Update: 1 week in

I must say, I've rather surprised myself and am really glad I signed up to do tri club. This week, I swam 2,200 meters (Monday). I think the longest I'd done before then was 800m, so nearly triple! Certainly not speedy, but the endurance was there and I can't wait to join the team for a swim practice so I can work on technique.

Spinning - coach Jacklynn is great. She makes it hard but you can tell you're not in positions that aren't good for your body.

Running - my biggest surprise of the week. When with a group of people I know and who will rally with me, I can actually run longer distances. Novel concept, heh? I couldn't tell you the last time I ran more than 2 miles, and then on Tuesday ran 3 in the 90+ degree heat AFTER having done spinning. Totally surprised myself. It wasn't easy, but I kept identifying milestones on the path and running toward them.

This evening, our one hour run. I was so scared I kept thinking of a million and one reasons to skip it. But if you don't practice, you can't improve. So - I went. I ran a good portion of the time, walked probably 10 minutes total in 1:15. We did hills, which makes it even more amazing on top of the temperature. And, I think I got my first compliment ever as a runner. Someone called me fast! I am by no means the fastest in the group, but was ahead of the back 1/3, and I think they were surprised because I am heavier than almost everyone and also a newbie. It felt really good and I am so motivated to continue with this.

On our cool down at the Y, I chatted with the guy who was on the tri club blog as 'tri member of the month' for April. He was middle age, maybe 50, not pretentious at all and had the appearance of just doing this for general health. I learned that in high school he was a nationally ranked track athlete who could run a mile in under 5 minutes. Wowzah. I feel a bit unworthy, and also grateful, to be training with people who bring so much experience to the plate. Everyone is so nice, and we even cheered on and equally supported a member who was just getting started with fitness and could only do half the workout. Other members shared stories of how far they've come, their own breakdowns, and begged her to continue coming back and not to be embarassed. I hope she does. It's a great group.

Can't wait to see where thie journey goes!