Triathlon Training Begins
by Rowan Beck,
June 30, 2011, page 19.....

Triathlon training began June 17 at 5:45 a.m. at Charlotte Beach. As promised, The Charlotte News was there and began its ten-week participation. It’s quite a dynamic group of 18, with several Charlotters and various abilities taking part.
I thought I had lost my mind when my alarm went off at 4:45. “This is insane…,” I thought to myself. “It’s still dark, what am I going to eat, why am I doing this? I hope we’re not swimming today.” I opted out of food and had coffee instead. By 5:15, I was out the door, pumping up my tires and throwing my bike in my “Big Blue Bus” (a Euro van), picked up my neighbor and arrived at the beach with two minutes to spare.
Once there, Rayne Herzog of RaceVermont went over our plan and had us sign waivers. Yes, it was my own free will that got me into this! Relief poured over me when I discovered we really weren’t going to swim at our first practice. It was only going to be a ride and run. We were given a choice of one or two six-mile laps for the bike and one or two miles for the run. I opted for the two laps on the bike and a one-mile run. They call this a brick and I quickly learned why. After my transition from bike to run, my legs felt like bricks – two chimneys actually! It took a half-mile to get them moving again. How in the world was I ever going to feel comfortable doing all three? I was going to have to put my trust in Rayne and the others in the group who told me how much fun it was and that anyone could do it.
Slightly tired, either from all the exercise or early rising, I put my bike back in the bus, put on my flip-flops, returned to the group and quietly listened about nutrition and when I should eat. Augusta Krahl, a nutritionist, informed us all that we should eat within 30 minutes of exercise and drink lots of water. Then we all gathered around and gave a cheer, like kids on a team. I then proceeded home, ate half of the contents of my refrigerator, reflected on the morning and the group. It’s a great group and the setting could not have been more picturesque. My mind got lost in the scenic beauty and focusing on what had to be done, nothing else. When else do we experience something like that?
The rest of the week we followed a training plan that was sent via e-mail. It was a simple combination of short runs, weights, swims and rides. There were also a couple of spin classes thrown in. It was completely manageable and easily adjustable for whatever else was happening during the week. The commitment was not much, just about an hour each day.
Friday morning rolled around again, and I awoke to the blues I had programmed on my alarm, much better than the annoying buzz. Feeling completely unsettled and fearful, I drank my coffee, threw my stuff in the bus, picked up my neighbor and arrived again with two minutes to spare, only to find out the time was moving to 5:30 a.m. Today we were doing all three activities and it was a little nerve racking.
The biggest fear for most people was the swim. A few opted out, either due to lack of a wetsuit or the fear of seeing Champ through those teeny goggles that stick to your face. Out of kindness, a friend lent me a wetsuit. I knew it would be necessary due to the temperature, and the suit creates buoyancy, making it easier to swim. Unfortunately, wetsuits do not come with a manual, and it took three tries to get it right. First I put it on inside out, then inside out and backwards – that way actually fit really well. After hysterical laughter, I turned it around and put the smooth side out. It fit like a second skin and was almost oppressive. The suit needs to be tight so no water can get in to weigh you down, negating the purpose of buoyancy and warmth.
The lake was like glass and 250 yards off in the distance a white ball bobbed up and down. That’s where we were going. Like seals, we all paraded into the water and followed our coach. I hit the water and couldn’t breath. After awhile I settled into a rhythm and prayed I wouldn’t see anything in the murky water. Thanks to Hylah Patton, another Charlotter who suggested that we breathe on every third stroke to keep us going straight. She was right! Whoever thought a swim could be so challenging and could keep your heart pounding up into your throat?
Slipping and sliding, we came out of the water and peeled off our suits like molting snakes. Transition number one. A quick towel off, no socks, and we were on our bikes. Warm from the swim, neither the cool air nor drizzle affected us. We rode along quietly, our thoughts mainly of breathing, breakfast and what was next.
Transitions are the biggest challenge. They need to be quick and smooth, rather challenging when you need to shed your skin, or your feet are clipped into your pedals. Everything happens while you’re moving. “Throw your leg over the bike as you come into the transition, like this,” Rayne said as he balanced precariously on one pedal. I was definitely not ready for that yet. After a near spill, I got off my bike, changed shoes and began to run. This time my legs did not feel like chimneys, and I could move a little easier.
Another novice rider from Charlotte also expressed difficulty. She had never been in clip pedals before and was riding an unfamiliar bike. As her bike came to a halt, she wavered back and forth. She couldn’t get her feet out and crashed to the ground where she lay like a turtle on its back, giggling, hoping that no one saw. She laughed as she told the story, and noted she probably should have tried the bike before her maiden voyage.
Most of us are learning something new and keeping a positive attitude. We’re learning the more times transitions are practiced, the more fluid they become. We’re also learning about different types of equipment.
At the end of practice, I felt somewhat refreshed and ready for the day. Again we cheered, went home, and I consumed half my refrigerator. The training so far has been great and I feel pretty good; the fear of feeling 100 years old the next day has passed. The group is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. And this training allows me to go to Cookie Love or to Uncle Sam’s daily to have a cree-mee, guilt free. Stay tuned to see what happens when we race.