When I first read that swim practice would be at 5:30am, I thought it was a typo.  I’ll clear it up for those with similar concerns-it’s not a mistake.

Yesterday was my first swim practice.  I’ll admit was nervous-I haven’t swam since getting my life guard certification in ’02, and I wasn’t exactly looking forward to getting in a swim suit far sooner in the season than originally anticipated.  But as I entered the pool deck, I came to realize that it’s not the beach or a beauty pageant (thankfully I left my high heels at home) and I am not the only person concerned with whopping their lap partner in the nose with a loose stroke.  

After a brief introduction of terms, workouts and the upcoming swim season, the coaches and team captains successfully helped us complete our first workout.  Even though I felt awkward at times and swallowed more water than the average doctor would recommend as a daily requirement, I left feeling proud knowing that I will improve with each practice.

Any suggestions for ear plugs?

So, TNT's Fall Kickoff was this past Saturday and if you weren’t one of the 400+ participants there, you missed out. I have never been in a room at 9:00am on a rainy Saturday with so many enthusiastic (yet not annoying) people. Maybe it's because we knew we didn't have to work out that day, maybe it was having the TNT Founder-Bruce Cleland-share his story, maybe it was knowing that we were participating in sold-out events (Nation’s Tri, Marine Corps Marathon and Nike Women’s Marathon) or maybe it was the Marriott coffee.  Whatever it was, I left inspired and excited.   

Results from my first 1/2 marathon, the Potomac River Run are in!!!

The top 3 winners are:

MOST PATIENT FRIEND AWARD goes to....Mrs. Tori Watson 

• This was Tori's 3rd 1/2 Marathon and showed only respect and encouragement (until mile 11...) during the race.  She stuck by me the entire time with her motivation and steady pace...and allowed me to walk more than I'd like to admit.  This race is dedicated to you, Tori!! (See picture below:)

ACTUAL WINNER AWARD goes to...Mr. Weston John Spece, I

• Wes is my younger brother and a stellar athlete.  He ran cross country in high school and at Longwood University and has not slowed down one bit.  He truly proved his talents by passing Tori and me at the halfway point (did I mention that I made Tori start 30 minutes early?) and finished 3rd in his age division, and 13th overall!!!                                                        

LEAST PREPARED AWARD goes to...Me 

• I earned this award by doing the obvious-training every 4th day, believing adrenaline would carry me through and maxing out my training regime at 6 miles prior to the race.   

Don't just be entertained...help me get there!

As I approach my first ½ marathon this Sunday, the Potomac River Run, I’m trying to figure out at what point did I decide to become this super athlete? First a ½ marathon and now a triathlon? Can I really train for the Olympics starting at 27?

Let’s review the surrounding influencers-or take an optimistic view and call them “motivators”- that led to this ambitious quest…

1. Registration for the Tri took place on a gorgeous Friday morning, immediately after a cup of coffee and staff meeting showing the TNT Sizzle Video. I have since switched to decaf.
2. All four of my immediate co-workers talk about their workouts, marathons, triathlons and training in the same excitement I talk about the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
3. I have become one of “those” brides who have gained 10 pounds since getting married.
4. In a recent all-staff meeting, I was disappointed that the agenda did not include the new hire’s tips on how she keeps her arms so toned.
5. When running with my younger brother on the beach a while back, I came back and was fully convinced I had acquired asthma-I was later informed I was just out of shape.
6. I promised my husband that if we get a dog, I’d drop my gym membership (which he considered a part of his tithes, anyway) and take up running.
7. I heart comfy pants-and it doesn’t get any better than lycra!
8. Last month, when the elevators at work were broken, I seriously considered taking a personal day instead of taking the stairs to the 8^th floor.
9. I really shouldn’t be driving to the dog park down the street, anyway.
10. I have become one of “those” brides who have lied about how much weight they have gained since getting married.

While I have a few hurdles to cross (hurdles the size of the Atlantic) to be ready for this Tri, I am confident TNT will give me the preparation I need.  The past few months while I have tried to ready myself for this ½ marathon on Sunday, I can honestly say that I did not do the best I could have to prepare. The Tri will be different…I will have educated coaches, support from staff and a group, just like me, to do this with.

Don't just be entertained-please help me reach my goal!

While I am reassured by anyone affiliated with TNT that I will be more than ready for the 1.5k swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run by the end of my training, there is one huge aspect I need help with...

Can anyone show me which bike is mine in my townhouse storage unit? I've only ridden it once and, while locking it up, vividly recall making a promise to myself that I didn't have to go out on it again. Below is the visual of my first challenge as well as the help I received from my dog, Cole.