New York City Triathlon 2011

This week I started my training for the New York City Triathlon.  Did a few 3 miles runs and today hit the stationary bike. 10 miles this morning.  My legs got tight midway...brings back bad memories of my last TRI when the bike leg kicked my @ss.   

Just an FYI for anyone wanting to prepare for any type of event..5k, 10k, Marathon, or Triathlon, the internet can be a great resource for free guides to get prepared physically for the event.  I basically have prepared for every race I've done on a shoe string budget so know anything can be done on the cheap. From my training guides to sneakers I have tried to get the best prices available.  For the TRI I am probably going to spend about $200 bucks and most of that is renting a road bike from a bike shop to actually complete the race.   I will have a follow-up post with some links on Wetsuits, Sneakers, Bikes, Etc... As soon as I dig through my archives from last year.

My biggest savings this year will be on the swimming training.  I discovered through my research that the New York City Parks Department has FREE lap swimming in the AM and PM for Adults who want to take advantage of the many Olympic Sized pools in the city.  The best part is that it is outside of the normal pool hours so you do not have to compete for lane space with the summer kids. My pool of choice this year is Hamilton Fish on Houston Street in the Lower East Side.  Below is a link to the Parks Dept. website.  Definitely take advantage of this program...even if just for the work out.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/programs/adultlaps.html

The triathlon was a tough experience last year.  Was almost dead last(took me over 5 hours) but it was my first fitness event of any kind until that point so did not know what to expect going in.  This year I have 2 half marathons and a few short distance races under my belt so I am feeling a little more confident in what my performance can look like come August 7, 2011.  

In closing, this year I am competing on behalf of the Michael J. Fox Foundation with Team Fox.  My fund raising page is below should you be interested in donating.  But if all you can lend is moral support please do so in Central Park in August. I would appreciate that as much. 

http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=bkIUJbNQKoLaG&b=6376247&sid=agLPK7NBJeJSI3MKLtF

Vaya!