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On May 2nd—one week from today—I will be participating the Illini Triathlon, sponsored by the Illini Triathlon club, the first to take place at U of I. Considering this is my first triathlon, hopefully not my last, and I’m a bit nervous. My only goal is to finish it without being too sore the next day. It is called a “spring triathlon” which means it is a shortened version, consisting of a 300m swim, 11 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. I heard that so far there are about 300 people signed up, which is a pretty good turn out considering this is the first one. Also, participants are allowed to register through April 28th, so more might still join.

I’ve been working out on an irregular basis for the last month or so, admittedly not as long or regimented as recommended by experts. Again though I’m not trying to win it, I just want to try it for fun. Before mailing in my $50 registration fee (Which translates to the most expensive t-shirt I’ll ever buy), I went to the newly renovated recreation center on campus, the ARC (formerly IMPE). I did my own little “triathlon” just to gauge whether or not I should hold off for a different triathlon that I would have more time to train for. I did everything I’ll need to do on May 2nd, which was to swim 300m, bike 11 miles, and run 3 miles. The experiment went better than expected, and the next day my registration form and fee was mailed in.

In order to not look completely ridiculous before I even begin, I purchased a one-piece athletic swimming suit, swim cap, and goggles. I think this will make me look more legitimate than wearing my bikini that is only useful for sunbathing, although once I get into the water I think my amateur status will be immediately revealed anyway. I also bought a bike helmet and some running shorts as well.

I have Mom’s bike on campus that I use to get around, which is the bike I plan to use the day of the triathlon. I think I need to go to one of the local bike shops and have it checked out though because lately it has been making a weird noise. I also think the tires need some air.

I’m bummed out because participants are not allowed to wear iPods during the biking/running portion. I don’t really understand why considering in the Illini Marathon they were allowed to. In the rules it says that the first offense results in a 2-minute time penalty, which I’m tempted to just take. Having my iPod is one of the only things that keep me motivated and not mind-numbingly bored, but hopefully I’ll just be really pumped that day anyway.

I’m excited that some people will be there to support me, including Mom, possibly Dad depending on the weather, and Robert. It will be great to see some friendly faces when I cross the finish line, hopefully not in last place!