Funds and Fun

As I mentioned in my first post it takes a good share of money to do triathlons. There are many things you must have, quite a few things you think you must have, and then all the extras that you just want. So, let’s see...to name ONLY a few: swimsuit, goggles, cap, swim equipment, wetsuit, swim workout books, road bike, tri bike, bike trainer, helmet, eye protection, jersey, riding shorts, riding pants, booties, warm riding gear, water bottles, aerobars, aerobar bottle, fuel pockets, clipless peddles, clip-in shoes, personalized seat, race tires, trainer tires, tire pump, C02 cartridges, GPS heart rate monitor, running apparel for both warm and cold weather, running shoes every 6 months, iPod, music, water belt, race number belt, glide, race registration, coaches, swim instructors and the list goes on.
  Triathlon is not a “free” sport and is most certainly not the cheapest sport but there are some ways around saving your dollar for the “must have’s” in the sport.
  I thought I would share with you some of the ways I’m saving a buck. First of all I am not paying for a coach or a swim instructor. Instead I’m acting as my own coach which can be very tough at times (we will save the reasons for another post) and I have some lifeguards (retired swim instructors) helping me on my stroke. I owe the lifeguards big time for all their support, help, and instruction. They are wonderful people willing to give freely of their swim knowledge. Somehow I will repay them. You may wonder how I have access to a pool since I can’t afford a gym pass. Great question; I work part-time at our local YMCA and part of my contract is a free membership; another great way to save a lot of money each month.
  I’m planning on saving some cash on a tri bike by buying a used one. I’m not a pro so I don’t need the latest greatest. I just need a bike that fits me and that will get me to the finish line. I do not have a tri bike currently but I’m in the process of figuring out how to get one. In other words I’m working on another part-time job that I can do from home.
  Currently I’m saving money on running shoes by buying my shoes at Dick’s Sporting Goods where they have an insurance policy. The first pair of shoes I bought at Dick’s I paid full price plus paid $8 extra for the insurance policy. If I wear my shoes out within 1 year of the insurance policy then I can ship my old shoes to Dick’s headquarters and they will send me a full refund. Since I’m going through shoes within 6 months the policy works great for me. I’m only paying $8 for a new pair of shoes every 6 months!!!  J
  I saved money on a wetsuit by buying a leftover at a triathlon store that was going out of business. I believe I paid about $200 less than the original price. J
  I bought my bike trainer at L.L. Bean for several reasons. First of all my hubby and I had $60 gift card and L.L. Bean truly has the best customer satisfaction. Bike trainers are not always the most dependable things. I already had to return one since it broke. L.L. Bean graciously exchanged the broken one for the newest version. J
  Winter spinning classes have proved a huge savings for me as well. At several local gyms it costs over $100 to join a 12 week spin class. My local Midcoast Triathlon Club has a spin class offered every Mon, Wed, and Fri morning for only $50 for 20+ weeks. The best part of the spin class is I’m surrounded by Ironman. Seems like most of the crew has done more than one ironman and is currently training for another this coming season. I find myself just soaking in everything I can from each of the participants.  The guy that leads out does a fantastic job and really knows how to put a good routine together.
  A bunch of the other triathlon equipment has generously been given to me for Christmas or birthday presents. Pretty much my entire wish list revolves around triathlon gear.
 So these are just a few ways I have saved money so far. Having a limited budget is all part of the challenge for me. I am not complaining I honestly really enjoy the challenge. If it was easy to do an Ironman and it was easy for me to purchase all the gear most of the fun would be taken out of it. So let the challenge continue since it not only motivates me but also encourages creativity, which I lack.  
 My precious little man has woken up from his nap so its mommy, baby play time; one of my favorite things to do. Smiles.

A Number With a Soul

I have been dared to be more than a number. I know for certain I will never be more than a number but I want to be a number; a number in Lake Placid 2012 Ironman!!! There are SO many reasons why I shouldn't ever attempt an Ironman but there is one reason I hope to attempt an Ironman; I want to finish!!!  Every number on the race course represents a unique person. Every person has a very unique story to share about themselves and their journey to Ironman. This is the story not only about my journey but about my support team as well. This blog isn't about my training; this blog is about my ability to do an Ironman without giving up the most important things in my life: God, my family, and work. Is it realistic to train for an Ironman with the hopes of not compromising my relationships? Will I be able to get up at 4:00-4:30 a.m. most mornings and train before my family is awake? Will I be able to have breakfast on the table most mornings, groceries in the pantry, toilet paper stocked up in each bathroom, lunches made each day, Tucker at his swim lessons, Tucker at his library group, Tucker at his play dates, house cleaned once a week, bills paid, check book updated, supper on the table, lesson plans done, grading done, and hours of training completed? Will I be able to do volunteer work, go to school events, go on family vacations? Will I be able to do all this plus a hundred other things and still train for Ironman.
  It's important for you to realize that I lack one thing that alot of triathletes have...money to put toward the sport. I can not hire in help, I can not hire a coach, I can not pay for a babysitter, I can not afford a gym membership, I can not even afford a tri bike. So, yeah, you are probably thinking I'm either stupid or crazy...maybe both. Well, I beginning to think so too. Lacking the funds is part of the challenge though.
  Long story short, how can I do an Ironman without jeopardizing any part of my "normal" life and without having any funds to put toward the event? I don't know but we are about to find out....

  Join me on this journey and please give me any and all advice you may have.  Got to go get supper on the table. :-)