Masters Swim

So, tonight was my first official branching out from running into a real swim work out.  I went the the Aquatic Center for their Masters Swim group.  Basically, it is a structured work out with a coach, though people there are at all levels, and you can really do anything you want to do, follow their work out, or not.  Pretty flexible and laid back.  I met the coach right off, I think she zero'd in on me since I was the only girl their with like 18 guys.  I told her I hadn't swam in ages, really swam anyhow.  She gave me a run down of how it went, and explained the work out on the white board, and that was that.  I looked at the total distance of the swim work out and it was 2150 meters.  This seemed like a ton to me since I haven't done a structured swim work out in 20 years.  I figured I would just go as far as I could and then call it good.  I did have a few questions here and there, but it went well!  I surprised myself by being able to finish the work out in just under an hour.  But that was stopping for several breaks, visiting here and there with other people around me, and getting pointers from the coach.  She had good feed back on my kicks.  She said that she was impressed and I wasn't as bad as she thought based on what I told about how long it had been since I swam.  Is that a good or bad thing?  Anyhow, I felt good about it!

I will definately go again next week.  I liked how it was structured, but pretty welcoming.  It was kinda wierd being the only girl there, but I'm not complaining :).  Plus, I am kinda used to that with marathons, not as many women doing the fulls.  People were friendly and it was a good experience.  I am just basically trying to get myself familiar with the water again, and working on my endurance.  But, for not knowing exactly what to expect, it was great!  Definately going to make this a weekly ritual!

Bike Hunting

So, I think I failed to mention one very important part of my journey into the Triathlon world.  I don't have a bike.  One MINOR detail.  I know what I would like, but then there is the whole budget thing working against me as a more important set of wheels (my 1998 Explorer with 275,000 miles on it) needs to be replaced.  I am hoping Santa knows just how good I have been this year and brings me one under my tree!

I have been looking through the classifieds trying to find some overly anxious person with a huge wallet that bought a bike they never ended up using and are selling it for practically nothing just to make room for their skis or something.  No such luck just yet. I do need to stop into Bikers Edge by my work and have them even tell me what size of bike I would ride!  This is all so new to me I have no clue!  Anyone have tips they would like to share?  I know nothing about this.

I think the area that I am weakest in for the whole tri thing is the cycling.  I a strong base for running, know enough to build on the swim, but cycling....nada.  I have been reading all I can on tri in general, but also cycling as much as I can.  That is what I did when I got into running, read Runner's World, and tons of running blogs that I still follow.  Anyone that has recommendations for me, I am all ears!

Wish me luck, I am going to need it!

The Beginning....

I have had a family blog now for four years. I have loved it!  My favorite thing is when I print the annual blog book and it is like having a family year book of everything we did that year.  When I took up running just over two years ago, I started adding that as well.  However, as much as I like having a public running blog (because I LOVE reading them) it doesn't work when you want your family life to be private.  I had quite the eye openning experience to Google my kids and see hundreds of pics of them pop up, all of which had been on my blog.  So, we still have that one, and it is private, and this one Run and Tri Mommy was born!  It will basically be all about my training and running experiences, and my adventure of entering the triathlon world!

I considered copying and pasting some of my running entries off the other blog, but that would take forever.  So, it all just starts now and here!  I am way excited about it!

I have completed 3 half marathons, 5k's, and 3 full marathons.  I also completed the Ragnar Wasatch Back 200 mile relay this past year.  I have loved what running has brought to me.  It has literally changed my life, with the physical benefits being the least of them.  I feel like I always need new goals to reach for and when it comes to the athletic side of me, I feel that now that I have conquered the distances in running that I can (or care to...no ultras for me) I have decided why not tri?  I have the running part down.  I swam in junior high and swam laps regularly for exercise all through college.  The only area that I have no experience is the cycling aspect, but I have always wanted to, so here we go!  I have officially registered for the Women of Steel sprint triathlon in Lehi on May 19, 2012.  I am so excited!  A sprint tri is usually around 300-500 meter swim, a 12-15 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run.  This particular one was attractive to me for many reasons.  One, it is an all female event.  I have had a few friends complete this one and they said it was great.  Then, who can beat a race where they have chocolate, Diet Coke, and silver finisher's necklaces instead of medals?  Not that I mind medals, I am becoming quite fond of my collection :)

So, over the next few months I will be branching out from my running to incorporate swimming and cycling to my routine.  I am currently doing strength training with Jillian Michaels videos every morning, and may even try Insanity after the first of the year.  But for now, thanks for following my journey!