Because the Wednesday Word over at Deb Runs Linkup is CHALLENGING, I need to tell you about the indoor triathlon I did with my Tri Team yesterday. It was meant to help us practice transitions.
As soon as I got the kids on the bus (in my TrisCuit no less) I headed to Lifetime fitness, the scene of the tri. Color me nervous, as usual.
I set up my transition area on the pool deck. shoes, socks, towel, headband, water bottle, and a small bag where I’d throw my pool flip flops, swim cap and pool goggles after the swim.
It was a simple 10-minute swim. Yet I had butterflies. Geez. Get over it.
We were off, I focused on staying calm, breathing and not letting my heart race. At the end of the first lap, I was even with the guy in the next lane. How can that be? Maybe he’s a shitty swimmer too? I stopped paying attention to him. Honestly I couldn’t care less how fast I swam. I just wanted the time to pass. Eventually it did.
I jumped out, toweled off, put on shoes and socks (I’ll also be donning a bike helmet, sunglasses and race bib in future outdoor tris) and tromped, soaking wet up to the 3rd floor to the spin studio. Weird.
I hopped on a spin bike and got busy. First through transition. Ha!
The guy next to me turned out to be a grunter/screamer. His cadence was super high but the coach suggested he increase power. This made me think I was next because my heart rate was pretty comfy. However when the coach checked my monitor she loved my power and told me I’m way stronger than I give myself credit for. I swear that is the theme of my life. For once, I looked at myself in that spin studio mirror and owned that power. It is there, why don’t I believe it?
30 minutes on the bike passed quickly and soon we headed to the treadmills for the run. I was worried my legs would be dead so I started slowish and warmed into it. That seemed to work really well. The run was pretty effortless. I could definitely have gone faster.
And then it was over! It went really well and truth be told, was fun! I did not need to stress about it. My biggest challenge is conquering the enemy that lives in my head. This was definitely a confidence builder as my “real” tri in June draws closer.
How do you challenge yourself?
I’m linking up with Annmarie, Angelena Marie, Sarah, and Amber for Wild Workout Wednesday.
This is likely the only way I’ll ever get to do a tri! Well, when I get to run again. I would have punched the grunter in the face. And you all would have thanked me for it!
I’ve never done a tri, but everyone says it’s as important to practice those transitions as it is to train for the legs of the race. Great job!
Nice job Marcia! I’d never heard of these indoor tri’s before but sounds like a great way to get some practice in.
I think an indoor tri would be the only kind of tri I could handle…or at least a good way to ease myself into them! The transitions sound so stressful, I think that would worry me the most!
an indoor tri is a great way to practice all the legs and your transitions and also build lots of confidence. I need to find one to practice with.
I challenge my self by trying new things and, more importantly, getting my kids to try new things.
Transition practice is so helpful! When I was tri training we did them down at the beach – we brought our bikes and trainers down and set them up on the sand. Our coach made us practice swim starts all packed close together to learn what it’s like to start all at once.
The grunters in spin rooms need to just STOP!
What a cool idea! Sounds fun:) Great job!
Ugh. Grunting. That would have driven me insane!
When I swam we used to mix up our cross training and I always hated running after the bike, my legs would never cooperate!
Go, Marcia, GO! How awesome to get in a practice like this indoors! Sounds like you kicked that workout’s butt and more importantly, you had fun! Woo!
This is the only kind of tri I have thought of doing!
Did they do placements or anything? Or just pretty much a practice run?
I honestly cannot imagine this 30 minutes on the bike and i”m dead!! Add a run and a swim – girl you are strong!! Keep up the great work!
LOL, the grunter guy had me giggling. I’d have gone nuts. Way to go getting it done!!! I couldn’t even swim for 10 minutes straight, well, EVER! LOL
Awesome, I love how the practice is making you more confident That is such a big performance factor, just getting the unknowns resolved. High five for doing a great job! and high five for tackling fears 🙂
Indoor tris are so hard! That’s how I trained for my tri and whew I swear it was harder than the actual race!
An indoor triathlon sounds like a lot of fun though I think I’d still drown trying to swim. Way to own the bike, that is awesome! Thanks so much for linking up 🙂
OK, I’m borrowing your quote for a while (a long while). “My biggest challenge is conquering the enemy that lives in my head.” LOVE IT. Way to own that power!
I’m with you on the conquering the enemy in your head statement. My head is what’s hardest to overcome. If it say I can’t do something I’ll too often believe it and yet, if I make the huge effort to shout that voice down I’ll find that I was capable of way more than I thought.
Wow an indoor one! Congrats. i’m headed to Texas tomorrow to watch my husband do Ironman Houston! All you tri sport people amaze me!
just reading about an indoor tri is challenging for me LOL I can’t imagine the effort it took to get all the training in! way to go!
Great job. Way to embrace your power.
I was hoping to race one of these this winter but my back wouldn’t allow it. It sounds like it was fun! I too am trying to get rid of the swimming butterflies. Sometimes I get them when I swim alone when I am doing a hard workout. I am trying to manage this anxiety.
An indoor tri actually seems like a great idea! I need to see if the local fitness centre does (or would do) one. Thanks for the idea!
Wow, I am such a noob. I had no idea there were indoor triathlons. It sounds really cool.
this sounds intense (in a good way) and fun! You totally owned the bike. Go you!
i did the same indoor tri (just a different location) last month and LOVED it! way to go 🙂 wasn’t it fun??!
If I had done that tri with you, I would STILL be hanging on the side of the pool trying to get my breathing back to normal! Nicely done, and it sounds like you’ve got this!
Thanks for linking up! 🙂
I’m challenging myself to try this out. Thanks Marcia for sharing with us.
You rock lady! I would not do indoor or outdoors! 🙂
that sounds super cool! Good going girlie! You are really getting into the TRI! 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it! Your recaps seriously keep making me want to do an indoor tri.
My gym had an indoor tri recently and I wish I had done it! But I was running a race that day so couldn’t end up doing it. I really do want to try a mini triathlon one day though!
SEE!!! i really don’t think you give yourself enough credit. awesome job.