January 27, 2009
Tiffany

I always think about what to say in my blog to make it really meaningful. I think for this month I will tell you all the new things I have learned and what I have been doing, since I am new to this whole triathlon thing. My learning curve has been huge. The day I said yes and committed to this I have learned to swim over a mile and do a flipturn. I have attended a two hour spin class and watched my blood sugars actually increase during that time. I have also attended a two hour spin class and watch my blood sugars go way down. I have learned to do speedwork at the track and I have learned how to ride on rollers. The rollers are still stationed in the doorway just in case I fall, but this is all stuff I have never done before. I have ridden a bike outdoors, clipped in and the chain fell off. I actually was spinning so fast before it registerd what had happened that in slow motion I fell over. Pretty funny, but nobody saw. I have learned to share a swim lane, not too good, but I have. It seems to be really hard for me when I do the backstroke. People have been very nice when I run into them. I try to go at times when I don't have to share a lane. I have also tried to wear a different suit so nobody recognizes me and associates me with "the person you don't want to share the lane with". I have even practiced transitions. I felt silly doing these but can see how they can really cut down on your time.

I have reached the point where I bought clip shoes, a new swimsuit, new swim cap, new running shoes and biking shorts that I wear under looser clothing. I am still not comfortable with tight clothing (bike shorts and Zoot suit stuff). I will get there out of neccesity at some point but net yet.

I have a triathlon coach at my local gym, Mark Mico, that is beyond patient with me. His sister has type 1 and wanted to help out not only me but his sister as well. She is waiting for a transplant. She has been called twice but each time it has not worked out for her. I meet with him once a week and he sends me a detailed list of workouts for the week. He thinks I will soon be ready to join the masters swimming at the local pool. Going from knowing how to swim but never was on a swim team to masters is huge for me. I still need to buy a bike but for the time being I am borrowing. There is snow on the ground anyway.

I just appreciate trying new things at a slow pace so I feel successful and want to go back and try it again. It has been really fun. Each day has brought something new.