First, a quick word about this project. I’m new at this, both triathlon and blogging. So bear with me as we take off on the maiden voyage of First Tri(athlon) and a first triathlon. Like many of you, I have trained for and accomplished some important goals, namely to have the fitness to run a marathon. In fact, I have four marathons behind me, plus two 50K ultras (the Big Bend 50K Ultra in 2006 and ’07). I enjoy running, though I don’t run or train particularly hard, and I could probably be content to just run. It’s certainly the easiest way to get fit and maintain. You lace up the shoes and head out the door.
But a few months ago I interviewed a couple of triathletes for a podcast (iExerciseRadio.org) I was producing about bicycling and by extension triathlon. Shelly Campbell and Zetta Young both had and continue to have such a love for the sport that I had all the prompting I needed to say: “I’ve thought about doing a triathlon.” It’s a good thing I meant what I said, because both Shelly and Zetta immediately volunteered to help me train for what will be my first triathlon, the Capital Tri in Austin on Memorial Day.
Which brings us to this beginning of what I hope will be an interactive meeting place for both the curious and the serious. Shelly Campbell will be offering her expert advice (she’s a coach for USA Triathlon) and Zetta Young, who calls herself my cheerleader, will surely be encouraged to tell us a little bit about her experiences and success as a seasoned triathlete and marathoner. This beginning could not have happened without the enthusiasm of Zetta and Shelly. I also should thank Matt Hamlin at Bicycle Heaven for his generosity with goods and services, and P. Carroll Voss at Fleet Feet for his support. I am sure there will be others to thank along the way.
When I interviewed Zetta months ago she told me there had been many who had helped her find her way in triathlon. “It’s a giving community,” she told me, and I am believing it more every day.
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