"Firsts" after 6 months of triathlon training.

So, after many years (don't ask how many!) of talking about it but not signing up, I finally joined TriCats. I have been running long distance off-and-on for ~7 years (2 Tucson Marathons...woohoo!), but the cycle has always been overtrain for 6 months, do an event, get burnt out, and get lazy for 6 months. Triathlon has brought diversity to my training and has kept me interested...it is awesome to actually look forward to training. Cycling has been quite a discovery. I was addicted after one ride... Surprisingly, I have become a much faster runner while running much less!

Anyway, I came up with a list of endurance training/event "firsts" that have come during my initiation to this new sport (sports?):

First multi-sport event: July 28th full moon aquathlon. A swim and run at night at Reid Park in Tucson. A great experience, check it out if you're in the Tucson area. These are great, inexpensive, low-key events twice/week every summer: www.swimandrun.com

First 4 workout day: Sept. 29. No, really! Run, Bike, Swim, Run. Hooray for Tricats fall training camp! Can't wait for spring...

Biked Gates Pass: Aug. 25. I used to think those people were nuts...

Ran A-Mountain (several times): Oct. 9. Why? Not sure...Brian, what do you say? Hill repeats are not so much fun, but you really feel a sense of accomplishment.

First Tri: Oct 28. Tinfoilman. A great experience. I was really nervous for the swim, but it went well. I was surprised how tired I was during the run. There was great support from the large TriCats turnout and my wife and daughter!

First 4:05:22 (first marathon) plus workout: Dec 2. Randomly left for a 4 1/2 bike ride around the perimeter of Tucson. It is awesome that biking can actually take you places (or get you lost...another story), and it's great not to be wasted after a long workout like you are after running.

Cycling to work/school: 22 miles on Dec 12 despite cold temps and dense fog. A great way to cut down on gas costs and increase the training time. It has been an investment (another bike with all the commuting gear), but It is already worth it (3 days and counting).

This has been a great experience! More diversity in training, a great team atmosphere, and no risk of burnout for me. Thanks much to all the TriCats team and coaches for your encouragement and advice. Looking forward to another great semester...if it wasn't for this grad school distraction...