen a few people with big beach towels drying themselves off completely after the swim - I don't think you'll need this - usually a small towel is sufficient to clean off your feet. Cycling damp is part of the sport.
There are some rules about attire and race numbers which are posted on Somersault's website. You should review these. I do not believe that bare torsos are permitted, so this means that you will have to bike and run with a long enough shirt (choose something tight for optimal aerodynamics on the bike, practice putting it on when you are damp so you'll know what to expect).
Also, you will need to have your race number visible on the back of you during the bike, and on the front of you during the run. Some people pin their number on the front, and bike with their shirt on backwards and then turn it around afterwards - you can do better than this with a "race belt". Usually they're for sale on the site for about $15.
This is a little strap that goes around your waist. You can either pin or attach your number to it. Put this on after your helmet, and turn it so that your number is facing the back. When you go out for your run, simply turn it around.
You may be able to fashion something for yourself with a nylon belt. The bike portion of this race, can get congested. 
There will be people of all abilities. Some will be riding bikes worth more than a car, some riding old mountain bikes (that will be me) or cruisers. I'm going to suggest four things:
- Stay to the RIGHT at much as possible.
- If you need to pass someone, do a quick shoulder check, pull out and pass them on the LEFT. You may choose to shout out, "On your left" if you think that the person you are passing will benefit from this.
- Re-read and understand the rules on drafting.
- Know how many loops you need to do - not everyone does the same number of loops.The run is easy enough if you're properly trained.
Running after biking can be a different experience. Your legs may feel like bricks. You may get pop-corn sensation in your calf muscles.
This is normal. It will go away.
Enjoy it. You're almost a triathlete.
All I can suggest for the run, is that you tough it out.
You'll feel awesome when you cross the finish line.
After your finish, congratulate yourself (I will), and then write up a race-report to post to My Blog so that others can learn from your experiences!!
Stay tuned, you real triathletes will be in store for a real laugh!!!! (sometime later this summer)
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
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