"Tri"ing to contain my enthusiasm
Sunday is the Accenture Chicago Triathlon and I couldn’t be more excited, as a group of my editors from Women’s Heath Magazine are flying in from NYC and Pennsylvania to compete! Cristina and Leah have been training since the beginning of the year and blogging about it on the WH website – both have participated in tris before but they wanted to get really serious this time, working with the pros, pounding the pavement or swimming laps - sometimes twice a day (keep in mind, this is in addition to managing full-time jobs and taking care of their families!) Also coming in are Bridget, my nutrition editor, and Christine, an associate editor.
I’ve been following L and C’s blog and along the way, they’ve had their ups and downs. Leah was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her femur, landing her on crutches. Diets were derailed. Leah’s dog sadly passed away…and then, just in time to help buoy her spirits, she recently took first in her age group at the Beware of Barracuda Open Water Swim Race. Cristina introduced readers to the concept of a “Brick" day - that's when she practiced transitioning from the bike to the run so that her legs could adjust to switching modes in seconds.
For any of you feeling particularly adventurous, I present Team WH’s tips for breaking into the racing circuit, whether you want to try a tri, a 5K, a marathon, whatever challenges you:
STEP ONE: Pick a race, any race. Says Cristina, “There's nothing like a deadline to light a fire under your ass. That's how it worked for me. In the summer of 2005, I found the Danskin Triathlon Series and jumped feet first into a multisport I knew nothing about for the sole reason to get my butt literally off the couch. I knew being scared shitless of an upcoming event was the only way I would seriously get myself on the treadmill for more than 10 minutes.”
You can go to active.com for an overview of races in your area as well as across the U.S.
STEP TWO: Now, train! Iron Girl, Danskin Women's Triathlon series, and Team-in-Training all offer national training programs for events near you. You can find a running, cycling, or triathlon club/team near you through your gym or via a quick Googling.
STEP THREE: Keep a PMA (positive mental attitude). Cristina’s motto has been "I am a triathlete" and it helped drive her past the finish line after one particularly tough race.
**Update; Now, after a tornado touched down here in Chicago yesterday (I was in Starbucks writing and out of nowhere, a giant tree branch went sailing down the street, then lightning, rain, people running. Trees are down everywhere, huge trees, literally pulled out by the roots, and peoples’ GRILLS were being blown off their hi-rises and falling several stories to the ground. How crazy is that?) I just found out their Thursday night plane ride was cancelled. I am praying they get in today and have enough time to adjust…
Comments
Hey, thanks for this shout out, Leslie! So great! You are awesome for coming out and supporting us on Sunday. It was so great to hear your cheers during the swim and see your smiling face. And thanks for your support on the blog all year. It really meant a lot to us!
