Try A Tri

I always get to a certain point in marathon training (or training for any race distance for that matter) where I start to obsess about what's next.  Because clearly I've already obsessed about what's currently going on, far too much.  I've been scouring some race calendars for the past few months, but nothing has really tickled my fancy.  Last year I jumped in to 5k training waaaaaaaaaaay too fast, and ended up with some pissed off hips.  I hope to not do that this time around.

Well something happened to catch my eye....  it is enough time after Fargoooooooooooooo to allow me to rest and then adequate time training (sort of).  It is challenging enough to keep my mind occupied.  And it includes plenty of cross training to allow my legs a chance to get back to 100% post-marathon.  And the cheap-o registration date is a week after Fargo, so I don't have to commit to anything until after I know how my body has handled the race. 

Yup... I think I'm going to try a tri!

It's just a little sprint triathlon, but I'm super duper excited about it.  Not sure if you read my 101 in 1001 post, but I have a goal to complete a half ironman in the next few years, and you have to start somewhere!  Plus I love Princess Leia so much, that I can't wait to spend some more QT with her.

The date:  June 25, 2011

The distances:  swim 400m, bike 20k, run 5k.

My status:  Freaking Excited!

I've been scouring the internet for some sprint tri training programs, but I thought I'd let the experts (aka my lovely readers) weigh in.  I'd like to keep my weekly mileage somewhat high (30's?) so that when the tri is done I have a decent enough base to race some 5ks and 10ks during the summer.  (I need to start nailing some new PRs ya know?  I got the ITCH!  And no...not that kind of itch....)

Also, what sort of gear do I HAVE TO have?  Keep in mind this is a pretty lowkey tri.  And since it's short, I'm sure I could get away things I couldn't normally.  Like do people wear their suits under their biking/running stuff after the swim?  (I'm not buying a tri suit, so don't suggest it.)  Could I wear a sports bra and spandex shorts for the swim and then throw on a tank for the rest?  So many QUESTIONS!

And in other news, I'm mondo happy I dropped the quest for 200 miles.  Reason a) PR.  Reason b) my IT bands are pisssssssssssssed after Saturday. I thought they might be after an insanely hilly route.  Me and my rolling pin are currently besties.  Hope they're back to normal for my final 20 miler Saturday!! :D