By: Maya Talaga
Life often becomes a whirlwind of responsibilities, leaving little room for personal well-being. As I got older, I noticed I wasn't doing much for myself or my health. This realization struck me especially hard after moving to a new city, where I was eager to meet active people who could inspire me to stay fit. I craved a challenge that would hold me accountable, and I figured that getting in shape and looking better wouldn't hurt either.
Signing up for a race seemed like the perfect solution. It provided a concrete goal to work towards, with a clear timeline to keep me on track. The thought of crossing the finish line filled me with excitement and a sense of purpose. I wanted to prove to myself that I could tackle something difficult and come out stronger on the other side.
How Did It All Come About?
My journey into triathlons wasn't something I planned from the start. I simply knew I needed a challenging goal to stay active and engaged. The turning point came when I met a friend at a local CrossFit class who introduced me to Dig Deep Cycling & Triathlon Club. Founded by Nancy Schmeler, this organization encourages women to take up cycling and triathlons by providing training advice, encouragement, and a supportive community. Nancy's passion for the sport and her ability to make it approachable and fun were key factors in my decision to give it a try.
I wasn't initially sold on the idea of swimming, cycling, and running all in one event. However, I decided to take a step-by-step approach. I started by buying a used bike from Facebook Marketplace and discovered how much I enjoyed cycling. It offered flexibility, allowing me to ride solo or with others, and quickly became a favorite activity.
Next, I tackled swimming by getting a pool pass at the local community center. Although I felt rusty, my background in swimming helped me regain my confidence. The running part was the toughest to embrace, but after getting comfortable with swimming and cycling, I felt I was already two-thirds of the way there. I decided to go for it.
The Training Process
In mid-March 2024, I took the plunge and signed up for an Olympic distance triathlon (1.5 km swim, 30 km bike, 10 km run) scheduled for July 14th. This gave me a solid 16 weeks to train and get in shape. I found a beginner-friendly training guide online, which laid out a simple yet effective plan with workout days and rest days clearly marked. This guide became my training bible.
Sticking to the schedule was challenging, especially with work, travel commitments, and life's unpredictability’s. However, I focused on progress rather than perfection. I learned that it's okay to miss a workout or two; what's important is the overall journey and improvement.
Midway through my training, I had to take three weeks off from running due to a shin and calf injury caused by scaling too fast. It was a frustrating setback, but it taught me a valuable lesson: listen to your body. The "no pain, no gain" mantra doesn't apply to injuries. Respect your body's signals and allow time for healing when necessary.
Race Day
The race took place in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on a gravel course. I chose this location because my parents had recently moved there, giving me an opportunity to visit them while competing. Balancing family and personal goals can be challenging, so why not combine them when possible?
On race day, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. To calm myself, I refocused on my primary goal: finishing the race and doing my best. I reminded myself that this was my first triathlon, and the aim was not to win but to complete the challenge.
Not everything went as planned. I hadn't practiced on a gravel course, so navigating it was a new experience. I even had a small fall during the bike leg but picked myself up and kept going. The run was particularly grueling due to the hilly terrain and 35-degree Celsius heat, factors I hadn't trained for. Despite these challenges, crossing the finish line felt like a monumental achievement.
The Aftermath
Completing the triathlon filled me with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment. It motivated me to set my next goal: a 42-mile road bike race in Southern California in September 2024. Along the way, I experienced numerous benefits:
- Improved Health and Fitness: My overall health and physical conditioning improved significantly.
- Weight Loss: I lost a couple of pant sizes, a welcome bonus.
- New Friendships: I met many inspiring individuals who became friends.
- Skill Development: I gained new physical skills and knowledge about triathlons, though I still consider myself a newbie.
- Room for Improvement: My imperfect race left plenty of room for growth, making me eager for the next challenge.
Even if triathlons aren't your thing, trying new activities can lead you to something you love that motivates you to make positive changes in your life. If you're curious about triathlons, there are various formats, including the Try-a-Tri (375-meter swim, 9 km bike, 2.5 km run), perfect for beginners. You might discover a passion you never knew you had.
Remember, it's not about perfection but progress. Embrace the journey, celebrate your achievements, and keep pushing your limits. You never know what incredible things you can accomplish until you try.