Putting it Out There

First - much congrats to all the Richmond IMFL finishers! You were exciting and inspiring to follow yesterday through the IM website and online feed (which thankfully worked most of the time) as well as sherpa texts, FB posts and phone calls. I can't wait to hear everyone's stories - and hope you all are basking in post race activities right now!

Seems I was one of many remembering the magic of Panama City. Over the past few days, a rumor has started and seems to be gaining momentum - a return to IMFL in 2011?

Hmmmm. What a happy thought!

And a shout out to Guppy TVR - who completed the iron distance Beach to Battleship - in 9:50!

All this race excitement has motivated me to put my 2010 race plans out there.

The theme for next year is "cheap, within driving distance - and fun." No worrisome travel or intimidating courses:

• Virginia is for Lovers 14 K - a tribute to John Kainer with some of the most fun peeps around
• Rumpass in Bumpass Olympic - my favorite local race
• Monument 10K - my best run ever - a goal to try to hit again
• Florida 70.3 - not definite - but hoping it works out
• MightyMan - somebody owes me a beautiful day for this gorgeous hometown race course
• Beach to Battleship IM Distance - for some reason, this race really appeals to me

And the best part - each of these races makes me...

Smile.

IMFL 2009

Goooooo strong, wonderful and fabulous IMFL girls (and boys)!!!!!

(I think I am more excited about friends doing IMFL this year than I was about IMUSA.)

They have trained hard and through obstacles. They deserve the beautiful weather forecasted - and the wonderful onsite super sherpa treatment. A few of us are left behind to cheer from afar - but we'll be doing so with gusto!

So excited for you inspiring women - and can't wait to hear your stories!

Reflections

Over a month has passed since IMUSA.

The race report took forever to write - unlike Florida's.

And "unlike Florida" is what I've found myself saying many times this past month as I've reflected on IMUSA and IMFL.

Leaving me wondering if IMFL was a fluke.

I loved so much about IMFL. The training, the start, the swim, the weather, most of the bike, most of the run, the crowds, the finish. Other than a few miles on the bike and run - I felt pretty darn great the whole race.

IMUSA, on the other hand, seemed like a struggle from the start.

Like the apprehension before signing up.

Like an injury that affected my spirit and confidence about running maybe more than my physical capabilities.

Like bike rides that helped my hill climbing, but also made me realize how much still needed to improve.

Like the complications from a switch in asthma meds that took weeks to notice.

Like race day challenges, from cramps to broken toes to weird nutrition issues.

Like losing your furkid two days after the race - and knowing your husband bore the brunt of some really tough conversations.

And while there were also many wonderful moments, too - new milestones, awesome coaching, great workout buddies, challenging and fun training camps, stretches on the bike and run course, amazing family and friend sherpas, the beautiful house we stayed in, a great IM gift from my folks...

I've concluded that Florida...

was magical.

But maybe the challenges of Lake Placid were more....

Ironman.

Feeling a Little Giddy

The first updates are coming in from the 2008 IMFL TRIgirls and it is so exciting.

They are looking strong, relaxed, confident and READY!

Saturday is going to be an amazing day!

Wishes

There are several TRIgirl posts out there already.

This is just another one to send a little more...
Support
Encouragement
Joy
Thrill
Pride
Happiness
Understanding
Hope
Love...

To all you IMFLers this year.

You are more:
Ready than you think.
Prepared than you know.
Stronger than you realize.

Enjoy every moment - and relish the experience.

And know there will be many cheering you on from central Virginia!

The Taper

I first learned about “the taper” when joining TRIgirls a few years ago. After hearing the promises of reduced training, I remember being surprised to see workouts on the schedule during the days leading up to those initial sprint triathlons or 10Ks. My visions of lounging on the couch for two weeks with Ben & Jerry as my main training companions were quickly replaced with preperation planning, hydrating - and runs, bikes, swims.

Obviously, I didn’t “get it.”

For Eagleman, the taper was a little more noticeable – on paper anyway. But I was so worked up with nerves and excitement, that though I conceptually understood the idea, I still wasn't getting it.

IMFL gave me my first real taste of the taper. The week or two before the race, I felt energized. I wished for a few more longer workouts – but resisted because it was taper time. And it worked, I had a great race (for me).

With White Lake just a week and half-away, I am doing better recognizing the signs that the taper is near. I was pleased with how I did during Ironwoman Canada's last Masters class – 14 100s on tough intervals interspersed throughout the workout – and I actually hit them all. This past weekend’s long bike with TRIgirls SS, SD, MW and KB included a decent negative split for the last 38 of the 78 miles – and my legs felt strong afterwards (my shoulders and neck a little less so).

In the next few days, the workouts will begin easing off.

The only temptation causing me heartache is the Eastern Shore bike scheduled for this coming weekend. I loved this ride (other than the last 15-20 miles) last year and Saturday’s weather looks terrific. After this past weekend’s great ride, I can’t wait for the next longer excursion with Patriot Sangria. Some of my team mates training for Brazil will be cycling 100 miles. I’ve resigned myself to not being able to join them for the entire distance, but was really hoping for a 50 mile ride.

Unfortunately, a half century distance is not on my schedule and I’ve been hearing some “feedback” about my plans. I’m trying to figure out ways it could work (what if the last 25 miles were leisurely?).

But the verdict is still out.

TRIgirl 40 = Ironman

At 9:08 this evening. (14:08:13 total time)

As well as all the rest of the TRIgirls, too.

Full race report coming later.

But now, I am hoping to go to bed and sleep for 14 hours.

Thanks to all for the wonderful wishes these past few days!

Ironman Eve

And so, Ironman Eve is upon us.

• One last swim completed in the Gulf.
• Packed transition bags.
• Enough nutrition prepared for two racers.
• Patriot Sangria tucked away in Ironman Village.
• Family and friends (aka TRIgirl Support Crew and Super Sherpas) all safely arrived.
• A belly full of the day's good calories and lots of hydration.

In a few minutes, I'll be heading off to bed. To try to sleep.

I am feeling fairly calm - though I think I still can't quite comprehend what tomorrow will bring.

• The exhilaration.
• The challenge.
• The tough moments.
• The cheers and support.
• The pain.
• The camaraderie.
• The rising above obstacles.
• The tears.
• The joy.

It is all our there waiting for us - ours for the taking.

Sleep well my sweet TRIgirl IMFL racers.

IMFL - Pre-race Happenings...

So many great stories so far - not sure how I can write about them all and do them justice.

Tuesday, I drove down with Coach B and TRIgirl TB - caravaning with Guppies JW and SW. I planted myself in the back seat and had some of the best sleep I've had in awhile. Woke up to a very hot car at one point as TRIgirl TB and Guppy SW were watching the miles countdown before we ran out of gas. We made it to a gas station with less than 1 mile left!

We crashed Tuesday night at the Chateau Guppy, TRIgirl TB and I sharing the bunk beds. The next morning, we woke up to a fairly quiet looking Gulf and headed off for an open water swim. The water was a bit cooler than I thought it would be. Not too salty. So clear - you could see the little sea urchins in the ocean floor until the second buoy. Out in the deeper sections, the water darkened, with beautiful plankton snow - but still clear enough to see the swimmers around you. I exited the my first swim in Panama City feeling relieved and a little bit excited.

Then it was on to IMFL registration. Excitement was in the air. Coach B. told me about the ins and outs as I waited on line, got weighed, signed my life away, and left Ironman Village with my first Ironman logo item.

After a short run, it was time to help TRIgirl TB with preparations for dinner - and Coach B's birthday. An evening full of TRIgirls wearing pumpkin costumes and cowboy hats.

Wednesday morning, the TRIgirls woke up early for a practice swim at 7:00 - the same time IMFL should start on Saturday.

TRIgirl TB braved her fears for her first open water AND wetsuit swim. She was terrific and is already a natural in the Gulf. I think I need to find out what she is doing on November 3rd.

TRIgirl DL and I took a very easy and slow bike ride around Panama City - which can be quite blustery - especially with the wind tunnels created between hotels. Then it was onto a fun evening with her family for dinner and to meet up with the rest of the TRIgirls. Coach G gave an incredible inspiring speech to remind us of what we've accomplished this past year - even before even hearing the start gun. Supposedly the hard work is done.

Other than one long day coming up Saturday.

.

We are HERE!

And we'll all float on alright!

(Promise to try to post more details and photos tomorrow. Things are going well, so far. And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Coach B!)

A Few "Moments" While Packing

Today started off fine. A good Guppies swim workout with a bunch of challenging speed sets. Coffee and bagels afterwards.

And that is when the first "moment" emerged. Paying at the Einstein's cash register, I found myself searching frantically for my debit card. I ended up using a credit card and did not start panicking until I went home an hour or so later - after thoroughly searching my car, gym bag, all recently worn clothes - and even calling the gas station where it was last used.

Yikes, still no debit card.

I called my husband to see if maybe he had borrowed it.

Nope.

But we decided to not set the wheels in motion for the arduous cancellation process until the end of the day. You see, this has happened before. A few weeks after 9-11 and a day before leaving for a conference in Denver, my wallet was stolen (debit cards, credit cards, driver's license, etc.) from my desk at work. Driving to the DMV the morning I was supposed to board the flight, I was pulled over by a police officer for some small violation, like an expired sticker, burst into tears and scared away the officer by being a woman on the edge.

And so I decided to distract myself with packing for IMFL. Which really is quite stressful in of itself.

Fast forward another hour or so, my husband called and said the debit card was in our Nissan. WHEW. No idea how or why it was in there, but who the heck cared? He dropped it off at lunchtime and I was ready to run my last few IM errands - picking up groceries, new goggles, CO2 cartridges and fresh velcro for the Podiumquest.

So all was looking up until I arrived home. No UPS package on the stoop. The nutrition I ordered a few weeks ago, but some Internet glitch caused an overnight reorder on Thursday evening, was STILL NOT HERE. You know, all the stuff I've practiced when trying to consume 200 or more calories per hour - the stuff that I finally figured out I could deal with.

Breathe deep.

I called the company - they found the order and said the mishap was due to having just added the overnight shipping option. I'd paid an extra $50 for the nutrition to arrive on time - after the last problem - and it hadn't - and I was a BIT annoyed. They reassured me that there was no doubt that the order would arrive tomorrow - and since the hubby isn't coming down till Thursday - I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Otherwise, there may be a crazy woman in Panama City looking for Gus, Luna Bars and Sharkies on Wednesday.

But stay tuned for the virtual gym bag memories, they are still coming...

Beautiful Day...

Don't let it get away...

Squeezing More Into The Virtual Gym Bag

Wow, it is amazing how much more time I have for blogging now that I am on “The Taper.” Especially since I missed one day of workouts because I caught some weird bug on Sunday that left me feeling like crap (and a bit worried about what it might escalate to) until I self medicated myself for a few days with left over antibiotics. Now, I am feeling mostly back to normal. Got in a workout yesterday (yeah, TRIgirl SQ, no idea what was up with the Butterfly or the "one breath" sets). But today, the depressing, cold, rain and wind had me totally using “The Taper” excuse to skip today’s workout, too.

So, it is back to packing…

Strategy (much thanks to all the coaches, teammates and fellow bloggers who have helped me put these together - feel free to contribute more!)

Swim –

• Get in the water any chance you can before the race. Look for your landmarks. Get used to the current, waves, clarity.
• Don’t worry about the mass start. (I’m working on it.)
• Hold your own in the swim and don’t start as far back as you’ve been thinking.
• Dolphin dive through the waves, push hard for the first 50 – 100 meters.
• Then find your rhythm. You can – you have – don’t panic if it takes awhile.
• Try to draft. You can do this in a pool now. There’ll be a whole lot of people in the water. There have got to be some with feet just going slightly faster than your normal pace.
• Start kicking harder before exiting the water to get blood flow to your legs.
• Appreciate your time in the water. You’ll be missing the swim in about 7-8 hours.
• Try to enjoy the waves. Coach B and Irongirl AM think they are fun. You love riding the waves when not doing a triathlon.
• Try not to get kicked in the face.
• Avoid jellyfish and vomit.

Bike –

• Take it easier than what you feel you can do when starting off on the bike.
• Get past the first few miles then start eating and drinking as many calories as possible. Focus on solid foods early on.
• Push harder the second half if your legs feel strong.
• Think of your inspiration songs and those your friends and teammates have recommended.
• Stay in the moment, but take in the scenery.
• Don’t draft or block. Socializing on the bike can get you a penalty.
• Stop to refuel or use the bathroom – you’ll feel much better and the few minutes lost by getting off your bike are likely to be regained by being more comfortable.
• Change gears occasionally, even if the terrain remains the same.
• Remember the last 20 miles are more mental than physical. The shoulder and butt pain are tolerable and temporary.
• Appreciate the bike. The distance is longer than ideal, but it is still easier than running.
  

Run -

• Again, start conservatively. You’ve got 26 miles ahead.
• Think of the distance more as chunks.
• One mile to the next aid station where you can walk for a bit.
• Fourish 10Ks.
• It is OK to walk.
• But remember, tired, swollen legs can still run. Slowly.
• Alternate sports drink with water, gu, endurolytes at each station.
• While you couldn’t socialize on the bike, you can on the run. Try talking to someone if you need motivation – or see someone else who does.
• Appreciate the run. This will most likely be your biggest challenge.

General -

• Thank the volunteers
• Lots of people will pass you. You can still be the turtle that crosses the finish line.
• Remember how seeing your teammates during the race always makes you feel better. Knowing they are out there – racing strong – gives you strength.
• It is OK to cry – but try to make the tears due to happiness, relief and knowing your goal is in sight.
• Look for your family and friends who’ve come miles to cheer you and your teammates on (or picture those who are cheering from afar). Each time you see someone, you’ll be recharged and reminded of how much they believe in you, whether or not you cross the finish line.
• Find gratitude in every moment. You’ve spent months preparing for this day. You’ve sacrificed so much – and so have your sherpas. It isn’t supposed to be easy.
• It won’t be - but the finish could be spectacular.

Packing

Packing for a triathlon is normally a fairly large undertaking culminating with bags and bags of stuff for just an overnight race. Packing for an Ironman takes this task to a whole new level. I’m getting the lists ready – and hopefully will have enough suitcases. And room in Coach B’s SUV!

But I am also starting to pack mentally. I’ve been thinking about the song lyrics, strategies and memories to stash away and draw from on race day.

So, here is what is going in my virtual motivation gym bag. Today, we’ll focus on some tunes to form my IM soundtack.

Keep in mind, without my IPOD, I’ll only be able to sing (in my head - though I may clear the course if I start to sing aloud) the choruses or a few lines here or there (over and over).

Hoobastank’s “The Reason” -
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

I think because I heard it so much when struggling to just jog more than three miles a year ago, when the IMFL rumblings started to circulate among the TRIgirl crowd, this song reminds me of my decision to do an Ironman



Gene Autry's "Peter Cottontail" -
Oh, here come's Peter Cottontial
Hopping down the bunny trail

Always makes me smile, thinking of Coach G sharing that she thinks of this song while running. "Keep hands loose, touch fingers to thumb."



Moby’s “Natural Blues” -
Went down the hill,the other day
My soul got happy and stayed all day

For three or four months last winter, this was one of the tunes on either Coach B or Coach E’s IPOD (or maybe both) that became close friends during our indoor biking classes. “Level 10, stand up!”

Eminem’s “Loose Yourself” –
Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-
One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?

Like a metronome, the beat to this song is perfect for reminding me to keep my turnover high and my feet light. The words are pretty invigorating, too.

Linkin Park’s “What I’ve Done” and Modest Mouse’s “Float On”– (two songs TRIgirl’s DL's husband added to our Eagleman DVD. Anytime I hear the songs I see parts of the video...

For what I’ve done
I start again
And whatever pain may come
Today this ends

The foreboding swim start waves with arms flailing

And we'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
Aliright don't worry even if things end up a bit to heavy
We'll all float on alright

and TRIgirl MJ in transition heading off to start her – with such bounce and energy in her stride.

U2’s “Beautiful Day”
It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

This seems like one of the standards for triathlon races – and several Ironman media clips seem to play it as the racers are getting ready to start the day.

Please be a beautiful day in Panama City on November 3rd!

The Gift Basket

Supperclub - a time to gather with friends, sometimes just once a month, for the past sixish years.

They all have incredibly busy lives, full of kids, furkids, spouses, friends and work.

And tonight these fabulous, strong and amazing women gave me a gift basket full of their wishes for IMFL.

I peeked in to see their detailed research and support - the obscurities of the triathlon world, from tri stickers to cliff shot blocks to triple shot caffeine Gu. The thoughtful band aid blister packages I'll be putting in my special needs bags and the super soft, big, fluffy, fleecy Halloween socks that will comfort my feet after attempting 140 plus miles. The beautiful card depicting a cute blonde jogger (is that me? blush) drawn by the sweet daughter of one of our members.

And, oh yeah, the gift certificate for a massage - and the fabulous bottle of wine - for celebrating (crossing all fingers and toes) after the race. They all know me so well.

Then there is the "Swim, Bike, Run" bracelet I'll be wearing from now till my race ends on November 3rd.

How fortunate am I to have found such friends?

Incredibly lucky - and thankful!

THANK YOU!!!!

Zippidy Do Da...

Ironwoman Canada has lent me her Reynolds DF UL racing wheels for IMFL.

While, being a newbie, I am more familiar with the Zipps brand, these babies seem like a twin sister.

Assuming I haven't jinxed myself with a flat tire - they should add a little distance to my mph - or offer less effort for the same distance.

I am a bit nervous about using them. Patriot Sangria and I will be heading off this week to the bike store for one final outing to get the "I'm not worthy tires" mounted - and for a little tune-up.

While I feel quite honored to be able to borrow them, Patriot Sangria, on the other hand, is strutting about just thinking of her new accessories.

And Now, We Bring You…The Taper

Almost a year has gone by since sitting at the computer with butterflies in my stomach, waiting for my IMFL registration to go through.

Months have passed – so many incredible experiences and so many lessons learned – which may be good to reflect upon during blog entries over the next two weeks.

But right now, the taper is about ready to begin.

The IMFL athletes guide has been posted. Race numbers should be coming in the next few days.

I’ve ordered my nutrition for Florida – tried and true.

I’ve tested various training clothes to determine the best choices for each stage at IMFL. I’ll be completely changing for each leg of the race – being comfortable and dry will hopefully make up for the extra few minutes of dressing time. Still deciding on the bike vs. tri short option.

I’ve seen signs that indicate that I’m not too far off where I should be physically. Most of the last few workouts these past couple weeks have gone well. I’ve recovered from the super long weekend training sessions to feel pretty good during weekday workouts. I’m wishing there were a few more weeks of crazy distance bikes and runs.

And other than a generalized sense of “something big is on the horizon,” like Christmas when you were a kid, I am not overly anxious or panicking, too much...

Not yet.

Eastern Shore IMFL Camp

Take 10 TRIgirls, 5 coaches, a few brave spouses and several patient kids.
Add 3 days and 2 nights.
Throw in 2 open water swims and 100 plus miles of biking.
Top it off with amazing meals and great company.
What do you get?

The best ever IMFL training camp experience!

About a month or so ago, TRIgirls KB and SS mentioned the idea of an Eastern Shore training weekend. I jumped at the chance - and am so happy and grateful I did. Especially because, since then, all the IMFL folks - coaches and teammates - joined in, too.

So, on Friday, after one last work obligation, I drove my car, packed with sports clothes, Gatorade, snacks, wetsuit, sports bars, some (ahem) wine - and Patriot Sangria tied as best could be on the back of my Accord, to meet everyone at Kiptopeke State Park.

The state park cabin was beautiful - lovely, clean and surrounded by quiet scenery. I straggled in about the same time as TRIgirls LD, SL and SK to meet up with Coach BB and host SS. We unpacked our bags as TRIgirl AM arrived. Just in time - as we decided to test out the Eastern Shore waters.

And, as suspected, salty water makes a difference. You float more. And you do have to get used to some different side effects. For me - the clearer water made me a little dizzy. The salt made my lips swell. We did a lap or two parallel to the shore before heading back to the cabin to meet the rest of our training buddies - TRIgirls KB, DL, CH and Coach ERC and his wife. The long car ride and short swim made us hungry. TRIgirls CD and SK came to the rescue with our meal - we chowed down on lasagna, salad, garlic bread (and some wine to wash it down). Sitting around the fireplace, we played a "password" game for an hour or so - which included many laughs about game rules and pygmies (don't ask).

Then it was time for bed. TRIgirl CH found cryptic messages in the paper for our anticipated workout - including "Hamlin proposes plan B" and a pygmy picture (?). She also had TRIgirl DL and I laughing hysterically at the idea of a clear wetsuit - and all the implications - from fat rolls to speedos.

Life was good as we drifted off to sleep with the cabin window open to fresh Eastern Shore air.

Grateful for a few extra snoozing hours compared to many Saturday training workouts, the house started to wake around 7:00 AM, as bike tires were pumped and water bottles were prepared with complicated carbohydrate and protein formula mixtures.

We all headed off on a gorgeous and cool fall day - a 100 mile bike ride in the plans. We rode together for the first few miles. Whoo hoo, yes, flat roads as promised - and yes, the sun was starting to warm our cold bones.

After awhile, we started to break off into groups. I found myself with the "big kids" - coaches ERC, BB, SS and awesome TRIgirl bicyclists, CD, KB and SK. I decided to hang on as long as I could with my heroes - whether it was 5 or 50 miles. Drafting off Coach ERC was key - his 6' plus frame was a wonderful sail for me. I've tried drafting in the past - but never really "got it" until this weekend. I worked hard - but quietly cruised along, like a measly, grateful barnacle.

And 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 miles went by. I did my best to keep up - and I'm pretty sure my riding mates took a little pity on me now and then - by slowing down to help me stay with them when I started to tire. Lately, since Patriot Sangria came into my life, my pace is about 16-18 mph - depending on the conditions and distance. This weekend, thanks to lots of successful drafting off my generous riding mates, I was hitting 19-20 mph. And a couple of times, the pace hit 22-23 miles per hour.

Between miles 80 and 90, I started to grow weary - physically and mentally. The wind seemed to pick-up. I was just about done working hard to keep up and I fell back. I stopped to refuel. Then, after a few more miles, I saw my biking heroes ahead. We had about 10 more miles left. They had waited for me and I decide to thank them by trying a little harder to keep up during the last few miles. I am pretty sure they slowed down, too - but we finished together - before Coach BB headed out for a bunch more miles to check on the rest of the riders.

I swear, getting off the bike, to lay on the concrete walk with the strong sun rays hitting my tired body, felt GREAT.

The rest of the evening included lots of yummy food (thanks to Grillmaster Coach BB), good wine, fun conversation and interesting Kona watching - until I decided to crawl into my bed around midnight.

The next morning, enticing breakfast smells (and TRIgirl CH climbing down from the top of the bunk beds we shared) woke me up. Bacon, incredible French toast (thanks to TRIgirl CD's recipe and preparations) and lots of fresh fruit were on the menu. We shared a wonderful breakfast before heading out again for another open water swim.

More TRIgirls and coaches were in tow (no pun intended) this time as we swam from a docked boat to Coach ERC's kayak to shore a bunch of times. TRIgirl SK and Coaches BB and SS gave me a few examples of what to expect in Panama City as they practically swam over me.

We finished the swim, took outdoor showers and started on the two hour drive back home.

A bunch of workouts to be happy and proud of - in our IMFL back pockets.

What an incredible weekend!

So Tempting!

I was just paging through the Triathlon Life magazine that arrived the other day and I what did I find?

Mightyman!

A Half-Ironman back "home" and through the beautiful, picturesque Montauk.

Close to family and friends who I could either try to tempt to race with me or who may travel just a couple of hours to be cheerleaders.

Problem 1 - Naylor's Beach is on my calendar for that day. I was actually looking forward to doing Naylor's again - between hoping for some improvements, the new September date and racing with other TRIgirls. I haven't registered yet, so depending on Problems 2 and 3...

Problem 2 - I'm doing the Patriot Half three weeks earlier. Will I have recovered enough? Then again, we are not tapering for the Patriot in preparation for IMFL - so I doubt I'll be resting much after.

Problem 3 - Which race would be better for IMFL training - an Olympic or another half???

Problem 4 - If I do Mightyman, there won't be an Olympic distance race on my calendar. Therefore, no fourth TRIgirl pint glass to add to my collection.

The decision rests in the hands of my coaches - based upon their recommendation of which would be better for IMFL training.

If not this year, Mightyman (and maybe some other LI Event Power races) WILL be on next year's schedule! And you betcha I'll be trying to convince my triathlon friends to join me!