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.

JUNE 5, 2007

Well, as they say, it's the "final countdown".  We are 6 days away from the race and I am officially REALLY nervous.  I can't believe I signed up for this. I know last time I wrote I felt strong and proud.  Today I feel like a crazy person.

Anyway, we ventured out into “open water” today.  Let me tell you that the rumor about a constant 72 degree temperature in the Comal river here in New Braunfels, TX might be a lie.  It was freezing.  With every submersion under the water I had to work double to catch my breath when I came up out of the water. All I can say is that we might be in over our heads here.  Besides the Icelandic swim, we did a 7 mile bike ride which was quite enjoyable actually, due to the fact that we threw in some real estate browsing along the way.

Alas, I will press on through for another few days here and then prepare to squeeze myself into a pair of triathlon shorts on Sunday.  Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  I will certainly need it.

JUNE 9, 2007

Reality begins to set in as we are only a few days out from the race and it becomes apparent that I have no idea what I am getting into.  I did some internet research on triathlons to see what advice I could find for a novice like myself.  All I seemed to find were pages about making the fastest “transition” between each leg of the race.  I read that leaving the pedal of your bike in the right position will help you shave off a few seconds from your final time.  Are you kidding me??? Seconds off of your time?  I am hoping to just be able to walk at the end and don’t particularly think my time is going to be of issue…Statements like that make me want to both laugh and cry.  What, oh what have I done???

As for the actual physical training (so far I think it has all been very mental)…I’ve managed some slight exercise this week.  I read that you really shouldn’t overdo the workouts the week of.  Sounds good to me and my aching knees! ;0)

I did some moderate bike riding and some walking…yes, I said walking again.  I just can’t seem to get the running thing down to a science.  One day I can go long, and some days I just can’t get the motor running.  This is of course my first triathlon and I am hoping and assuming that I won’t be the only one who will struggle to get through.  Wait, maybe I will be.  Oh great, here we go again on the roller coaster that is in my mind!!


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