Athletica

Just a quick catch up post on all my recent major athletic endevors. First, back in the beginning of June was the major milestone of my first triathlon, aptly named the My First Triathlon at Lake Lanier just north of Atlanta. Matthew and I had been training for several months, at least around work and kids and life, and I was super-pumped for the big race. I left the house at 4:30am to meet Matthew and head up north. The race was great, the experience was great, and I think I might even do another one. I didn't drown, didn't crash, didn't pass out OR need an ambulance, and actually beat my goal time by 12 minutes! Congrats to Matthew and Jeff for their amazing races as well. In case anyone was wondering about the specifics, here they are:

Swim-.25 miles: 12:55

Transition 1: 2:12

Bike-12 miles: 44:49

Transition 2: 1:59

Run-3.1 miles: 31:48

Total: 1:33:41

My transition set-up pre-race

Finished! Thanks Matthew and Jeff for all the support! Thanks Kirsten for the picture and the cheering!

Next up was the Atlanta tradition Peachtree Road Race 10k. The largest 10k in the world, me and 55,000 others ran down Peachtree Street for 6.2 miles. It was my first time and I was glad to get a space in the lottery and to have a space sort of near the front (Group C out of groups through X). It was hot, but well organized and lots of fun. Give I hadn't done much running (or any exercise at all since the triathlon), I was quite pleased to finish in 58:56! In case you (like Rob) were wondering, that a 9:30 mile pace.

Yup, hot.

Woo-hoo! Fake finish line photo! Actual finish line another .2 miles away!

Resolutions

This is a bit early for a New Year's one, but Elizabeth and I have decided that we are ready to embark on our first triathlon. Yes, you read it correctly, triathlon. Swimming, then Biking, then Running, all one right after the other. Without stopping.

You may be asking "Why would you do this?" After writing that, I am asking that as well. However, it is done, we are registered and paid, so we might as well. And it is a short distance beginner triathlon. In fact, it is called "My First Triathlon" though not sponsored by Fisher-Price as far as I can tell.

The point of all of this is to first invite the blogosphere to both join us in this adventure, and keep us accountable (in a supportive way) for the training that we both must do to accomplish this. The race is June 5, 2010, so we have exactly 6 months to train. We are both focusing on our weakest event, which is swimming for me, and running for Elizabeth.

We are inviting anyone and everyone to participate also in this national race, which happens to be just outside of Atlanta (at Lake Lanier). It is a sprint distance triathlon (1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run) that is designed for first timers. If any of you are triathlon veterans, there is the "My Next Triathlon" which starts 15 minutes earlier and follows the same course. We are participating in the Saturday June 5 race, and info is here if you want to join us. www.firsttri.com

If you want to come and join us, let us know and we will figure out transportation and housing and all kinds of fun stuff (like a giant fat-filled meal Sat night). We already have one friend signed up (thanks, Matthew!) and the more the merrier!

Go Team Fowlkes!