What the hell ...

I signed up for TWO triathlons!

1. Mighty Hamptons (Olympic Distance) on September 16th

• Olympic Swim 1.5K (.93mile), Bike 40K (23.0 miles), and Run 10K (6.2 miles).
• The Swim : Out and back along the shore in pristine Noyac Bay, usually calm, water temp 64-70, wetsuits allowed.
• The Bike: Loop, taking a scenic tour of the Hamptons, mild hills.
  
• The Run: Flat, fast, beautiful views finish at the beach!

2. Mightyman Montauk (HALF IRONfreakingMAN Distance) on September 30th

• 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run (known as a Half Distance Triathlon).
  
• 1.2 mile swim Fresh Water Water temps expected in the mid to upper 60s. Wetsuits recommended.
  
• 56-mile bike. Two Laps on a 28-mile Rolling Course. 2200 Total feet of elevation gain. Around town and the Montauk Light House. Light Traffic and great Roads view of the ocean and bay, what could be better?
  
• 13.1 mile run. Two Laps on a hilly 6.55 mile course. 806 Total feet of elevation gain. A two lap course that is quite challenging, after a rolling 3 miles you hit "murder hill" followed by two other challenging climbs.

I have attempted both of these races before. In 2005. Both were somewhat unsuccessful. In the Oly distance tri, I swallowed a bunch of salt water, got out of the water just past the halfway point and walked down the beach. But I rallied. No one seemed to mind that I got back on the course to do the bike and run and finish the race. In the half-Ironman, I timed out on the swim. It was long. Although I had a kayak escort for much of it, I was proud that I swam that whole 1.2 miles. Honestly, I think it was harder than the marathon. But I got back to my bike and they told me they had to take my chip. Sigh. I, being pretty tired, went out to brunch with husband.

So perhaps now I shall be redeemed. I have 13 weeks. Not impossible. Although I haven't been doing any triathlon-specific training, I have been working out with a personal trainer for the last six months and my muscle mass is up. And since I am unemployed (whatever!), I should have plenty of time to train.

Things are looking up!