Chicago Running Review

The Resolution is the Revolution. This year instead of a resolution, choose to be a part of a revolution. Revolutionize yourself, and choose to do something that for you, and the people around you is revolutionary. Avoid the challenges of sticking with your resolution. Don’t resolve – revolt, to a new you.

New Years Resolution: Complete my 1st Triathlon

How to do it right:
Getting Gear = Getting Fit: In triathlon, getting the right gear means getting the right fit. From a wetsuit, to a bike, to running shoes, everything needs to be the right size and shape in order for you to be comfortable, train properly, and avoid injury.

Get over your fear of spandex: Everyone will be wearing tight clothing because it gets them across the finish line with the least difficulty. Get fitted for the right pieces, and own it. You’ll be in good company come race day!

Get help: Training programs or a swim coach will offer customized programs so you are properly trained. Coaches are great because they provide insider tips and can adjust your program along the way.

Practice your weaknesses: If you’re familiar with running or at least have been around the block a few times, focus on swimming in the open water or your brick, multi-discipline workouts (swim to bike or bike to run). Spend more time working on your weaknesses rather than your strengths.

Start early: Join a gym to start spinning, swimming, and running early in the season. This is a great time to get your swim technique down in the confines of the pool so you are ready to train in open water as soon as its warm.

With these tips you will be well on your way to a safe and successful journey but to add a little more inspiration here is Mark’s journey to his 1st Triathlon.

Mark’s Story:
Last year in December, I weighed in at 305 pounds. I have always been athletic and maintained a healthy weight so I decided I needed to do something about my weight and fitness level. After seeing my brother complete his 3rd marathon in October, I started to think that was for me. While riding the stationary bike at the gym I decided to sign up for the Chicago Triathlon because I have always liked riding and swimming but wasn’t too fond of running. I texted my brother that moment, and he agreed it would be a definite motivator to start a program and train for a goal race. We decided to do it together and I signed up for the international distance of the Chicago Triathlon right there on my phone while riding at the gym.

I choose to invest the money and get the right gear and told all of my co workers, friends, and family what I was doing for support. All winter, spring, and summer long I stayed focused and everyone around me helped too. In July, I finished the Schaumburg Splash, Pedal, and Dash sprint triathlon, and a couple 5ks in preparation for the race. Come race day, I’d lost 70 lbs and put on about 20 in muscle. I was back to a more recognizable fit me, and ready to race!

I ran the Monster Dash Half Marathon almost exactly 2 months later and until this I had not run more than 9 miles in my entire life. I have always played sports where running was a punishment and now I use running as a stress relief. The sense of accomplishment has motivated me to do a full marathon. In 2012, I am planning on doing the Chicago 13.1, Batavia Triathlon, Chicago Triathlon, Fox Valley Marathon, and a bunch of other 5 and 10k races with my friends.

Completing my first Triathlon has helped me lose 70 pounds in 9 months and has changed my life. It has helped me prove to myself that anything is possible and if you set your goals high you can still go above and beyond what you first imagined. If you would have told me last year at this time that I could run a leisurely 6-10 miles for fun, I would have called you a liar.