Three practices down. Swim, bike, run. As if I am not already active enough, super ambitious yours truly has decided to participate in a Sprint Triathlon on September 7th. This will be my second triathlon, however this will be my first one that I will have more than 3 weeks to train. Great! Enough time to figure out how to make my muscular, squat exhausted legs buoyant.

I joined T3, a local and renowned training group designed to teach form and technique in a supportive group environment. Considering I work at the best gym in Austin, Pure Austin, I thought it would make sense to train with what is considered the best Triathlon Training groups in Austin. So far, I have had a blast with the group, received insightful feedback on my skills and performance, and have managed not to drown at my first swim practice. So far, so good!

Did I mention that swimming is my weakest discipline? What a humbling experience my first swim practice was. Maurice, coach and part owner, standing at the edge of the pool decked out in super casual and comfy street clothes, nonchalantly calls out the game plan for the next 1:15 minutes. Busy trying to figure out my goggles and stop the butterflies from fluttering around in my tummy, I missed the part that 200m was our warm up. When I asked him to repeat himself, I then was very clear and aware that I would be definitely looking for the safety raft on pool side.

200m warm up? I do remember thinking as I was looking at my brand new nemesis, a daunting 6 lane pool, that I will have a significant amount of work cut out for me. My first triathlon I had to side stroke most of the distance, and when I got out of the water, I had a new found respect for those swim lessons I complained about when I was a kid at camp. This new journey will not just be about mastering form and technique. Just trying to stay afloat and breath under water will be a challenge. I grew up on a beach, so yes I know how to swim, however swimming to a booey and back and racing your friends to the closest cooler of beer is not Triathlon Training worthy. Although, I definitely could have used a cocktail after this practice!

I told myself that I would not train with an ego. I signed up for the triathlon and joined a group to not only gain more experience within the triathlon world of Austin, but also to find joy again in working out. As a trainer and instructor who is living her dream and working at the best and most supportive gym in town, I will admit I have become a bit burnt out with weights and cardio. I have yearned for a new challenge and have definitely needed something more than running to keep my legs healthy and responsive. So this is it! This will be my new outlet, my salvation, my daily challenge that will test not only my spirit but also my lung capacity.

Three practices down and I actually am positive and am looking forward to being able to complete the 200m swim warm up and the rest of the sets called out to us.

What did I learn this week in Try - Training?
1. Try out your goggles in the bath tub first before jumping in the pool
2. Go to the bathroom before the track workout
3. The bike seat will never become comfortable, you will just become numb
4. Fear is not excepted in the water
5. Chlorine will never taste good
6. My powerful legs will do me well on the bike

At least I am having fun, getting fit, meeting new people, and continuously challenging my mind and body.

To mastering more than the doggy paddle,
Chelsea