Amateur Triathlon Training...Stress the Amateur.

One week ago, I stopped myself by slamming my left shoulder into a fence.  I had been making a right hand turn off of the Mt. Vernon Trail to head toward Four Mile Run near Reagan National Airport in Alexandria.

I was on my bike.  Then I wasn't.  I was fine, then my shoulder was separated.  The EMTs were tremendous.  More on this episode later, perhaps when it appears funny to me.

Bruised and extremely sore, I am not sure when I'll get back in a pool.  My first of only two triathlons scheduled for 2009 is May 9th.  It is a Half Ironman.  Yes, yes, I know.  The swim leg is the least important portion of the race.  The bike can be repaired.  More importantly, I was wearing a helmet, didn't break bones or dislocate my shoulder and have all my teeth.  Still, seeing the bright side is easier said than done.

I'd prefer to train in a pool than with running shoes any day and either of these options beat spending more time in the emergency room.  Which leads me to this cool link.  Check out these amazing pools: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/09-02/12-most-amazing-pools-world.html.

First Race of the Year is Three Months Out.

My first race of the year is on May 9 at Lake Anna State Park.  Though I have done it twice before, the half Ironman distance is nothing to sneeze at.  In fact, after about six hours of forward motion propelled only by one's own energy and stubbornness, one can be forgiven for thinking that he can do anything.  However, it is just as likely that I'll end up in the fetal position questioning whether that stubborn streak is actually going to be my end.

After a month of training, I could be doing much better.  Only once did I touch a bike outside of my regular commute. In all of January, I ran barely more miles that I will during the race.  On a more positive note, I did log nearly 11,000 yards in the pool.  This is about 6.2 miles.

This is a good start to the year, especially considering that in all of 2008 I only did about 39,000 yards.  However, a reality check is in order.  Come May 9, less than 10 percent of the race will be done in the water.  To reach my goals, I have to hit the road.  Perhaps as many as 40-50 miles on the pavement and at least four trips out to the garage to ride on the rollers.

Later this month I'll be out West for a few days and will run at 5,400 feet.  It will certainly sear the lungs, but it will be better than lying prostrate on a hot Virginia morning in May.

And just how does triathlon fit in here...?

The header information on this blog hits on familiar topics for many of you.  Social media, family life and public affairs.  The outlier is triathlon.  How does it fit?  It doesn't and that is precisely why I hope it adds a little zest to the experiment.  The occasional tri post should draw in a new set of readers via search.  To the point of Getting Personal, it also lifts the veil a bit on me.

This twist is inspired by my friend Lynne.  She writes primarily about economics, electricity policy and technologies and other energy topics.  But, if you read Knowledge Problem long enough, you see she spices it up with posts on cycling too.

My first race of the year is scheduled for May 9 at Lake Anna.  I did the same race in 2007 in 6:21.  My goal this year is 5:40.  In '07 I dealt with major stomach cramps during the run and turned in a pathetic 2:45 for the half marathon split.  Surely I can improve there and with some focus should shave minutes off of the bike leg.  I mean if this guy can come back to competitive form in his late thirties there must be hope for me to do a local triathlon without significant embarrassment.  Right?

I log workouts at www.beginnertriathlete.com and recommend it for all.