My training has come a ways since I last reported here on Outside San Diego.  My endurance has jumped significantly, and I am running distances in times I previously thought would not happen for months.  My daily 2.5 mile run has become routine and I am able to run it in it’s entirity,  and have energy to spare as I pull into home.  I surmise that a lot of my progress has been breaking down mental barriers, but my fitness has made a measurable improvement as well.  I do know when I need to take a rest day,  as my pace drops.  A day off usually results in a personal best pace the next day.
My initial plan was to begin the triathlon cross training in January,  but I am feeling ready to shorten the timeline, and have begun exploring my options to get the help I need to train for the swim and bike events, as well as getting advice from someone besides myself who has a clue about running.  I attended an informational meeting last night about the Triathlon Club of San Diego.  If half the opportunities that they mentioned come to fruition, the annual dues of $60.00 will be the best value I have found for coaching and support in the quest of triathlon competition.

The club holds a series of events each year including a Triathlon this next Saturday (Dec 12th) at Fiesta Island.  Perusing their website also reveals any number of workout opportunities each and every day.   I came into the meeting a bit apprehensive about the accessibility of these events and workouts for rank amateurs such as myself, but a good portion of the informational meeting last night was spent patiently explaining the nuances of beginning in triathlon.   It was a lot of information presented in a manageable way.

The presentation was held in a really cool bicycle shop called Hi-Tech Bikes on Clairmont Mesa Dr in Kearny Mesa.  This shop caters to Triathletes and the staff members I met last night are very friendly and very approachable.  I have no doubt they will be happy to answer my questions, and steer me to the gear that will work for me.  Currently they are sponsoring a drawing for an opportunity to participate in the Ride Strong Bike Tours Chasing the TDF – Pyrenees bike trip starting on July 18, 2010 and ending on July 25, 2010. Click here for details.

I am really excited about expanding my fitness routine from the running base I have been working hard on achieving, and including swimming and biking into the mix.  I am stoked to know there are resources available such as the Triathlon Club of San Diego, and Hi-Tech Bikes to help me achieve my goals.