I finally did it. I am doing something I have always wanted to do but have never had the time or physical conditioning to do: compete in a triathlon. The one I picked is a short even, the Issaquah Triathlon: 1/4 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 5K run. I registered yesterday.
A couple of my friends have done it in recent years and had great things to say about it. This feels weird since I haven't been in an athletic competition of any kind since High School and I haven't been in a foot race since long before that (Jr. High?).
I have been running pretty regularly since I did the 20/20 program at the Pro Club back in 2005. The other day I discovered just how difficult it was to run after being on a bike. I spent 20 minutes on a stationary bike and then tried to jog on a treadmill. I stress the word "tried". After 4 minutes I had to slow down to a walk to finish my official 20 minutes. Yesterday I did my full hour of training, 40 minutes on a bike followed by jogging/walking for 20 minutes. I have a long way to go and only 3 months to do it.
One of things I really like about my Dad is the way he showed us how important exercise and competition was to him. In my years growing up he was always running various 10K runs around the area, even through my High School years and our moves all over Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. If there was any money to be made in professional distance running I'm sure Dad would have been in that business. He always seemed to be happier on the trail or road somewhere.
I hope I can pass along to my sons that same spirit. The open road and the trail are wonderful places to see what you are really made of. The 50-mile hike I did last summer showed me that I do have quite a bit of endurance and determination if I can tap into it.