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Sprint Triathlon

The last several posts have been about my kids, so this one is all about me. :) ha!  


I have lots of things to look forward to this year - welcoming my husband home, R&R, Chad's sister's wedding, and finding out our next duty station.  I am also really excited about my first Sprint Triathlon in June!  When I was pregnant with Mya, a friend mentioned doing a Sprint Triathlon and I have been interested in doing one ever since.  I have always hated running.   I have lots of friends who run but I've never been interested in jumping on that bandwagon. Not just for the physical strain, but mainly because I get so BORED!   I could spend two hours in the weight room at the gym or in a class but have typically spent as little time as possible on cardio.  I like the idea of a sprint b/c while it is a challenge, it is a variety of activities - not all running. 
All of that motivated me to look into Sprint Triathlons earlier this year.  I found one in GA on June 4th and decided that would be enough time to train.  I do realize how hot it will be that time of year and I'm praying for a cold front that day! :) Sprints vary a little in their length. This one is a 750 meter swim, 15 mile bike and a 5k.  



After a very rough c-section last year, it has taken me a while to feel physically ready for such a challenge.  I am still dealing with some effects of the surgery, but hopefully with 18 weeks to go, I can work through that and be prepared for the race.  


Another motivating factor for this sprint is a program our Brigade is doing called Walk to Afghanistan.  It is a program designed to built unity and a way for us to show our support for our soldiers.  Family members track their miles (biking, swimming, running, etc...) each month with a goal of covering the miles to Afghanistan - 6526.  Our Troop is rocking it out - with over 1300 miles in just 2 months!


When I first read about the Walk to Afghanistan program, I wasn’t sure exactly how me walking or running could have a meaningful impact on my husband or our unit.  However, after just 2 months I am so excited to be participating.  My life right now is pretty comfortable.  I have the privilege to stay home with our 2 girls and I am surrounded by family, friends and other incredible wives in our unit. As an Army wife, unfortunately you get used to deployments on some level.  You get used to being a single parent and planning activities to make the time go by quickly.  For my husband though, most days are the same.  He does his job and he does it well.  He does not get to see our girls everyone morning or tuck them in at night.  He doesn’t get to sleep in or have a “movie day” when he doesn’t feel well.  That is where I found my motivation for Walk to Afghanistan.  I want to do something hard to force me out of my comfort zone to show my husband my support for him and how proud I am of what he is doing.  So I will run this Sprint Triathlon in honor of him and every training mile will be one step closer to “Walking to Afghanistan.”

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