Why am I doing a triathlon?

• Posted on 23 April 2019
• By Kim Hall
• Posted in Triathlon, Triathlon training

I own a running store, I produce three local road races, I have three 11 year olds, a sweet husband, two cats, and a giant dog. My days are crazy busy but I need to get my body moving. I need to accomplish something fun. I need a challenge so I have decided to sign up for my first Sprint Triathlon! To hold myself accountable I am going to blog about my training. I would love some ladies to do this with me!! Training officially starts May 20, 2019. Please send me a note if you would like more information.

Why am I doing a Triathlon? Let me give you a brief backstory. Seven years ago, I was tired, out of shape, and pretty much unsatisfied with my general appearance so I decided to train for my first full marathon. I joined a run group that kept me accountable and I had a training plan. It was the most challenging thing I have ever set my mind to accomplish; but I was determined to cross the finish line of a 26.2 mile run. I followed the marathon plan and slowly increased my mileage. I made it to the 2012 Chicago Marathon with an IT Band problem and a fever, but I ran the race and got the medal. In order to redeem my unfortunate marathon time and not waste the awesome shape I had molded my body into, I decided to run the Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon a month later. And this time I rocked it!! So I continued to run and train. My healthy regimen lasted until 2017 when right after running the Chicago Marathon I tore my calf muscle. Ugh! That was one tough injury and it coincided with a busy time in my life. And so it went that my kids’ soccer, work, and a new relationship took priority. You all probably know what happened as I am sure we have all been at the place where we fall off the healthy band wagon. Well, I fell off that wagon and slid down a steep ravine. I got out of the habit and used my busy schedule and calf injury as an excuse. I made attempts to hop back on the healthy train but to no avail. So my muscles continued to atrophy. I became sleepy, moody, achy, and feeling mad and sad and guilty. I know how good it feels to be in shape. I love it there. It is no fun starting at the beginning. I loathe it. So, basically that is why I am doing a Triathlon and I am putting it out in a blog that I am doing this Triathlon because my unhealthy habits have me in a strong hold. I need some big motivation and I do not want to do it alone. I need a group of women to do this with me so we can hold each other accountable. I know it will be fun. I have enlisted the help of experts that will be there to show us how to get across the finish line of a sprint Triathlon. We will need a bike, a body of water, and some road to run on!! I don’t even own a bike (yet)!!  I am not thrilled about swimming!! But, for this stubborn, busy mamma of three, this is just the challenge I need to catapult me toward a healthy lifestyle. I heard the Georgia Peach Women’s Sprint Triathlon is a laid-back race. Some gals even ride their mountain bikes. So please come on this journey with me. The more the merrier! We have an information meeting scheduled at Totally Running on April 27^th at 1pm. Training starts May 20^th. The destination race is on August 11^th at Lake Lanier Islands. You can be at any level of fitness to join. The only requirement is that you are a girl because it is a women’s only Triathlon and girls rule (jk)!