4 months and counting....

Well, the last month has been interesting. I have dove head first (metaphorically and physically) into my training program. Signed up for an exercise class at the rec center. Called 'Total Body Express'-it should be called Modern Day Techniques of the Marquis de Sade. Jennifer, our instructor, thinks it's funny when people moan in pain. I think I am the oldest one in class, and it is quite depressing to see perky everythings when I am gasping for breath, and red in the face. (Did I mention I am not attractive when I exercise? I look like I am on the verge of coronary failure.) However, the class has done more for me than what I could've done on my own. It has pushed me beyond my comfort level, and kicked my ass. (which is a little smaller-down 10 pounds)
I attended my daughter's bachelorette party, where a pole dancing class was part of the evening's festivities, and had I not been working out the last month, I doubt I could have held on to the pole- let me tell you, pole dancing is a great work out! If there were classes available here, I would sign up. Wonder if the gentleman's club near my house would give private lessons?
I also took my first swim lesson- I haven't taken a lesson since age 10, and haven't been in a pool for about , oh, 15 years, and then it was just to splash. My techniques leaves a lot to be desired- I drank alot of the pool, and then had to think about the levels of urine and other disgusting secretions in the pool.
The day I had my lesson there were 5 year old beginners in one lane beside me, and on the other side, the high school girl's swim team. I felt inadequate on both sides....Did I mention I ran into the pool wall with my head?
Finally, I had my first meeting with a personal trainer. (when I go, I go full in!) Sara is very excited I am training for a triathlon-we'll see how she feels after meeting with me several times. She walked me through the weight machines to work out a schedule-that was 2 weeks ago, and I haven't been on the machines since. It just seems that the class is kicking my butt enough, but I know I need to start doubling up. With my wacky work schedule, (16 hour days) I can't work out every day.
The next week will be dicey-we head to Lawrence for my daughter's wedding, but will take work out clothes and try and hit the streets a couple of times.
Overall, I still am very excited about the tri. I signed up for a 5k run next weekend-that should keep me humble...and I will keep plugging along.

It seemed like a good idea in theory...
Celebrate (or spit in the face of) my upcoming 50th birthday by doing a triathlon. Never mind that I am a certified couch potato, that the last exercise class I took was when spandex and leg warmers were fashion du jour, or the fact that I am not the most athletically inclined person (read totally uncoordinated).
I needed to do something GRAND, something unexpected, something so totally uncharacteristic of me that everyone I know would be skeptical and simultaneously awed by it!
So I am checking my Facebook page, and there one of my friends has posted her next triathlon date. Bells went off, lightbulbs lit, and I knew what must be done.
Now, I am a wonderful idea person, but I lack alot in follow through.Thus began my quest for a partner in crime.....
First, a call to Sissy.
She never got past her laughter, so on to my childhood friend, and fellow birth year celebrant, Sharon.
(better to do this with email, and miss the laughing like with sis)

(Me)Sharon-what about a triathalon? danskin has one in seattle in sept. i could fly out, we could breeze through that, then find a spa for a few days!
think about it, visit the website, ponder, let me know. what a way to celebrate our 50th!!

(Sharon)Ok - I am totally in. What is the date? I need to plan a work trip around it. Additionally, I actually need to train (reduce what has turned into a bit of LA if you know what I mean).

So, not only can I not spell triathlon, I have found someone who is as totally clueless in what we have just made a pact to do.
5 months and counting.....