I have realized over and over again throughout my adult life that I am a very goal-driven person. I like to make goals, work toward them, and then blast them to bits. That last part- the part about blowing a goal out of the water- may feel the most rewarding, but I've found that I have really come to enjoy the process of working toward that goal, too. I like measuring against myself to see how far I've come. I like those days when everything seems to go right and I can smell and taste and feel accomplishment in my near future. I also have really come to appreciate the struggles. And yes, there are struggles. Overcoming hard times, or days, or workouts, or weeks, or months, make reaching that milestone or goal that much sweeter.
Yes, Jeff and I have some life goals we're working on and some days it feels like we're moving backwards instead of forwards. Don't worry-- everything is GOOD. But you know, sometimes things just don't go the way you expect, and you have to adjust and adapt. For example, our farm year of 2015 was pretty crummy. We're adapting and making changes to make 2016 less crummy.
Anyway, that all being said, I feel like the past several months I've been in a funk. I felt like in some ways I was starting 2016 without much for plans or goals, and this left me feeling directionless.
Today, I'm changing that, and I'm starting in particular with something fitness-related. Today, I'm giving myself a big, fat, exciting, and kind of scary goal.
Yeah, sure, I have goals of hitting new PRs in my 5K and 10K racing distances, but I want something more. Something bigger.
So, here's my big announcement:
I am registering for the Montana Women's Triathlon, to be held July 17 in Helena. Yep. I'm signing up for my first triathlon.
Image source: www.mtwomenstri.com |
That's all about to change.
What excites me about the Montana Women's Tri is this: it is a sprint distance (500 swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run), the swim is in a pool and not open water, it's just for women, and it's very beginner friendly. Sounds perfect for a newbie like me. One of my hesitations with triathlons is that they have always seemed really intimidating and I was never really sure how to break into one as a first-time participant. I've talked to a few people who have done this one and they all reiterated that this one is PERFECT for first-timers. Awesome.
Yeah, sure there are some challenges ahead in taking this on. First and foremost, I don't exactly have a lap-swimming pool terribly near by. Chester has one that's open seasonally, and that's the closest at about a 40 minute drive. Otherwise, Havre has an indoor pool open year round--65 minute drive. I'd like to start getting in the pool again, ideally once a week, as soon as possible. Realistically, this won't happen until after track season ends. I'm OK with that. Once that time comes, though, I have to be diligent about making time to get to the pool and swim. In the meantime, I've got to see if any of my old lap swimming suits still fit. It's been a few years. Like... seven years since I've been in the pool. It'll come back fast, right?
Second, I don't own a road bike. Who can blame me? The nearest paved road is pretty far from my house. My mountain bike is pretty rad, though. Honestly, I plan to do this triathlon using my mountain bike. I've seen in several places where they say that's totally acceptable at Montana Women's Tri. If I find that I really love doing tris and I want to continue, perhaps a road bike is in my future. For this first year, though, I'm totally OK with being that person who rides their mountain bike in a triathlon. I'll just wear a sign that says, "THIS IS MY FIRST TIME!" On second thought, I probably won't need one-- it'll be obvious. :D
So. The first step to doing this, obviously, is SIGNING UP. Next will be to research training plans and pick one or combine a few to meet my needs and unique situation.
All I can say at this point is that I am SO EXCITED about doing this. I totally plan to be that person who can't stop smiling throughout the entire race. I just want to finish, and smile. Mostly, I'm glad to have a goal, and I'm super pumped about moving forward and starting the process.
I hope you'll all stick around and cheer me on through the blog and social media while I work on training and tackling my first tri. There will be plenty of updates along the way!
Now-- time to REGISTER!!!
Image source: www.mtwomenstri.com |
Go for it Katie!
ReplyDeleteTHanks!!! I signed up last night! Bring it on!
DeleteVery exciting! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I may be looking into a new lap suit, so thanks for writing about the one you've been using on your blog. I plan to look into it.
DeleteI love your approach to new challenges. Inspiring and motivating! We'll be cheering you on towards your goal!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth! I appreciate your kind words. I'm really excited to move forward with this, and will take all the cheering I can get! Unless you want to join in the training...? ;)
DeleteYou are going to do very well... You are already very capable of all three disciplines. This tri is very friendly and we are planning great swag and fun for our competitors. See you there!
ReplyDeleteYes! See you there, indeed! I can't tell you how much more excited it makes me feel knowing someone like you is helping to plan this. I know that no matter what it'll be an awesome event! And I'm definitely coming to you and your husband with my questions!!
DeleteYou are going to do very well... You are already very capable of all three disciplines. This tri is very friendly and we are planning great swag and fun for our competitors. See you there!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I can't wait to see how you like doing tris!
ReplyDeleteMy fear, if you could call it that, is that I will really love it... lol! I mean, running is expensive enough, but getting into tris?! Either way, I'm super pumped for this race. Three months away!
DeleteExciting! Inspiring! Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteTHanks, Darla! I will definitely update with my progress. It's so cool to know that I have a huge cheering squad out there! :)
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