I'm going to Try

About every 18 months I find myself feeling antsy and looking for a new challenge. While I by no means consider myself to be athletic, I do enjoy pushing my own boundaries to accomplish a goal.

Two years ago I took up running and ran a 5K. I discovered two things about myself during the race: First, I realized that I can physically run a 5k. Secondly, I confirmed that I utterly hate running.

A few weeks ago my prosthetist presented me with an opportunity both to challenge myself and to cross something off of my bucket list at the same time. Since I've been toying with the notion of competing in this event for a long time, it felt akin to fate when I was invited to participate as part of his team. I am excited, and nervous, to announce that I am officially signed up for my first triathlon!

Barring my revision surgery interrupting my training schedule, I plan on participating in the Celebrating Heroes Triathlon on June 24. This event is the perfect foray into the intimidating world of the triathlon. Because it is sponsored by a rehabilitation hospital, many of my fellow competitors will be amputees or living with some sort of physical disability. It is somewhat comforting to know that I will not be the only amputee in the field.

This triathlon involves a .62 mile swim in a quasi-warm lake, followed by a 17 mile bike ride and a 3.4 mile walk/jog/run. I have a lot of training ahead of me in the next few months, but I am excited about this challenge. I want to prove to myself, and to Robby, that my amputation has not held me back. I suppose I also want to try to recapture some of my youth by pushing myself to my physical limits. On a more conceited note, I would simply love to be able to refer to myself as a triathlete!