WEEKEND TRAINING.

I went ahead and signed up for this race, the Block 58 triathlon. Distances have been confusing for me to figure out whenever I've visited the website, but it looks like the final determination will be 1500 meter swim; 35 mile bike; 7.1 mile run. It seemed like every time I checked the website, the distances changed, and while I was led to believe the total miles covered were 58, part of the name here, it can't be more than 43 traveled (35 + 7.1+ @1 = 43).

I hesitated on doing this race, even though I had looked at it weeks ago. I needed to be sure I could come close to doing the distances, but after the last couple of weeks of training, I am feeling more confident. And it was going to fit into my Steelhead training plans. I just want to see where I'm at training wise and how I will feel.

While I was a little intimidated by the distances, I also had to start reminding myself why I am doing these things. Was it to race against the fast people? No. Maybe not against but certainly with. And was it to see how fast I could go? Not necessarily. I just need to finish. It finally occurred to me that all my fretting about how fast or how slow or whether I would be last didn't matter. What mattered--and the real reason I (and maybe you) are doing these things is to have FUN! Why should I not do these things, when one of my main reasons is to have fun? Why should it matter whether I came in first, last, or somewhere in the middle (I wish!)? Wasn't this to have fun? Oh sure, there are always parts that aren't necessarily fun, but when you look back on the experience, do you enjoy what you did? Does it give you a thrill just to be there? The answer for me on both is YES.

A lot of you are a lot younger and maybe can take these things for granted, but I for one am amazed that I am doing this stuff at my age and not taking getting older sitting in a rocker.

That being said, however, I am pretty sure I will be the last finisher in the long course race. So wish me luck, and I'll see you at the finish line!