So last year I decided I wanted to train for a triathlon. I’ve always loved sport and running, when I was younger I would be sent for runs before bed because I had too much energy! But as an asthmatic, 5-foot woman this isn’t going to be easy.
Why Am I Doing This?
In the summer last year, when everything was normal and Covid-free, we visited Cornwall whilst on holiday. We decided whilst we were there to go and visit the base for a charity known as Shelterbox.
Shelterbox is an amazing charity, it basically does what it says on the tin. They send out these huge green boxes to disaster zones, containing essentials to provide hygeine and shelter. The contents of the box varies depending on the climate, with robust tents designed to withstand bad weather conditions.
I decided from that moment that I wanted to support them by doing something crazy. I’ve always loved running so decided a triathlon would be a good challenge.
The provisional date of the triathlon is July 2021, but this could all change with the current coronavirus crisis.
What does a Triathlon Entail?
Good question! So I decided it would be fun to try an Olympic Distance triathlon.
This involves:
- 1.5km open water swim
- 40km cycle
- 10km run
Mad, right?
It certainly is a challenge!
The Journey So Far
Back in 2018, I got glandular fever and this put me out of running and all exercise for a year. The year before that, I had lots of issues with my asthma. So its fair to say that when I decided on this last year, I wasn’t in good shape.
For someone who used to PB at 20 minutes for a 5km run, it was tough starting from nothing. I started trying to run again last August and had just about built up to 5km before injuring my foot and putting myself out of action for a few months.
So when lockdown started, I decided to try again. I used the couch to 5k app to get back into it. But it took me much longer than 8 weeks! Only in the last month have I managed to run 5km again. Part of this is down to fatigue and the other is due to asthma troubles!
I’m slow, much slower than I once was. But I’m also determined, I will get back to my old pace one day. I’m also planning to start building up to 10km soon!
Enough of the running.
So I have to admit my swimming wasn’t great when I first started this adventure. I had barely swum since I had lessons when I was younger. But I stopped those at about 10.
I’ve been working hard at it since pools reopened and I’m now swimming twice a week at the local pool, aiming for around 1km per session.
As far as cycling is concerned, I haven’t got far. I love cycling and I use it to get around but so far I only have a basic, boring bike. I’m currently going for short 10km rides each week.
I’m hoping to pick up a nice racing bike for cheap of ebay so I can go even faster! Or at least feel more the part…
So this is the journey so far. I’ll keep you updated and post tips for training too!
