The Gauntlet has been Thrown Down

And I'm stupid enough to pick it up.  My three sons have all entered a triathlon in June, the Salem Spring Triathlon.  You can read the oldest's, Steven's, motivation here:  I Triple Dog Dare You at

http://chamberssteve.com/2010/12/31/i-triple-dog-dare-you/.  Well, no one triple-dog-dared me (one of the advantages to being the dad -- there is a certain amount of respect).  But peer pressure is a bear, especially the self-imposed kind.  I've done triathlons for many years, going back to 1983 or so when they were a lunatic fringe sport.  The last one I did was the Salem Spring triathlon in 2008, the year we started the swim in the snow (seriously), the year they cancelled the bike because of slippery roads.  The year I finished 3rd in my age group because of the 14 entrants, 10 were smart enough not to start and one didn't finish.  With our annual July 4 reunion at Bear Lake coming only a month after the triathlon, I wasn't about to be left out of the story-telling.  So, on December 31, just before the price increased by $15, I sat with my pointer hovering over the "Submit" button, my palms a bit sweaty, my heart racing.  I closed my eyes and clicked.

So now, like son Steven, this blog has a purpose.  I entered in the 60-64 age group, because, well, because by June 4, 2011, I will be 60 years and 13 days old.  I could have entered the Clydesdale category (over 200 lbs.), but in my mind I will be a svelte, fleet of foot and light of step triathlete by June 4 and that would be cheating.  Besides, in the 60-64 age group, maybe there will only be 3 competitors and I'll get a ribbon again.  Anyway, back to the point:  There are virtually NO training guides for people over 60.  I found a few for over-40, but give me a break.  I have half a lifetime on a 40-year old.  So while Steven will document a first-time triathlete's training, I'll attempt to document a senior citizen's training.