Let me explain.
Seven years ago to the day, I raced in my first triathlon at Camp Pendleton in California. It was Olympic distance and I was scared out of my wits as I got ready to start. Looking back, I find the whole experience to be somewhat surreal. The weather was overcast, I'd never before done an ocean open water swim and I simply had no idea what to expect.
But I survived and the experience catapulted me headfirst into Ironman and blogging and brought me friendships that I will forever cherish.
I like to say I am retired from triathlon now. I run a bit, I do crossfit. Maybe I am just taking a break as I get my littles through high school but I am learning to never say never. Regardless, triathlon showed up today in my current world in a way that was unexpected and yet so incredibly cool.
The CrossFit Games, which are being held this weekend in Carson, are touted as the world’s premier test to find the Fittest on Earth. Previous years' events have included tests of fitness and strength that, let's be honest, would annihilate the average athlete.
These competitors are strong. They are beyond fit. They run and row and lift circles around you and me each and every day.
But this year? This year, in a surprise announcement, after requiring that each competitor provide video proof of their ability to swim 25 meters, The CrossFit Games introduced a new first day of competition.
A triathlon - 700m ocean swim, 8k mountain bike on sand, and an 11.3k hill run with 500 feet of elevation gain.
Where? You guessed it, Camp Pendleton.
CrossFit meet triathlon.
Be still my heart.
(cf photos property of andria kern, reprinted w/o permission. she is busy - i will ask her after the race is over. :) )
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