My goal is to participate in the Sandman Sprint Triathlon in Aptos California August 4, 2013 at the Seacliff State Beach. What a goal for me considering I am not very athletic and about to start my 56th year of life!!! (I can't wrap myself around that number).My wonderful husband has been participating since 2009 and he is my inspiration. My first race though will be in June for the Sharks Foundation Fundraiser. I plan to ride the 25 mile street route and my husband will ride the 50 mile route. So, first things first.
Step one is getting a bike and that I did at Calmar in Santa Clara. My husband bought me a VITA by Specialized and it is soo great. Of course the color is perfect and Specialized was smart enough to have matching helmet and water bottle cage. I almost bought the jacket too but may save that for later. I am a very athletic shopper!
Step two is to actually get on the bike and go for a ride. That we did this weekend. We rode the race route from last year just to see if I could navigate the hills. We started at the beach and rode 14.66 miles in 1:35 which is a little longer than it takes me to ride the same distance on a stationary bike at the gym. The total climb was about 1300 feet. I really have to improve that time or I will surely be the last person at the finish line. My husband can do that route about 30 minutes faster. The downhill scares me a bit. I may need to replace my brakes sooner than later.
Step three is to keep it up. So I plan to continue my daily walk/run program and my Thursday Yoga class until next weekend when we will ride again. The swimming part will come a little later. I have to push myself to get into a pool first just to see if I can survive a 3/4 mile swim. Then the ocean. Oh, my, how cold!! So far I think I am holding up pretty well. The walk/run is getting easier and my yoga class is a kick. We have such a peppy instructor, Kendall who describes her yoga class as 'Yoga on Crack'! She is gearing us up for a 5 minute plank in June. I sure hope my abs and arms can make it. Not too worried about the legs. The only other thing I have to do is get good shoes. I know, I am a podiatrist and that should have been the first thing but you know how it is. I'm sure a plumber has lousy plumbing. I was thinking about trying the Newton. One of my patients was telling me about the shoe. It is a shoe that is geared to forefoot running. I plan on getting a pair to see how it works. I have a hallux limitus on the right side and shoes are difficult for me at best. The forefoot running shoe could be a problem but it is worth a try. Barefoot or minimalist shoes are out for me. Well, it was a great day today. Fog to start but then bright warm sun later. I learned a couple of things today on my first ride with a new bike. First, when going downhill close your mouth. Bugs really don't taste very good. Second, secure your water bottle. If not your husband has to go back and find it. And third, don't give up. There were a couple of good climbs that I almost got off the bike and walked it, but I didn't and feel really proud of myself.
Until next weekend- eat well and be healthy!
