Street Smarts!
Ouch! My efforts to dip back into the sport of triathlon aren’t going that swimmingly.Â
First, I needed a pool. Anything bigger than the inflatable one in the backyard.Â
On the day I joined the fitness facility, the pool heater was out. I’m thinking, ya know, I’ll just pretend I’m doing that Escape to Alcatrez Tri, where the waters are frigid and I’m really tough. As I approach the water, I’m guessing there might be a reason I have the whole pool to myself. When I jump in, I know for sure.   I wish I could say motivation toward a fitness goal helped me finish the half mile in the cold water. I just wanted to warm up. I was also desperate to take off my goggles that leaked and actually sucked the chlorinated water into my eyes! Â
On to the bike I recently dusted off…the one hanging in the utility room for the past year. Sunday, a friend asked if I’d show him a good three mile running route. Since I’d already done my run and swim that day, I said, “I’ll just ride my bike along with you and show you the route.”  I’ve never been so grateful for a bike helmet. When I crashed into my friend, then met up with the concrete, my head hit the street so hard it bounced back up and slammed back down again! I understand when that happens, you’re supposed to get a new helmet. As soon as I can stand up, I’ll do that.Â
My thoughts about now:Â My neighbor’s comments about the Lord just wanting me to sit down.Â
Joining our local tri club, Sunrise, was a good move. I get constant group emails from people of all levels and stay informed about group rides and swims.  My job hours keep me from being able to hook up with most of these events, but it’s motivating to read about them. Â
Obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.  Although it’s not easy to return to the same level of fitness I enjoyed four years ago, I’m going to tri! Â
Onward!Â
   Â
May 20th, 2008 at 11:46 am
must we put you in a bubble? Bouncing off concrete could be a big hazzard at our age
May 20th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
the offer (or was it a request?) still stands ya know! Howdy from Utah and no I have not swam, run, or been on a bike here… but the hike yesterday was awesome and going again in a lil while
May 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
G, did that offer involve training wheels?
May 20th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
training wheels are dangerous! so the answer is yes
May 20th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
NEEDED: a padded suit for Sherri Talley’s work out attire.
Please help, she uses her face for her job
May 20th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I’ve worked as an extra on many local films and was taught how to fall convincingly by the head stuntman for MY MOMS NEW BOYFRIEND. Pretty much a pantomime deal because he was from Brazil and spoke broken english. I was a securtity guard knocked out by Antonio Bandaris so he could steal a priceless statue from a museum. The other guard extras and myself threw ourselves down all morning (practicing) on gym mats. Padding under our uniforms helped. Then we went to the studio and shot 10 shots from different camera angles falling on a cement floor. Drop on one knee, elbow next, roll toward right side and final drop is on my back. Amazingly there was no pain and i looked great falling. The next morning…..Heroin could not have helped with the pain!! The secret is to spread the impact around if you can. Padding only lets it sneak up on you later.
And you are right about the bike helmet….throw it away immediately. Never ever use it again. It might look ok but why take a chance.
May 20th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
GURL!
May 20th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
wow that was a busy day first a run then a cold swim …when did you find the TIME to have a bike fall….??
May 21st, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Sherri, As you well know, you can attain extrodinary athletic status even at your age. You have good genes. Seriously….find that rountine in your daily chaos and make it a priority and stick to it.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I love routines. I also love all the things that jump in the way of them. The sticking to it part is tough! I have learned that when you veer off the goal path, it’s important not to abandon all, but to jump back on asap and resume. Then, a balance ensues.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:36 pm
LOU, you can always hurt more.
Tommy, thanks for the advice on the helmet!
HRB, you have good genes, too!
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
I refuse to work out in genes, especially in this humid climate! you Talley’s want to do that… is fine by me. Am sure it would help in the literal “sticking to it”.
on the serious side, veering off and restarting is more painful then “a next days workout”. dreading the restart!!!
MudBug Madness 5k this evening and I will trod though it so I can enjoy the beer afterward