swimming

Nine months ago, I decided I would like to train and compete in a triathlon. And in a couple weeks, I will stand trembling at the start of my first triathlon: ready to swim 1500 metres, cycle forty kilometres, and end with a ten kilometre run to the finish line. If you've been following my journey so far, you'll know that I am a) an amateur b) the mother of four young children and c) have never attempted anything like this in my entire life. So maybe you're wondering: Why a triathlon?

I've been writing about training for a triathlon in fairly broad terms, but today, let's get down to the nitty-gritty details. How much swimming, cycling, and running must one do before signing up to complete a triathlon? Realistically, how much is enough?

Training for a triathlon has been a long-term project. And anything undertaken long-term (think: parenting; or, marriage), has its ups and downs. Under the circumstances, an everyday reminder, or mantra, can be truly helpful and inspiring. Here's mine: worth the effort.

In three weeks, I will stand at the start line of my first triathlon, confidently clothed and geared up. But a triathlon is not only a multi-sport race; it is also a test of endurance, and what's on the inside — quite literally — could make or break a performance. It's time to consider: what food will fuel me on race day? The short answer is: nothing new!

I spent an hour in the pool this morning, swimming laps. Since January, I've been swimming twice a week, arriving at the pool when it opens. You might imagine the pool to be a quiet place at 5:45 in the morning, but there are a dedicated number of regulars who take pleasure in starting their day with a swim.