I started training for the sprint triathlon & I’m terrified that I’m going to fail.
Despite being athletic the majority of my life, I’ve never seen myself as fit or particularly strong. I’m tall & uncomfortable in my skin & still feel like I’m 16 years old, completely out of place. I’m simply more comfortable behind a book than I am in running shoes.
But I like being on the trails at work. There’s not a soul out here but me & the grey clouds & that hill that I just ran up.
The trees feel huge when I sit down to stretch & I think about how I was just denied a private insurance policy again & that feels overwhelmingly huge, too.
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Training for a Triathlon is a scary thing – I consider myself to be fairly fit (I train 6x a week) and I still don’t know that I would have the guts to do a race like that. I think you’ve already taken the most frightening step – signing up! Hopefully you will soon find comfort and stress release in your training! Hope it goes well!
Oh I’m so sorry about the insurance. Being without is such a scary thing. The time is coming really soon when they can’t turn you down anymore but I know that doesn’t really help now. Sorry you have to deal with the stress in the meantime.
I’m so very sorry about the insurance denial. Let your training help you run out the frustration, worry and anger you must be feeling.
I have completed three half marathons yet I still don’t feel like a runner because it’s awkward and uncomfortable for me. But that pushes me even more because maybe one day it won’t be. My goal is to do a full marathon this October. Terrified. Absolutely terrified.
Yay for you for signing up! You can totally kick ass in a sprint triathlon!!! I have no doubts! I have done three and it’s such a great experience. You will not fail. “All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it.” Triathlon is a really fun sport and you will feel such a huge sense of accomplishment afterwards. Good luck to you! I hope it’s the first of many!!!!
First of all congrats. From one not particularly in shape girl – YOU CAN DO THIS. I signed up to do the SGK 3 day (60 freaking miles in 3 days) last year. I definitely didn’t think I could do it but I trained every weekend and I walked every mile! Training became my therapy and I didn’t feel guilty for the time away from the family (well most the time) because it was for something bigger. Go BA! You got this!
Totally without snark, your old website used to include “universal healthcare” in the list of things you hate(d). Do you still feel that way? I’ve wondered ever since your insurance problems started. Regardless, good luck and hang tough.
Absolutely still hate. (also, a VERY valid & good question!)
I do believe there should be healthcare reform. I don’t believe that people should be denied health insurance based on the healthcare they need & deserve to lead a full life. But a universal healthcare plan? No, thanks. After working with seniors in healthcare for so long, I just don’t think the government can run something that large when they can barely manage Medicare.
I just wanted to hop in and say that I totally agree! I have been denied health care coverage and it sucks. My husband’s policy denied my coverage so now I’m stuck in a job I hate because I need insurance coverage until we get disability figured out. At the same time – however – I am not a fan of universal healthcare either.
I’m so sorry for your trouble with insurance. How frustrating. It is my personal belief that until tort laws are reformed, nothing will change. That being said, universal health care is universally the Worst Idea In The History Of The World. I work in healthcare, and based on what I’m hearing from actual providers, the changes that are coming are not the changes that will sold to the public… I am so happy to hear you say that, you are an rarity these days- someone who can take them self out of a situation and still look at it objectively… Way to be a grown up!
On a side note, you will do wonderfully at the triathlon. Everyone else there will be just as worried about completing it as you! And, everyone will be just as thrilled and elated as you when you cross that finish line. Congrats for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. You will be a better all over person for it
Totally said without snark and without wanting to start some crazy discussion about health care, but being from Canada (y’all), we have a very comprehensive health care system up here. Its not all encompassing universal; most people still have supplemental coverage through work or privately (for prescriptions, dental work etc) , however, all the big ticket items are covered, which is great. You got cancer? We’ll get you chemo. Heart attack? Surgery – no problem. Its not perfect, but its also not too shabby.
I find it distressing that a number of friends in the US have to stay in jobs they hate or in dysfunctional marriages so that they can have health care coverage. Getting, paying for and keeping insurance just seems to be a HUGE deal in the states. Seems like thats just the way it will always be.
PS…good luck with the triathlon…you will have a blast…I felt like superman when I finished my first…
You are totally going to kick that Triathon’s booty. I’m so proud of you for giving it your best shot. Growth is scary sometimes, isn’t it?
My husband is an insurance broker. Do you want me to ask him if he could help you out with the private insurance problem?
My fiance is a triathete (and a darn good one). You couldn’t find a more supportive community! Even if you end up walking the entire run portion or if you are the last person out of the water, they will cheer you on! This is one thing you really do not need to be scared of
or triathlete that is!
Keep on, keepin’ on, dear. You’ve got this.
Good luck with your training. And I really hope you get a solution on the insurance. I know it’s a different set up in the US, but somehow here in the UK we manage to have universal healthcare and its only occasionally disastrous.
I did a sprint triathlon in August ’11 and it was a lot of fun. I was worried about the swim and bike portions, but I knew I could do the running. I figured, “Why not?”
Good luck with the training, the actual event, and the insurance situation.
http://mcmania-ourlifeasweknowit.blogspot.com/2011/08/im-triathlete.html
Triathlon is the most amazing and scariest sport I’ve ever done…there are just SO many ways to screw up!
Having said that, I have ripped a bathing suit, crashed my bike AND tripped over my running shoes in races and I still feel like I did more than the people that slept in or sat on the couch all day when I was competing. Nobody cares when you fall short of expectations — they’re just impressed that you made them at all.
Sucks about the insurance. Go you for running!
You can do this. We all know you can.
You are amazing for registering for a tri.
Why do you get denied for insurance??
You are pretty damn awesome for registering for the tri! You should be very proud of yourself. And, honestly, being a bit scared will help come race day. The adreneline rush will probably make you a bit faster than you were expecting.
Last year, I ran in two 5K races, my first since 2001! For both of them, I thought I would puke before the start but as soon as I got going, I felt great!
Go you!!!
Whoa. Triathlon. That is for real, BA. Let me know if you need someone to pig out with when you’re tired and hungry from training. Sorry about the insurance. That’s bullshit.
I feel like a fruad in work out gear!! It is so hard to feel comfortable doing something i hate so much. i so desperately want to be one of those people passionate about running and fitness and health but it just is not ME.
It’s scary as crap. …I know you probably have a solid training program, but I absolutely must recommend The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett. If anything, just buy a super cheap used copy on Amazon. I.HATE.TO.RUN and I used it and ultimately ran four half marathons. ..but yeah, running is so scary and intimidating that I just stare at that dogeared book on our bookshelf. I know if I pick it up again, I’ll be tempted. Good luck!
Just wanted to leave a quick comment; my dad turned 57 this past year and did his first triathlon spring the same year, only 5 weeks after after having 2 surgeries for thyroid cancer, and 2 years after having a heart attack. He’s not in the most fit, has bad knees and cannot run, but didn’t give up and was smiling as he crossed the finish line. You don’t have to be an all star, you don’t have to finish first. Take your time, and you can do it.