Prepping for my first duathalon

Next week I will try my first duathalon.  Its a small one hosted by Tough Cookies.  I'm excited, because my friend Jodi and I are going to do it together and regardless of what happens, I'm sure we will make it an adventure.  Here is the description:

Tough Cookie Women's Duathlon: A beginner-friendly, women-only sprint distance duathlon. The 2K run/10 mile bike/2K run course takes you through the scenic country side of Copperas Cove, TX. Entry fee includes a great race t-shirt, a fabulous goody-bag, free massage beautiful unique finisher medals.

Sounds friendly doesn't it?  But yet, I'm still a bit worried.  "Transitions" are completely foreign to me, and while I can competently ride a bike, its not the most graceful thing you've ever seen.  Although, at 5'11" its hard for me to look graceful in any sport. Oh, and did I mention my bike is 22 years old?

Since I just finished a marathon a month ago, I feel I'm in physical shape for this race. It will just be the comical aspect of me getting on my bike, wobbling until I get going and figuring out what gear to be in.  And praying the entire time I don't mess up the gears, by going into a hard gear when I need easy one and vice versa.  If I don't crash into any of the other riders, it will be a success.

Hopefully this goes well, because I've signed up to train for a mini triathalon (sprint or olympic distance, which are MUCH shorter than Ironmans/full triathalons).  Training starts at the end of the month, and I'll again get to workout with my Tough Cookie running buddies, who I've missed.

I will focus on learning efficient swimming and biking techniques, as well as keep up with my running.  I can do all three, but like I said earlier, I'm not very graceful.  Hopefully the cross training will make me fitter and help me lose more weight.  I'm down 19 lbs so far and I have 21 more that I want to go.  So here goes.....

Comments

[Deanna Johnson]

Thanks Ashley! Its nice to know I'm not the only "grace" challenged person out there.

I'll be wearing pink on race day with number 241. If you see me say hello.

Best of luck on your duathlon. Hopefully this will be a good race for us newbies!

- Deanna

[Ashley]

Hi, I just came across your blog and it honestly made me laugh! I am also racing in the Tough Cookie Duathlon. I'm right there along with you as far as the whole "transition" thing goes. I am nearly 5 feet tall and trust me, I don't think height has anything to do with gracefulness! :) This is my first duathlon or any type of event such as this. I'm very nervous, but at the same time super excited! I am doing it with a friend of mine as well. Anyhow, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and I really appreciated your blog! Good luck in your race! I'm sure you'll be just fine :)