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