From runner/cyclist to triathlete

Triathlon is a new sport to me, I started three months ago! I have been running since 1993, and ran track until 2003 when I got injured. I bought a bike for cross training, and immediately fell in love with cycling. My training partner also convinced me to start swimming, so I swam for half a year until my shoulder started hurting. I didn't swim again until 2010. For the past few years my focus has alternated yearly between cycling and running, and I realized that to improve either, I have to choose one and eliminate the other. I can't see myself doing that, and last Summer I started reading about the new Ironman (I'll call it Ironman, even though it's not WTC) in Copenhagen. It really intrigued and fascinated me, and I soon realized that the Ironman is exactly the long term goal I need.

In August when the cycling racing season was over, I started swimming and CrossFit. I seriously lack upper body strength, since I haven't used my upper body for anything more strenuous than writing on a chalk board. After three months of CrossFit training I am convinced that it is the best off-season strength training for endurance athletes. It builds functional strength and improves flexibility and range of motion. Sure there are some exercises I could well live without, but as a whole, it's great.

After having been swimming for a few months, I am certain that the most difficult thing to deal with mentally when cyclists and runners turn to triathlon is the swimming. Why would a good runner or cyclist force himself to paddle around in a pool with awful technique and no upper body strength when he could be running or riding and having a blast? That was what happened to me in 2003, of course the mild inflammation in my shoulder wasn't the real reason I stopped going, the reason was that I was an awful swimmer. The difference this time is that I have a specific goal and, more importantly, that I actually have started to like swimming. I need to improve my swimming a lot, but I consider that part of the challenge!