Let's Start at the Beginning...

Welcome! I find it appropriate that my first post coincides with the beginning of my triathlon training season. Tomorrow is the kick-off meeting for my fabulous training team - Team CWW. I have missed the structure and social aspect of the group and can't wait to get back to training, even though I know there will be times it kicks my ass. I also miss the wonderful group of inspirational women that make up CWW. Last season, every time I was feeling like there was no way I could make it through a tough workout, all I had to do was look at the amazing group of women around me. I was surrounded by women with challenges much greater than my own ranging from health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and being on a waiting list for a kidney transplant to social/family/professional commitments such as raising children and running successful businesses. The great thing about CWW is that while it an organization focused on the beginner athlete, participants are surrounded by a wide variety of levels and abilities from beginners to Iron Man finishers and age group competitive athletes.

I completed my first sprint tri last season and can't even begin to put into words what it did for me. The physical transformation was amazing, but for me, the mental and spiritual transformation was even more impressive. Triathlon gave me a huge boost in self confidence, acceptance of myself, and an amazing sense of accomplishment. This season, I want to focus on becoming a better athlete. Notice, I said better, not great. I know that I will never be a great athlete, and I am fine with that. I just want to grow and enjoy this season as much as last season.

I want this blog to focus on my training (triathlon and otherwise) with some spill over from other areas of my life. While my goals and races are still a little bit vague, I know I will be running in the Canyonlands Half Marathon in March and probably at least two tris, with possibly a longer distance event TBD. By that I mean an olympic tri at the longest. No longer distances for me - YET! I am also contemplating a couple of duathlons and various other races throughout the season and will share those as I firm up the schedule and decide how much I am really willing to undertake.

So for now, happy training!