While I haven’t singed up for it yet ($500 is a big registration fee) ,my big goal for 2010 is to do the Rev3 iron distance triathlon in September. I did well enough training on my own for the 70.3′s last season but I know there is a huge step going up to the full distance so I thought it would be best to get a coach. I recently signed up to train with Carrie McCoy for the 2010 season. Not only did Carrie come highly recommended but she also has plenty of experience and a passion for coaching.
So I made it through my first week of training just fine. It’s just base building right now and I haven’t been slacking too much so it’s not too tough. However, this past Sunday was our first group workout of the year (A nice touch so you can interact with and get to know some fellow triathletes). This first workout was scheduled to be a run workout… Outside… In the cold… I hate the cold.
Let me repeat that: I HATE the COLD. Anything less than 60 and I am miserable (just ask Tani). I thought I might luck out and get descent weather but as the day got closer, the forecast looked worse and worse. Expected high for Sunday turned out to be about 7.
I went to the store and bought a new micro fleece hood that covers the head and face as well as running tights to wear under my looser running pants. Final outfit was running tights with heavy polyester running pants over top – short-sleeve dry fit shirt with a long-sleeve thermal shirt and a wind jacket – full face hat with another cap over that – gloves and sun glasses. As I pulled into the park I noticed several other runners dressed similarly so I felt good about my choices.
As we started off on the warm-up run, I was frozen; My fingers were numb and the rest of my wasn’t much better off. But the strangest thing happened; I actually warmed up enough that I started to enjoy the run. The sun was out and the trail was snow covered and I was actually having a good time in the cold. I was truly amazed. As we moved from the warm-up and into the main practice, it almost felt like any other workout. We alternated between running and core workouts laying on the parking lot asphalt and I felt so good I actually pulled the mask off of my face.
I guess the moral is that with the right gear, you can manage anything. Looks like I still have plenty of gear to buy. 
