Just Because You're Thin, Doesn't Mean You're In Shape.

Shit! So, (this is probably how I'm going to start all of my blogs.) So, back in July my friend Dan asked if I would do a team triathlon with him. He's the swimmer, his friend Jason, the biker, which makes me the runner. This was my thought process that followed his question: Hmm... well, I used to run everyday, sometimes twice a day when I lived at the Mullet. I loved it! It was nice when I lost all that weight, too. But, I did just gain it back again when I stopped running. Wait, was that TWO summers ago now!? Oh my! I haven't gone for a run in two years?! But, now that I'm even thinner than I got that summer, I'm sure I would have no problem picking up running again! Yea, I could start that again! I have that dream goal of running a marathon sometime in my life anyway. Why not begin heading in that direction now!? ---End of thought process. And then...I just blurted out with a shrug of my shoulders, "Yea, sure!" ...I kinda figured this triathlon business would just fall through and not happen anyway...


RRRROOONNNGGGG! Here I am, signed up for this effing triathlon on September 12th. I have to run 3.1 miles and pay about 60 bucks to do it! DAMN! What did I get myself into!? I figured that I should start training about mid August so that I don't finish the race with a terrible time. But, that just didn't happen. It's now August 27th and I have gone for two runs, one of which really doesn't count. More on that later, maybe.


Last Sunday, me, Dan, and his two friends who both happen to be named Chris, all took an afternoon trip to Fontana, where the triathlon will take place. Dan tested out the lake and practiced his swimming skillz while I took to the running trail that I'll be taking for the actual triathlon. The trail begins right at the beach front near all these restaurants and stores. So, I stretched out a bit, put some chapstick on (something I always do before running) and began a nice slow jog. I wasn't even away from the storefronts and all of the people before I got winded and needed to walk!!!! However, I would never embarrass myself like that, so I ran, and ran, and ran, until there was no one in sight. Then, I walked.


I walked/ran (mostly walked) about 2 miles, stopped to stretch out again, then headed back the way I came from. It wasn't until on the way back that I FINALLY got my breathing under control and was able to run for a distance greater than two feet. This breathing that I have to do is RIDICULOUS though! I felt like I was blowing bubbles! And I don't mean chewing gum bubbles, I mean the kind of bubbles 5 year olds play with (or Jen and I find and play with when we're camping)! I would take a huge breath in and then blow all the air out like I was blowing imaginary bubbles. It was really embarrassing everytime someone passed me, but hey, at least I was making good time! I somehow managed to run the majority of the way back to the beach and felt incredible when I got there! If I have to "blow bubbles" during the triath. so be it! I WILL finish this race WITHOUT walking!