Kerr Lake Olympic Triathlon

So Sunday morning at 8:30 I will be knee-deep in Kerr Lake preparing to start my first Olympic-distance triathlon. I have done four sprints thus far, which were tough to begin with. But after losing about 30 pounds since starting this business and getting in much better cardiovascular shape, they aren’t so tough anymore.

Thus, I am moving up a level to see how it feels. I think I’m in reasonably good shape for this one. I certainly have been swimming more than I ever have. My running times are better, my heart rate’s lower, and, unbelievably, my cycling has improved. My totals for the month of May were higher than ever (85 miles cycling, 63 miles running and around five miles of swimming). I’m hoping it all comes together Sunday.

I’m a little concerned about the swim, however. I’ve never swum a mile straight before, much less in open water. My stroke is much improved, and chances are good that it will be a wetsuit-legal race. I’m not too thrilled about having to shell out another $40 for a wetsuit rental, on top of the $55 entry fee for the race, but if it will make me faster, I’m all for it.

I hope this race goes well, as I have grandiose plans of doing an Ironman one day. This is the second step of four. I have spent my time doing sprints. This year, I hope to complete two Olympic-sized events. Next year, perhaps a half-Ironman. The year after that? Who knows … Makes for nice day-dreaming though.