June 2nd, 2007 is the day!
We have a book (Triathlon training in four hours a week : from beginner to finish line in just six weeks by Eric Harr). We have a date (June 2nd). We have a place (Issaquah, WA). We have visions of crossing the finish line looking like these people who don't seem like they are about to die (which is how I kind of think I will be feeling). Now we've got to get to work! I am 1/4 of the way through the book on training for triathlons - 6 weeks from beginner to finish line. I just took a quiz that put me in Fitness Level One, just one point away from Level Two. Tyler took the quiz and was put into Fitness Level Three. I'm a big-time beginner because I've never run a long distance like Ty did with cross country or competed in any event similar to this before. So I'm a lousy Level One. Give me a break! I was just pregnant for 9 months and had a baby only 9 months ago. Cut me some slack, Eric Harr!
Actually, I am really pumped about this! On the elliptical the other day, I was picturing myself (with Ty by my side) doing each of the events and then crossing the finish line together...and I started to cry a little. Then Ty asked me that night if at the end he could sprint ahead of me to finish before me. Kind of dashed the beautiful vision that had brought me to tears. :) I feel like this is a huge feat for me - I don't really like to run long distances, I haven't spent much time on a bicycle and I'm not a super swimmer (I can't swim freestyle, I never learned; I can only do the breast stroke, but I'm pretty fast at it!). So I'm going way outside of anything familiar to me with the hope that I will be able to perform and finish the race. I have a huge desire and excitement and I know that I can do hard things. In my life, I have come to realize that simple fact. My mission was the first experience that made me realize that. Then came a 45-hour labor that produced our greatest joy. Now I want to get in great shape pre-baby#2 and I think that this is a gutsy and exciting way to make that happen. For now my goal is to do a triathlon between each baby...we'll talk again in 4 months once I've actually done it! :)
There is a lot to do to get me from Fitness Level One to Triathlete by June. Holy cow, what am I doing?! Wish us luck! We'll be sure to keep you apprised of our progress!
6 comments:
That is great Dana. Best of luck to you. the only advice I have is advice I heard from a great man a long time ago, "the lead dogs get the fresh air." In fact this was the only advice I ever received from this man. he didn't seem to have anything else to say.
Ad
ps- the great man is Dad.
Dana,
I am so proud of you already!!!...for having the "guts" to try this hard, out of your comfort zone thing. It reminds me of when I found myself weeping during the Winter Olympics (a LONG time ago) because I realized I would never be an Olympic figure skater.....I don't even know HOW to ice skate, but that was not the point. More power to you and Ty! I'll be rootin' for you both. Mom
Go Dana!! Please keep us posted on your progress. We'll all be cheering for you and Tylie both! (You already have waaaaaaay more guts for trying than I ever will...)
~Angie
I envision this triathalon as merely the first step on your and Ty's journey towards world-class athlete couple.
Congrats on the goal! It's great to push yourself to the limit and beyond, so that you don't get caught in a rut. You'll do great! And whatever you do, don't let Ty grab the glory at the finish line. If he tries,then remember these vicious words of advice: "Sweep the leg."
Dana and Ty,
Mom and I had visions of something like this once. It wasn't a triathelon but it was an event in Jeff City where couples competed in 10 different events like ping pong, bowling, tennis, running a mile..stuff like that.
WE trained for about two weeks with another couple and gave it up. Don't you give up. Just when you are hurting the most and wanting to quit, that is when the tough get going. (when the going get's tough)
If you two just finish...doesn't matter if you are together or not or whatever....there is a blizzard waiting for you in Denver. (Really, I'll pay off on this one!!)
It is a goal we all admire in the both of you. You are something else...you two.
Love ya,
Dad
you can DO it!
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