Ill Concieved Plans Poorly executed

The first faltering steps

After several month of indecision I took the plunge and turned up at the sports centre for my first swim session with the triathlon club. I first thought about giving triathlon a go back in the summer. I was inspired by an article in a climbing journal which stated that "one would need the fitness of a triathlete" to complete the route. I had had my eye on doing the route for some time. That started me thinking. I have always enjoyed a dip in the pool, especially at lunchtime when it's an excuse to completely escape work. I'm also rather partial to the odd cycle ride. That just left running. I'd never really had a good relationship with running, school cross-country made sure of that. This bad relationship was enforced by the sprint training sessions at ruby training, which left forwards like me gasping for air and feeling sick. "It may have changed," I thought so I started doing a little bit of running in the evenings when it was dark and no one could see my pain. I came back breathless but convinced that I could get to enjoy it over time. From then on I slowly increased the distances and the number of time a week I ran. I persevered and despite Angela telling me that "I run like a girl" I started to quite look forward to my evening runs. Then came the hard bit, joining the club. My image of the club was of a group of hardened athletes who talk in code about times, distances and heart rates. The usual self-doubt crept in, would I be good enough? What would happen when they see my complete lack of grace and style, will my pathetic attempt at running cut the mustard and above all could I really do that triathlon thing?

I must have looked at the clubs web site to find a clue. Christmas came and went and in the cloud of fireworks that heralded the New Year I made a resolution to join. For the first time ever I kept the resolution. I turned up one morning to find a super set of people who ranged in ability but who where all giving this triathlon thing a go

This was going to be fun.