Firsts

Here is my first blog ever. Recent years and my entry into triathlon life have taught me there is a first time for everything in life. The anxiety associated with first times typically far exceeds the benefit of the first experience, which can lead to a path of success. I cannot guarantee there will not be some bumps in the road along the way but you will get there.

In the fall of 2005 I walked into a health club for the first time in my life. At 30 years old and 290lbs, I finally decided something had to change. Nearly sick to my stomach, I asked Sandy at the front desk to sign me up for a membership. I signed the papers, paid the money, and a brief walk around the club I was a member. Great, now what the heck to I do? Fortunately the membership came with a brief meeting with a trainer. I met with Lisa for an hour and quickly realized for the first time in my life I would have to seek help to get where I wanted to go.

Months of hard work, education, a new road bike, 90 lbs of weight loss and some encouragement from Jen and David I found myself signing up for GSTC for the 2008 season, again sick to my stomach. I could write an entire blog about the first day at the pool but I made it through and most importantly I went to the next training session. I learned to swim! Who would have ever thought that would be possible!

My first triathlon was the Eastman Splash, Mash and Dash Sprint in June 2008, I couldn’t have been more nervous than that morning standing at the edge of the water waiting for the gun to go off but I was there. An entire blog could be written on this race but I finished, alive, and I was so excited. I completed three more triathlons in 2008, including my first Olympic distance race along with my first ocean swim. The 2008 season ended with my first half marathon.

2009 brought many more firsts, my first and second Half Ironman, numerous other races and my first marathon last fall, the Marine Corps Marathon. But now what? More firsts or do you start to improve on pasts? Is Ironman next? During 2010 I will seek to improve upon what I have learned.

It took me so long to learn that taking the first step is the hardest part of anything. Whether it is a triathlon, taking control of your life, managing a large project, hiking a 4000-foot mountain, finances, personal life, or blogging once you take the first step you will find there is a path to where you want to go. Where will the path lead to next?

Posted by Peter Foster

Tri-ing It With Others

Let's be honest, triathlons are really an individual sport. One of the main reasons I enjoyed competing in triathlons was because everything depended on me. No teammates to rely on. My results were my doing. I had no one to blame but myself on how I did. If I didn't train, I wouldn't do well. Simple.

For many of my first few years of racing and training, I did it mostly alone. As I improved and I increased my distance, I found myself training more and more alone. Not everyone wanted to do an 80 mile ride or a 15 mile run for fun. Time was always an issue as well and trying to get in workouts with others just didn't fit into my schedule.

Of course there were some trainings and a variety of rides that I would encourage others to join me. Many times it was more work to get others to join me than it was worth. And when I began preparing for Ironman USA, the times I rode with others decreased even more.

However, last year I decided to make a change. I was going to try and workout with others. Through the GSTC and the Fitness Edge I was able to find others who wanted to swim, bike and run more often with me. I wasn't worried about their ability level just that they wanted to join me on any workout I was doing. Riding with Peter, Kim, Dave, Tom, Jay and others was really enjoyable and it helped me through some tough times.

This past fall, I decided to start a running group in Meredith. So far, it has worked out really well. We are all a bit different in our abilities but we all have the same desire to challenge ourselves on a regular basis. I have NEVER been one to run in the cold (meaning below 40 degrees) but knowing others will be there has been a wonderful motivation. Our group has grown and friendships have flourished.

As I prepare for the 2010 season, I am looking forward to more swims, rides and runs with others. My friends have motivated me to become better. We have great conversations on the bike and on our runs.

I think that triathlons for most people begins as an individual sport. However, I think that has all changed. The GSTC was one of the first clubs in the state and now they are popping up all over the place. Yes, the race is individual, but getting there is a group effort.

Oh yeah, if you want to read more go to my personal blog: www.djfor3.blogspot.com

Written by David Levesque