FOLLOW THIS MOM OF SIX ON HER QUEST TO CONQUER A TRIATHLON

In the spring of 2006, New Braunfels' Kaarina Owens, mom of 6 and co-author of the Put a Lid on It! cookbook series, decided to train for the Danskin Triathlon.  Follow her training trials and tribulations,  from her first workout to the big day.

APRIL 19, 2006

OK, so here goes nothing.  I am officially beginning a “journal” to track my progress toward my first (and perhaps last) triathlon.  As I sat reading a copy of the latest workout magazine, I felt inspired and motivated to get myself on track with my training.  Of course it was only moments later that I reminded myself that I will actually have to go to the gym or do something productive to train for this event.  The strength and endurance I desire won’t just soak in by reading about it, I'll actually have to do the work too.  So, that being said, I have declared tomorrow to be the first official day (again) of my serious training.  I have my sights set on a nutritious breakfast and a life changing workout to follow.

I’ll let you know if I make it out of bed.

APRIL 23, 2006

Well, it’s official, I am now in “training”.  I not only made it out of bed,  I actually made it to the gym. I am happy to report that even after the workout, I am still alive.

After about 5 minutes of trying to figure out how to turn on the treadmill, I managed about 20 minutes worth of “brisk” walking.  Even though it felt like I had walked for 29 miles, it turned out to only be about 1 1/2. My goal at the end of this is to be able to run (yes run) for 3 miles. Nevertheless, every bit helps me toward my goal and I have to focus on that fact.

My friends and fellow tri-athletes seem to think that the swimming portion of the triathlon is going to be the hardest part even though it is only about 1/2 mile.  So with that in mind, I braved some time in the lap pool (successfully) despite the fact that I probably swallowed half the water while doing so.

After all was said and done, I am happy to report that it was worth the pain. I am pretty pumped about the whole adventure and I am actually looking forward to the next painful episode of my training.  (Don’t quote me on that though.)

MAY 1, 2006

Today I almost changed my mind about this whole thing, despite the fact that I know it’s a good cause and I really had my heart set on the accomplishment aspect of the race.  As I am hopping into the pool I got the bad news from my fellow athlete (LOL!) in training.  The 1/2 mile swim that I am training for is actually 16 full laps in the pool at the gym, not just 8, as I had thought.  All this time I was thinking that I would be fine with the swim portion because I had actually built up to the 8 lap swim already.  Finding out the bad news was enough to make me throw in my towel, literally.  Instead, I took my goggles off and marched over to the gym employee to ask for the truth.  She must have thought I was crazy because I made her explain it to me 10 times before I believed her.  It turns out there was good news after all, the 1/2 mile swim is equal to only 8 laps.  So, I feel confident in the swim portion of the race at least.  So now I will focus more seriously on the other portions of the race, BUT I am going to be suspicious if someone tells me there is more bad news, like the bike ride is all uphill, BOTH ways, in the snow.  We all know there are no hills in Texas! ;0) That is of course, my bad sense of humor talking.

Anyway, it’s been hard to stay committed as one might suspect, BUT I am trying my best to get to the gym and keep focused.  4 days this week is better than none at all!

Panting Forward!


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