In my previous post about getting started in triathlons, I outlined some steps to get you going - the first of which was answering the question - “What are your goals?”

So - how to begin? The first question is to ask why you decided to compete in your first triathlon. Do you want to simply get in shape? Do you crave the exhiliration of athletic achievement? Are you simply looking for a challenge? Whatever your reasons may be - congratulations on making the decision!

Personally - my goal was to add a little spice to my life. I was growing quite bored with my daily routine of work, commuting, and sitting in front of TV. To top it all off, I was gaining weight and my self esteem was starting to suffer. So, in an email conversation with Pat one day - I made the decision. I was going to compete in a sprint distance triathlon at the end of the summer - come hell or high water.

From that moment on - my outlook on life changed. I relished the challenge of meeting my time and distance goals - and enjoyed the daily training. Even better, my extra weight started to melt off, and I was feeling better and better about myself. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

So, whatever your reason - just do it. Whatever your initial goal may be, I promise you’ll gain more from it than you ever thought.