goggle face

Last week I found my way over to the beginnertriathlete.com discussion boards, where I quickly realized, I have no idea what these people are talking about. Like, what is a crankset and who are these "Shimano" people who seem to have monopolized the bicycle world? Seriously, it was like someone dropping me off in the middle China without a Chinese-English dictionary. Other than knowing how to say "hi", thanks to Ni Hao Kai Lan and my 3 year old, I've got nothing. I'm lost.

I am very grateful to have an amazing support system of athletes in my life that I can turn to with questions like this. But when it comes to training, well that's a horse of a different color. Thinking about how I was going to throw myself head first into my first triathlon training program, incorporate it with a marathon training program, and fit it all in between school, kids, work, and life in general was enough to make my head spin. So I took what I thought would be the best measure in preventing burnout and/or total resentment for this sport because I have no idea what I'm doing. I hired a coach.

Coach Jeff didn't even blink at my lofty goals (well, I didn't actually see him read my initial email, but I'd like to imagine he didn't laugh at me) and put me right to work on a customized plan. I have finished 4 workouts in 3 days and let me tell you, not only is it motivating to have someone holding you accountable, but it's a huge weight off my shoulders at this point in my life for someone to do the "thinking" part for me. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it. I'm loving it. Especially since, I'll say it again, I have no idea what I'm doing. Better than a gym membership, no doubt about it!!

In just two pool sessions I'm already starting to feel more confident and comfortable in the water. It's amazing how I can run for hours at a time with a smile on my face, but can only swim one 25 yard length of the pool at a time. Principle of specificity, anyone? Wow, it's been humbling. But I've spent the last few days googling and you-tubing everything I can about learning to swim. Let me tell you, those youtube videos are awesome. Some dude named Jimmy taught me how to roll my body and twist my hips all to the tune of Run DMC's "it's tricky". I swear it worked!

I also learned that people wear swim caps not just to be super aerodynamic swimming machines...but it can protect your hair from chlorine damage and keep it dry. So I can swim, and then run to class real fast without dripping a pool of chlorine water on the notebook of the person behind me. (Hey, time is limited, you train whenever and wherever you can fit it in!)

However, one interesting tidbit I learned today, not through the wisdom of the world wide web, but through good old fashioned trial and error, was that swim goggles, when worn too tightly, will try and suck your eyeballs out. What's more, they will leave evidence of this with something comparable to a giant, swim goggle face hickey...leaving you looking something like a raccoon, only substitute the black for bright pink. Here, let me draw you a picture with my awesome paintbrush skills:

And I had to go to class like that. My super sensitive skin assured that this condition lasted a good hour or more post swim. I could feel everyone staring, but no one saying a word. Probably because they had no freaking idea what I had done to myself. I giggled on the inside. My triathlon adventures have begun :)

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And now for the moment you've been waiting for...(OK maybe not, but I've been pretty stoked for it!) the drawing for the Team Fight Virtual Raffle!

675 virtual raffle tickets were sold. $1125.00 raised for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Wow you guys! I can't even begin to express my gratitude!! You all are amazing, and this raffle was a success above and beyond my wildest dreams! THANK YOU!!

I was just as nervous and giddy to see who won as you all were. To be honest I wish I could send each and every one of you a prize (especially you guys, you'd look great in pink!). But there could only be two...so I let http://www.random.org/ do the choosing.

drum roll please:

the grand prize winner is ...Beth H @ Running with Boys !!!!!!!!

and the runner up, winner of the bib keeper and other various goodies...
Stephanie C @ Running in Hawaii !!!!!!!!

Congratulations ladies! I will be emailing you shortly to confirm your address and will get your goodies off to you this week! (and the promised thank you goody bags for those who donated $50 and above will go out as well!)

If you didn't' win this time, don't worry, there is more where that came from! Another kick booty raffle will begin next month, and everyone who donated this go-round will get bonus entries for the next raffle.

Thanks AGAIN for all of your continued support everyone!

Happy running my friends!