Tri-Curious

Tomorrow morning, I'll be participating in the Honolulu Triathlon, my first Olympic distance triathlon and my second triathlon ever.  I signed up for this race a while ago when I was really tri-curious and determined to train for a half-ironman-distance triathlon.  Up until the last couple months, I was on track with training.  Then, what started out as a lower back ache and a sore calf turned into a full-blown meltdown of my body, and I've only recently started clawing my way back.  Unfortunately, that means I'm not sure whether my shoulder will act up during the swim or how my back will feel by the run, so I'm not racing it.  It's scary not knowing what my body will do, but at the same time not racing takes the pressure off.  I know it's a cop out, but I've actually learned a lot already just by trying tri.

I've learned that what I really love is trail running primarily and road running secondarily, with lots of swimming and swim racing mixed in and some cycling for cross-training.  Bike racing is still really foreign to me, so it's more nerve-wracking than enjoyable at this point.  I did a few biathlons earlier this year and loved them, so I'm working on my swim technique so that I can do more swim races.

I did get into probably the best shape of my life while tri training, but I don't think racing triathlons is my passion.  In fact, if I never do another triathlon again after this year, I think I'll be just fine.  Of course I'll wait and see how I feel after I finish the race tomorrow before I give my final answer, though.  I keep hearing about a tri bug that keeps biting people.