Karen's turn; training

Before John had signed up for his triathlon, we had talked about me doing a triathlon first, since he'd done a half marathon first, which I've yet to undertake. Luckily (?), John's attempt turned out to be a du, so I signed up for a "beginner's beginner" race. One that says is good if you're not a good swimmer because it's in 4-5' water for the 400m swim; good enough to stop and take a breather. The race is advertised to be a 400m swim, 10-mile bike, and 2-mile run, so on my first day to try doing a "brick," two of the three events back-to-back in training, I went to the bike trail. Having a handy bike computer, I checked out the landmark of 1 mile from the parking lot, making an even 2 mile run. I started my stopwatch and biked 9 miles, not a racing pace, but a baseline exertion. Having finished the bike in about 45 minutes, I returned my bike to the car, stripped off my gloves, helmet, and shoes, then put on my knee brace and running shoes, grabbed a banana and a gulp of water, I headed out. I set the banana peel on a tree stump near the head of the trail to pick up when I had finished, and started my short run. I didn't know if, having exerted not too much on the bike, I should run faster, or reserve myself to stave off any injury. No need for two knee braces, I chose to take it safely, since I am not in races to win, but to finish.

I felt good knowing I could complete a brick at those distances AND feel good doing it; maybe the triathlon won't be difficult after all.