12 Weeks To 3: The Beginning

Over the last year, I've been through a lot. I have done 6 5k races as an obese woman starting at over 300 pounds and now almost 50 pounds later, I'm on my journey to being a triathlete. I endured a broken foot last summer due to over-training (did 4 5k races and training on it), which set me back months in training, missing one scheduled race last year. Tomorrow is the start of the 12 week training to get myself prepared. I wanted to document how I'm feeling and my progress. I have been doing the Whole30 program for 20 days now. I see a HUGE difference already. Below are pictures of me from when I started my Whole30 program 20 days ago. I'm feeling much better about myself, I have more energy and my training is so much better and faster.

20 days later:

 

Sorry, it's a darker photograph, but you can see the difference already. My goal for the next 10 days is another 4 pounds. At this point, I'll make Paleo as my main food intake. I'm really excited to see the changes that I'm making. 

The Swim:

I am terrified of this part of the race. VERY scared to be honest with you. I've always loved to swim, but have never really learned proper swim technique for this kind of distance, so I'm utilizing everything I can, internet, friends, family, etc. to learn what I need to do. I am the most nervous about my breathing. It's what I get panicked about the most. Any tips and tricks would be awesome. 

The Bike:

I did 60 minute spin classes all Winter long. I kept telling myself, if I can spin for 60 minutes, I can do this or that. So not true once you get out onto the open road with strong winds, real hills, and dogs. Yes, I said dogs. This is the most terrifying part of training for me. Dogs. I've been mauled before, I don't want it to happen again. Never mind the fact that I have clips I'm learning to use, so having to stop quickly in my tracks and not be able to get my foot out would be terrible. That's another thing, my clips. I have no idea how or what to do to make me learn easier! Can you imagine me stopping at a stop sign, not able to clip in and out and then fall right over! I wouldn't even be able to get my feet out of them then and I'd be stuck on the ground trapped under my bike for who knows how long! Hopefully at that point I could get to my phone that is in my fanny pack that goes under my clothing. Yes, it's hilarious to think about and whenever I talk about it with my non-biking friends they get a good chuck. Go ahead, laugh it up, I'm not stopping you! 

The Run:

I can walk. I can somewhat run. I'm not worried about this at all. I just hope that I have enough in my legs to finish the race at this point. When I did my mini-sprint last month, I did fairly well during this part and was able to run the most I'd ever done in a race. I should be good and warmed up by this point, if not then I have a serious problem. 

If you're still with me, that is good. I'll try and be open and honest in my writings. I might get graphic, I might get upset, I might quit from time to time, but this is my 12 weeks to 3. Thanks for being with me in my journey!