Welcome to The Next Step

When I started "working out" a few years back, it was when I was in HORRENDOUS shape and completely clueless about my body and how to help it. It was ridiculously hard to finish a mile and I remember -- vividly -- the day that I managed to run the entire route around our local university (exactly one mile). I called Mighty M on the phone. We had just met. Online, no less. And I gushed about my one mile victory.

He got it, and that's why I let him stick around since then. (wink)

And, if you've been reading about my little journey this past year, you know that I kept at the running thing until I could do longer runs. And then I started to swim, even though I greatly resembled an orca in distress. And then there was the bike. I -- again, vividly -- remember the first ride I took. It was 7 miles around my Dad's neighborhood and ended in a gut wrenching hill. I stopped twice on the way up and thought I was going to pass out.

It's been quite a road.

I've been caught saying that my first year of triathlon was about learning about the sport (although that never ends, right?) and my second year was about trying different distances and raising important money. And, you already know my intentions for this year. But what you don't know is how I'm going to get there.

HERE'S HOW...

I've teamed up with one of the most impressive racers AND bloggers I know. Okay, okay, I don't know a lot of racers, but her top ten age group finish in Kona...(yes, I said K-O-N-A)...speaks volumes. And I *do* know a lot of bloggers and she has my seal of approval for being one of the best dang writers out there.

And she loves coffee as much as I do. Possibly more. Which scares me a little.

And for some unknown reason [because I'm hot stuff] she's been willing to coach me.

Wittle Owd Me.

No kidding.

Starting November 1st, I'm back in training kids. In fact, it's probably more accurate to say that starting November 1st I'm finally in training. Last year I patched things together and borrowed from books and practically used a magic ball to figure out my training. Did it get me somewhere? Sure.

But I've got some plans for next year, folks. Some big plans. As in 3 half iron plans. Booyah.

I want to be the biggest baddest Athena I know. I want to be strong and focused and perform at this fantastic sport. I want to stop expending energy in THINKING about how to construct a plan, and spend more time DOING.

And the Elf will get me there.

Yup, you heard me. My coach is The Elf.

Bitchin' ... I. Know.

And, yes, it will likely hurt. I mean, seriously...have you read any of her stuff? This chick is a mah-chine! I've already talked to a friend of mine (another one of her budding triathletes) and she said the same thing. Kick. My. Arse.

But it's a good pain, right? Riiiiight... .

So, I'm stocking up on my Clif Bloks and Asics socks, I'm picking up my new bike from the shop, brushing off my dusty Garmin, and searching for my gym ID. It's going to a long and careful ride from here to my first half (ahem...in early MAY?? how cool is that!) and I'm stupid excited to see what it's like with an honest to goodness superstar in my corner.

I finally have the tools, peeps. Now let's see what I can do with them...