I was first introduced to triathlons in 2016 when I watched my best friend do the Augusta half Ironman. She was hurting due to needing neck surgery but was determined to finish the race. I was amazed at her athleticism and endurance. Of course I wanted to try it! I knew how to swim and I was already a runner. It had been sometime since I had been on a bike, so my friend let me use her smart trainer, bike, and Zwift to try it out.
I found out that even on a trainer I really enjoyed it! I went to the local bike shop to check out their stock. Everything was beyond my price range, but fortunately they had a road bike on consignment that was my size and that I could afford. I had no idea if it was considered a good bike, if it would serve me well, or how to take care of it, but I figured it was a start.
Then my friend started telling me about more things. Gear, like shoes and shorts and onesies. Bike fits, different types of nutrition, gels, goo, powder to add to your water. Electrolytes and the need for salt. Pickle juice! I was a bit overwhelmed.
So for the next year, I started acquiring the necessary items, the basics, it’s all a bit expensive to dive too deep too fast. I wanted to make sure I could do it and I would enjoy it. Finally in 2017 I did my first ever triathlon. It was a sprint. The swim was in a hot gross pond that gave me conjunctivitis in one eye, the bike was great, the run was a trail run which was a little rough on my knees. Trail runs are not my favorite. But, I loved it! I felt super accomplished crossing the finish line and I couldn’t wait to do more!
I signed up for my first HIM in Augusta, GA. It was close and having watched my friend do it I knew what was involved, basically. I trained more, did more races including my first Olympic and in September I finished my first HIM. It was a hard one, I was proud of myself but it left me doubting whether I could do another one, one that was hillier or more challenging because I felt destroyed.
So I continued to try new things, new nutrition, and better nutrition considering I had snickers peanut butter bars on the bike for the Augusta HIM. I could have done better. I had gotten as much information from my friend as possible and I was feeling stuck. I wasn’t very comfortable at talking to other participants at the races, feeling embarrassed at my lack of knowledge.
Only recently have I made a friend at races who I am wholly comfortable with and can ask anything without feeling shy or ridiculous. And she introduced to me to a new team that I joined, once again stepping outside of my comfort zone. And I’m happy I did. I have been able to meet some of the women from I Race Like A Girl in person, some I have interacted with online, but it is nice to have a community to freely ask questions and get feedback without judgement.
From the beginning I have felt I was stumbling through and barely figuring it out. While I have been doing bike rides for over 3 years now, I just learned how to ride down a hill in a position that leaves you feeling more stable and without needing to apply the brakes as much. Someday maybe not need them on most hills. One step at a time. On the same ride I was given instruction on how to switch to the small gear and back so I will no longer have to power through uphills. There’s so much to learn and it can be difficult to make those who are willing and able to help due to it being a sport that is done solo much of the time.
I am glad I have finally made some triathlon friends and found a team. I have also realized that I’m not the only one feeling that way but at least I have others to stumble with! There’s a lot to the world of triathlons and it can be intimidating and confusing. Like most things, it’s better with friends.