I Just Signed Up for My First Triathlon

2014 ACTIVEx Charity Challenge: The Stir from ACTIVEx on Vimeo.

Every year, my office participates and puts on this this huge event called ACTIVEx Charity Challenge.  It’s basically a fundraiser for an organization paired up with getting us people in the office active through a triathlon (though you can sign up for a duathlon or 5K).  Last year, I was injured so it was easy to say no.  Haha.  This year, I had a lot of back and forth thoughts on whether or not to participate.  Reasons to participate: this is probably the best group and best opportunity of people to participate with, these folks do this day in and day out, it’ll get me back into being active, it’s for the kids, I’ll use my bike, and I’ll run again.  Reasons to not participate:  I don’t know how well my body will hold up, it’s healing but not 100%, I’m SCARED, scared of swimming, swimming the distance, swimming in open water, finding time to train, wondering if I am physically able to even do a whole triathlon, etc.

I likened this whole back and forth thing to how I try to get people to come play football on Team United (a church football team I captain) but they’re too scared and don’t think they can do it and I tell them they can, it’s fun, just try, we’ll teach them.  Similarly, I had these fears about the tri and several folks in the office were telling me that I could do it, that it would be fun, and that they would help me get there.  And that helped me take the plunge.  I need to trust and step out of my comfort zone and believe me I am!  It’s a growing process.  I will use my memories of 2012 and running my first half marathon as motivation.  I was in the best shape of my life and it was awesome!  🙂

As for the charity, I am racing for Kids in the Game.  Like many of you, growing up, I had access to sports.  Sports help kids stay active, develop character, build teamwork, and have fun.  Many youth today aren’t able to participate in sports due to financial constraints.  We can help with that through Kids in the Game.  $30 gets 1 kid in the game!  Any amount helps! Make a difference today and give a kid the chance to play!

To learn more about ACTIVEx, watch this short video.

To help me get kids in the game, donate here.

Keep in touch with me to follow my triathlon journey.