12 Seconds

Yesterday I did the Twin Falls Triathlon. Last year, TF was my second ever triathlon. I finished in a time of 2:16.28 which I knew was definitely improvable. In the year since that, I've thought numerous times about how I could - and would - improve on that performance. Last year my swim was "ok" ... the bike was "a tad slow".. and the run was "horrible." I figured if I put in some good off season effort I could certainly cut at least ten minutes off that time. So all winter long I ran - knowing that was my slowest leg (10:49 mile pace with a whole lot of walking going on!)... and this summer I even raced the Grind - hoping that would strengthen my bike legs.

This year... 2:16.40. Yup. Twelve seconds SLOWER than last year. Embarrassing... but even more depressing. This year's swim still hovered around the same time... the bike was a minute and a half slower... and the run was 2 minutes slower. My transitions were faster.... but big whoop. Overall time = regression.

Here's the deal. I started this blog in an effort to keep me honest with my exercise. I know I'm in a lot better shape than I was this time last year - but I'm not in good "race shape." This past month has been extremely hot here in E Idaho, and rather than tuff it out and go outside to workout, I've been taking the easy road. I've been slouching significantly on the run - settling for the 2.35 mile DeKay loop to cover the obligation. I've been swimming only once or twice a week... and BIKING??? Well that's waaaay behind last year. I did the Grind, true.. but that was the ONLY thing I've done in the month since Bfoot. Truth be told... I'm lazy and I didn't deserve to better my time.

Perhaps TF will be a wake up call for me. I hope so. I'm going to go on a run tonight and then bike to the pool tomorrow. I have Pocatello Tri in 3 weeks and then the Rush two weeks after that. I need to get motivated... to WANT to defend my Athena title at Poky... and to IMPROVE. Anna P from IF (that stud woman from Bfoot Tri) suggested I do some sprint work, too. So I'm going to add that in, too. I'm tired of being just a swimmer. I want to be able to say I'm a triathlete, too. I just can't do that now.