Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 8:39AM | Share Article "Just Tri" by Kari Crowell, Gold's Gym Member
I’m in the process of preparing myself to go outside of my comfort zone and put myself through a personal challenge, my first race, a Triathlon. I'd like to invite you to join me on this journey to becoming a first time athlete.
In late January, as a Gold‘s Gym Challenge participant, I started talking about the idea of really putting my body to the test. To me, the changes that I was seeing so soon, were shocking, what else could I do if I dared think it? My energy was coming back as I was adapting, the temper tantrums in my muscles had started to settle down and relax, once they understood what was expected of them, which was A LOT! I was hooked on exercising and wanted to find something to “ride the wave” longer, a challenge to test my strength and endurance, actually, it felt needed! I believe in the “Fit For Life” slogan and knew for me, long term goals to strive for, were necessary or it would just end at 12 weeks, gain the weight back, end of story.
Coming up with the idea to participate in the Chelan Man, “Try A Tri,” a shorter version of a full Triathlon, involving a ¼ mile lake swim, 13 mile ride and 3 mile run, was scary at first. I’m 41 years old, and never in my life been an athlete, nor had the desire… this will be the first real deal to see what I’m made of. I’ve had a few embarrassing moments thus far in my training, as my learning curve is huge. So, I try to look at it as if, it’s just games, kind of like playing with friends as a kid. Because, I can swim in the lake, just not with my face in water and trying to breath out to the side, I can ride a bike, I just haven’t rode with car’s on the road since the 90’s, and the run- let’s just say I’ll be walk/jogging it at this point.
To say I’m fearless, or that I know for sure I can do this, would be a lie. Doubt creeps in while swimming laps or while I’m walking thru leg pain, “What in the heck are you doing Kari?” But, I reached my goals once this year, I lost the weight, I gained muscle tone and the much needed mental strength was a bonus, so, I’ll “Tri” it! I have registered for the race and am in the process of recovering from surgery on my leg to relieve the pain, my much needed cardio training will start in a week or so, after getting the Dr's green light.
On July 18th, 2010, I'll be the one drowning my doubts and fears in Lake Chelan during the swim portion of this race. I know I can at least do my best- faith, family and friends keep me moving forward. My only two goal’s -cross the finish line, crawling if I have too, as an athlete and enjoying the journey each day. Follow me, (train with me) on this mid-life adventure!
I’d love to hear about other post Challenge adventures, or how your Challenge journey ended, was it like you had envisioned or did you find surprises too? Just Tri!
Reader Comments (2)
You GO girl! I am coming up on my 39th birthday in June, just ran my very first 1/2 marathon two weeks after finishing the challenge and I am also signed up to do my first Try-a-Tri on July 18th. I will be there with you, nervous and excited. I know the exhileration of finishing something you've never done before...it's HUGE. Good luck in your training, maybe I'll see you in July!
Ya Ya Ya....Go Kari! Keep inspiring the valley. You have unleashed your inner strength. Anything you do in life can now be a success by putting forth the same effort you put in the challenge. Good Luck in Chelan....you know we are all pulling for you.