I recently mentioned that I was going to be participating in my first triathlon. A sprint triathlon to be specific. To be even more specific, I’ll be participating in the Kirkland Triathlon at Carillion Point. Since it’s my first triathlon I’m planning on doing the non-competitive version which I still find daunting. It starts with a 0.25 mile open water swim in Lake Washington followed by a 12 mile bike ride through the streets of Kirkland and finishes up with a 5k run.

I’ve been following a fairly stringent training program. I haven’t been drinking during the week, I’ve been bricking events, etc. My normal training routes include 13 miles on the bike and a 2.8 mile run around Green Lake or a 2.6 mile run down Madison to Madison Park, a 500 meter open water swim and then 2.6 miles back up Madison, which is about 400 feet of elevation difference. To gauge my training I ended up running the Lynnwood Hi-5 5k Fun Run. In early June I ran a 27:29 during my first 5k. During my second 5k a few weeks ago I ran a 23:44 and placed 12th out of a field of 77. Clearly, my training is going well.

Well, it was going well until about 1.5 weeks ago when condo projects and, in general, life started to get into the way. Recent attempts were foiled by a lack of a bike lock one day and a popped bike tire the next day. The condo projects have really put a damper on my back and my legs aren’t in great shape, but I’m resting for the rest of the weekend.

Overall, I’m a bit worried and really excited to compete in this race. It’s by far one of the most challenging physical tests I’ve ever put myself through. At the very least, I’ll complete it. I’m currently hoping to finish in 1:45:00. I shall post pictures and a followup on Monday if I don’t die.