So, I signed up for a Triathlon. I've only biked and swam for fun in the past. While both are good exercise, I've never done either as exercise. I'm definitely not at a competitive level, but I will be adding biking and swimming to my exercise routine to make sure that I complete the triathlon without dying. To facilitate not-dying, I developed a training plan that will ensure I'm prepared on race day. And by "I developed" I mean that I pick a plan someone else developed, and by "a" I mean two.
I signed up with a little more than 20 weeks until the race. This gave me time to find a program to follow and a place to swim. I decided to use two eight-week programs back-to-back. These are the Hal Higdon Triathlon 1 and the Hal Higdon Triathlon 2. Today marks the beginning of my training with 16 weeks till the race.
Earlier today I went out, pumped up my tires and went on my first exercising bike ride... ever. It was pretty tough actually. I haven't biked in a long time, and my goal was to keep pedaling the whole time. I wasn't brave enough to keep pedaling down hill, it felt too fast. But otherwise I kept pedaling except around a few turns and when I stood slightly to go over rough bumps. It was a good workout.
Wednesday will mark my first ever swim for exercise. I shopped around considering prices, opportunity for other activities, and location. I checked the local city pools, LA Fitness, a local swim club, The Y, and finally discovered my city has a community center that beats them all on price, location, and opportunity! They have a full workout gym, a gymnasium with two basketball courts, four swim lanes, a 12 person hot tub, a kids swim area with zero depth entry, a lazy river, a twisty waterslide (all indoor), a playground, fitness classes, a daycare, kids classes for different sports and activities, a tiny indoor track, and activities for seniors, and the price is cheaper than a summer membership to the city pools! This place is a hidden gem. Check to see if your city has a community center. Seriously, go check. I had no idea it existed.
On another note, my LifeK gear came today! LifeK is a fitness and wellbeing movement with the goal of inspiring people of all ages and physical ability to take steps toward embracing a lifestyle of good nutrition, fitness, and mental health. I stand for all that, and I'm looking forward to showing my support for everyone who wants to get started, and my own lifelong journey to better health!
