Director's Dare
Lessons Learned
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
I've been thinking that I needed to do it. It's been nagging at the back of my mind for awhile now. So yesterday at Sand Hollows Reservoir I just went ahead and did it. For the first time I combined all three parts of the triathlon. Awhile ago I rode my bike to the swimming pool, swam and rode it home, but this was the first time. I put it all together.
Let me clarify that I did not go the distance on any of the events. I was a very mini triathlon at best. If fact, you might even call it Tiny-Triathlon. But the important thing is that I actually combined the three events. In the process I learned a few things.
Lesson #1
Swimming in open water is absolutely nothing like swimming in a pool. The first thing is the temperature. It's a little early in the season and I know it will be much warmer in June, but the water was downright chilly. I had a hard time getting a breathing rhythm going because my breath was taken away by the temperature.
Waves become a big factor in open water swimming. The wind wasn't blowing hard by any means, but it was blowing a little and the water was definitely choppier than it is in the SUU Aquatic Center . I also had to deal with the wakes of a few waterskiing boats that were enjoying the great spring weather.
Lesson #2
I really need to work on my transition from the water to the bike. I thought I'd just get out of the water, put on my shoes and start riding. I didn't think about being wet and unable to get my socks on until I dried my feet. I didn't think about the lovely red sand caked between my toes and creating a nice, fine-grade sand paper experience inside my socks as I rode down the road.
Lesson #3
My mountain bike is extremely heavy. I didn't think much about it before, but my $79 K-Mart clearance Blue Light Special is probably not going to cut it. I've contacted a few people I know and hope I'll be able to borrow a lighter bike. 25 miles is long ways to drag an extra 50 lbs or so.
Lesson #4
This triathlon training is really quite time consuming. My job, by default is very demanding. It requires more that it's fair share of extra hours and late nights. Last night we went to the reservoir for Family Night and the only real family time I got was the drive there and the drive back.
Lesson #5
My family is outrageously supportive and deserves many thanks. On the way there, Christian, my five-year old said "Dad, it doesn't matter if you win or lose, you'll do your best." Later, McKinley, my seven-year old seeing me pant my way up onto the beach clapped her hands and shouted, "Whoo-hoo Dad. You're doing good." Not to mention all the nights that Mindy, my lovely wife, has spent doing the dishes by herself while I was out running. Seriously, thanks you guys. You're great and I love you.
As always, send your comments, suggestions and encouragement.
Labels: triathlon
