This whole “sign up for an Ironman without ever doing a triathlon” thing may conjure up certain feelings, but one that continues to play a role whenever something new pops up is that of pure fear. Or maybe it’s pure nervousness. Whatever it is, it’s a combination that leaves me with a slightly nauseous feeling as I embark on the unknown.
This Sunday is probably the biggest jump yet, thereby meaning that I may or may not be silently freaking out. I’m participating in the South Bay International Duathlon. 10k run, 40k bike, 5k run.
I signed up for this race as I thought it would be a good intro race into triathlon sports, plus, I had a 50 percent off coupon code. Saving money makes me too giddy sometimes and it must have clouded my rationality.
“But Page, you’ve completed all of those distances no problem!” you say?
Yes, but putting them all together and add a sport that includes so many things I’ve yet to learn (including changing a flat) and I start to go into paranoia mode. To add to the craziness, I know I’m not going to demolish any bike records, but I’m nervous about my running as my fitness has decreased as I focus on other sports. Breathe, breathe, breathe…
At this exact moment, I have no idea what my strategy will be. Pacing? Fueling? Coach Paul, if you are reading this, please expect an email from me later today.
If there is one thing that I do know it’s that I’m most likely going to go into this entire “race” with a “one event at a time” mentality, and will most likely not racing it all. Instead, I’m going to take it nice and easy. I want to use this time to get my body acquainted with multi-sport events, try out my first official transitions, and really, to demolish my fears.
I’ve never been bungee jumping but I suppose all of these “first” are a little bit like it. You freak the hell out, questioning you sanity and ability, but once you step over the ledge, you commit and you’re in. That seems to be exactly what’s happening with me as well. I complain like a small child and proclaim my fears on the blog, but once I man-up, wait wait, woman-up, and just take the leap, everything will soon fall in place. It’s just a matter of being brave enough to make the leap.
Oh, and if you’re going to be there, look for me in the pirate jersey. It’s the one of two jerseys I own, so naturally it is arrrrrrrrrguably the best choice. I can’t believe I just went there.
So here’s to firsts and making those scary leaps. I’ll report back soon.
Happy Running!
First one is always scary. Breathe, breathe, breathe and do exactly what you said. Take each event one at a time! I guarantee, no matter what happens, when you look back you will realize that you had a blast. My first triathlon was attrociously slow. I was so disappointed with my performance, but by the next day I was positively giddy about it because despite all I had completed it. Good luck!
Good luck, Page. Remember to have fun!
Very good point…I almost forgot. 🙂
Gah, I wish I could spectate this! Please let me know if you have any other local ones coming up – I’d love to come and cheer (and be inspired!)
Thank you, Naomi! I have a WHOLE BUNCH of local ones coming up. I’ll be sure to keep you posted. Thank you!!
Go get ’em! You are going to LOVE it.
Haha, that jersey is the best!!! You will be great & I think this is a great intro to multi-spot events… plus you don’t have to swim. Which, in my mind, is pretty much perfect.
Run fast but don’t red line the 10K. Save your legs for the bike. Quick laces and tri bike shoes (SIDI) should help. Remember, pain is good.
Good luck and HAVE FUN! Not only will you get the “transition in a race atmosphere” thing out of the way, but you should have an awesome blog post out of it. Can’t wait to hear how much butt you kick out there!
“it is arrrrrrrrrguably the best choice” – lol!!!!
I think the race will go great and you will really surprise yourself. Seems like a great race to get gradually introduced to triathlon. You will then know the feeling of the transition between biking and running. Have fun!
GOOD LUCK Page! Arrrrr! That’s my pirate impression.
I’m excited for you this weekend–this looks like fun (hard) but a nice change from straight up running!
I like the analogy to bungee jumping! I did my first practice tri through the SD Tri Club 2 days after I learned to clip into my bike! It was scary as hell but I loved it! You’re gonna do great!
Page, you will be just fine! I did a duathlon (6 mi run, 26 mi bike) last summer and I survived and you are a million times fitter than me! I had a 20-year old clunky hybrid and I (stupidly) thought spin classes and a few 20 mile bike rides would be enough on a hot and hilly course. You’ve been training, practicing fueling, and running. You’ll surprise yourself with how well you will do! Have fun!!
I really hope you wear that jersey for the ironman. That would be amazing.
Good luck! Have fun!!!
You are going to do SO GREAT!!!!! I am so excited for you 🙂
Relax, breathe, trust your training. You’re going to do great! Did you get your new bike fit yet so you can ride it in the race? If it makes you feel better, I did tris for 4 years before I learned how to change a flat. (i’m not fast about it, but i can get it done now.)
I’m excited for you (and your pirate jersey)!
BTW, have you tried speed laces or Yankz yet? I’ve only used Yankz , but they are the best thing that ever happened to my triathlon transition times. Turns running shoes into slip ons- A-mazing.
Will see you there! I’ll be my first duathlon. I’ll transition the easy way: watch for the guy with the toe clips/rat-cage pedals: hop on, pedal away, then hop off and run! I’ll only be doing the sprint event though, since I don’t cycle more than 15 miles at a time…
The race should life in fear of your pirate jersey! Seriously. Good luck!!
good luck! i think you’re going to surprise yourself : )