Rain on My Parade

I was so excited because I was going to go on my first group ride today, but instead it has decided to rain. I guess it's all the better, because I also forgot to bring my helmet with me. Hopefully the weather will be better for next weeks ride. Until then, I'll be at the gym in spin class.

On a positive note, I finally found some private swim lessons!

Phil, my boyfriend, said that I should probably take a swim lesson or two because...well...see the picture above? I know how to swim, but it ain't that pretty. He and I also know how important it is to start with good habits at the beginning, because otherwise you are just reinforcing the bad habits.

First I checked with LA Fitness, since I'm already a member, but the only swim classes they offer are water aerobics.

After that, I didn't really know where to go.

Then yesterday as I was doing some research into the matter, Phil suggested Georgia Tech. It was a big DUH! The aquatics center at GT was used in the 1996 Olympics and since it is a public school, the Campus Recreation Center is open to non-GT affliated people, such as myself.

I really don't think I could ask for a better option. The classes are private, and the instructor will adjust the lessons to your skill level and goals. You can also choose between four sessions or two. To learn more about these classes, click here.

I'm so energized about these classes, I can't wait to start!

My First Road Bike

This past week or so I began my search for a road bike. I wanted an entry level road bike, nothing fancy because, well, I wouldn't know what to do with it. I first looked on Craigslist, which had many postings, but most were older touring bikes, large men's bikes or way out of my price range. Since I'm a shorter lady (5'4") there really wasn't much out there for me.

My next stops were Atlanta Cycling and REI where I found two great candidates.

First from Atlanta Cycling was the Trek 1.2 Triple WSD, this is a great bike that Trek has put a lot of R&D into for a women's specific fit. Another benefit of getting this bike or any bike from Atlanta Cycling for that matter, is that you get a lifetime warrenty, 30 day trial and a very detailed custom fit assessment for no additional charge.

The second bike from REI was the Novara Carema Women's Bike. This bike was at about the same level as the Trek but is a brand that is made for REI. Buying a bike from REI is good if you are a member because you'll get money back at the end of the year from all the purchases you make. They also do custom fitting for no additional charge.

And the winner is...

The Trek 1.2 Triple WSD. It came down to personal preference and service. I liked the Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed shifters compared to the Shimano Tiagra shifters on the Novara. The Sora STI shifters were similar to the shifters on my mountain bike so it would be a easy transition. I also liked the smaller frame on the Trek, it is easier to stand over and overall easier to handle.

The service at Atlanta Cycling is great. They spent over a half hour sizing the bike for me, for no extra charge! In addition, if at any time I want something readjusted, I just have to bring it back into the shop and they'll take care of it.

Another great aspect of Atlanta Cycling is that they also host group cycling events. To learn more about their event, click here.

Happy riding!

Livin' the Dream

I think that my dream to participate in a triathlon began when I was in high school. I ran on the Cross-Country and Track & Field team. I really enjoyed both, even though I was never the fastest runner, but I could do almost any event I was thrown into, including the mile, 4x800, 4x400, 4x200, 4x100, hurdles, pole vaulting and I'm sure some other events along the way too.

I was first exposed to triathlon's though my uncle, Fred Rzymek. He organizes triathlons and other running events in the Tampa Bay area, including the Escape from Fort DeSoto. It was at the Escape that my mom, me and my sister helped out one year. I saw all the people running, cycling and swimming and knew it was perfect for me. It wasn't just one event, it was several. Ever since, it has been in the back of my mind to one day do a triathlon.

The Goal
After years of contemplating participating in a triathlon, I decided it is time. I'm going to set a goal and start my training.

My goal is to participate in a sprint length triathlon. I have yet to decide if I will participate in the Aflac Iron Girl triathlon (June 28, 2009) or the Emerald Point Triathlon (October 4, 2009).

Current Training
I began riding my mountain bike to work while I was living in Tampa, which was about a 18 mile ride round-trip. But when I moved to Atlanta in August 2008, my work was much further and I was unable to ride my bike to work any more. Now I am a member at LA Fitness and go to spin classes twice a week.

I recently participated in the ING Publix 5K and began running once a week in preparation.

No swim training as of yet. I would really like to get some training in this area since it would be my weakness. My gym has a pool, but if anyone has any suggestions on training, please advise.