Couch To Triathlon (4) - The Running Bug

So training is well under way now for my first triathlon and I am feeling more motivated than ever! I've been really getting back into running and have reignited the flame for it. I use the Garmin Forerunner 735XT Triathlon watch to track my runs and it can become a little addictive if you're not careful! What I love about it is that it has wrist-based heart rate tracking so I can check my working heart rate and my resting heart rate. It also counts my steps and it's easy to analyse the data online with the Garmin Connect App. I can also use it to track my cycling and swimming (although I haven't done any swimming yet!)

I have signed up for a 10k race in August and a duathlon in October. I have completed several local 10ks before so I've gone for one which is slightly further afield for me, the Bearbrook 10k near Aylesbury. I have visited this part of the country before and fell in love with it as it's so green and idyllic so I'm hoping this is a great run! The duathlon will be my first and should be excellent preparation for the triathlon as it'll give me a chance to practice the transition from cycling to running without having to worry about the swimming just yet. I have entered the Bowood House Super Sprint Duathlon, which is a 2.5km run - 10km bike - 2.5km run. I chose to enter a Super Sprint as it is the most beginner-friendly option, but there are Sprint options too which are slightly longer. I have plenty of time to train for this race so I should be well prepared on the day.

I have started looking at options for which triathlon to enter when the time comes; I want to avoid open water for my first one as this is an added peril and there is the hassle of getting in and out of a wet suit, so I'm looking at courses with pool-based swims.

I am really looking forward to the races I've entered, and continuing with my training as it's going so well! My fitness and endurance have improved so much already which is really motivating. I'm also hoping to lose some weight during the process of all this training as I am slightly uncomfortable with where I am at the moment. So watch this space as I update you with any PBs I get!