I was recently inspired by my good friend Ali's second sprint triathlon. I have assured her that yes, next year, I'm there in Seattle with her to test my personal mettle.
But I sure hope there aren't any weeds in Lake Washington.
Triathlon 2012 Training Begins? from Cathy Zielske on Vimeo.
Beth says
You should for it Cathy!! Sprint tri-s and du-s (I’m doing a du this Saturday) are very fun and manageable distances!!! You can totally do this!!
Wendy says
Ali has also inspired me to do my first triathlon in 2012. I’ve been training for 6 months now and I’m still freaked out about swimming in the ocean. Since you swam in the lake, maybe I’ll try it this weekend.
katie squires says
GO CATHY GO!!!!!!!! You are AMAZING!!! and congrats to Ali on your second triathlon 🙂
Kendra B says
You go girl!!!! (what’s with the weeds??? LOL)
Maureen says
Oh Dan, she can have a “Swim Angel”!
Seriously Cathy. We believe in you!
Sue says
Go go go!! You guys are inspirational for scrapping and health. I love it!
ale says
go do!!!!
love the video, cathy – thanks for the smile!
cathy says
oh, in the lakes up north, theyre insane. Like creepy insane.
brendaj says
I just did the same one Ali did, but in Michigan with my co-workers. No training. I had to have the swim angel. Sally Edwards swam next to me for a short time. I walked the run part, but I finished!!!! And I wasn’t last, ha. Swimming was the toughest part for me. Especially in open water. Luckily it was a calm day and I waited until most of my wave got in since I knew they’d swim over me. You can do it! Congrats on making that decision.
Maribeth says
You go, Cathy! I just finished my first ever race, and it was the Danskin Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, WI. I was no speedy gonzalez (a very nice 78 year old woman beat me by 3 minutes, ahem), but I finished and I felt great when I was done. The open water swim is more mentally challenging than anything, but once you get over that, you’re golden! And the Danskin race has such a positive, girl-power vibe that just makes it that much more special. You’re going to do a great job!
Cindy deRosier says
“OK, the race is longer than that…” made me laugh out loud. Funny man, that guy of yours!
Ellie A. says
Talk about inspiration in the AM! lol.. & a giggle I admit. YOU GO Cathy!! Can’t wait to see your finish line pic w/Ali next year! 🙂
Amy Z says
AWESOME! I hate swimming so I can’t see a tri in my future.
Kristi says
Cathy!!! You go girl. My brother and I are doing our first ever super sprint triathalon THIS WEEKEND in Chicago. I have only swam in the lake twice, so this should be interesting to say the least!! (I found it gross and slimey). I know we will be OK with finishing (my only goal this first time) if I can not die in Lake Michigan!! 🙂
Jane says
LMBO! Ok the race is longer than that….cracked me up!
Wendy says
Go Cathy! I started triathlons last year. It’s “fun”. I’m doing my first Olympic on Labor Day. When you get hooked, you should check out all the great triathlons in Austin! Best of luck to you!
Cindy says
You can do it, Cathy! I did the Danskin in Austin in 2005 to celebrate my 50th birthday. Afterwards, I thought I should have just celebrated with cake. But I finished the triathlon, which was my goal. My mother did tell me afterwards that I shouldn’t share the course photos with anyone. Not sure what to think of that. I will be rooting for you!!!
Dorothy F says
You go girl! If anyone can do it, you can. Good Luck.
Caroline says
I love you, Cathy. You always make me laugh. My sister doesn’t scrapbook but I got her hooked on your blog too. She thinks you’re great!
Carrie says
You can do it! Go Cathy.
Teal says
By the way – you are awesome!
may says
I give you so much credit for swimming in natural body of water where critters and weeds reside. Me? I get skeeved out by it!
YOU ROCK Cathy. Hilarious video, love you much.
Deb says
I saw Maribeth say she did the Danskin Sprint Tri in Pleasant Prairie and so did I! It is really fun, and it was my first one. You don’t have time to get bored, because you change what you’re doing 3 times! As well as you’ve done in the last year? You’ll be great and have a good time! You go girl!
cathy says
Do the Swim Angels help swimmers who get stuck? I love that! You know, there is a Danskin event in Wisconsin, which is much closer to me. I would have to rent a bike to do the Seattle event.
cathy says
Maribeth! Thats the one I might focus on, because its a drivable distance! : ) I do want to do the one in Seattle to be with my friends, but I might just have to do the Wisconsin one. Good for you!
cathy says
Yep. The gross and slimy part is what freaks me out. Plus, you cant SEE anything. Even with goggles. I need to train just a little bit more.
cathy says
Well thank you so much! : )
gail says
Inspired by your WW journey, I joined and did two sprint tri’s last year. Once again you’ve remotivated me to get back on the trail so to speak! It is a thrill to cross that finish line!
Maribeth says
I have to say, the Wisconsin event site is really nice. When I read Ali’s description of the waves hitting her in the face for her swim, it totally intimidated me. At Pleasant Prairie, you swim across a spring-fed lake. It is totally calm, and the water temperature for the day of the event was 78 degrees. The bike ride is through a relatively level countryside, which was really pretty. I know it would be fun to do it with your friends, but I would be happy to adopt you into our posse. 🙂 (My non-scrapbooking friends would wonder what was wrong with me when I got verklempt over meeting the one and only CZ!) I was the guinea pig this year, and now a group of my girlfriends are going to do it next year with me. It would be great to see you there!
Maribeth says
Cool, Deb! It was my first, too. Aside from my chain falling off my bike before that portion ever started, and my abysmally long finish time, it was an awesome experience! I already have a group of friends committed to training with me throughout the year so we can all compete next summer. Congrats on doing your first Tri!!
cathy says
woo hoo! : )
Congrats!
Candy says
I can see a part of Lake Washington from my window, and I do have a friend who swims it every day…but my only response is ‘Brrrr’…but then I am such a chicken. I tend towards walking the Puget sound beaches and hiking in the many national parks here. You GO girl!
Mara says
Yeah!!! That is super exciting!!!! You go for it!
Jill S. says
You go, girl!!! Just like Maribeth and Deb, I did the Pleasant Prairie Danskin this weekend. It was my first time, and it was totally AWESOME! The swim part was much less intimidating than I had expected. I don’t remember feeling weeds in the lake. Not only are there swim angels to help ladies out, but they allow you to use a swimming noodle (they even provide them for participants to use). If you do Pleasant Prairie next year, you’ll have to let us know via your blog, because it sounds like a bunch of us will be stalking you:)
Laura says
Loved the video! You are a funny lady Cathy Z!!! 🙂
carol in seattle :) says
Cathy, you crack me up! I’d be happy to be your personal photographer when you and Ali do your triathlon – just call me!
Deb says
You too! Cool that you were able to overcome the chain issue. See you next year.
Kirsten J says
Ha! not sure about the weeds where you’ll swim, but a guy I work with just swam across Lake Washington (yeah….just for fun….he’s training for some huge mountain bike race up at Whistler…nut job!) and at one point, he swam through some fish, and one jumped into his mouth!!!! he almost swallowed it. I would probably have a heart attack and sink at that point….
donna@ecarthage.com says
Thank you for making me smile………..GO Cathy! I so believe you will do whatever you set out to do!
kerri macdonald says
Go Cathy!a few years ago over at bps I did a layout of a picturre u were kind enough to pose for with me at club Atlanta.the title was scrap design hero. I now need a new one that say my fitness hero,you are a great inspiration…thanks!
Kimbel says
Go you! I’m so excited for you!
Sally Paxton says
Loved the video. I’d say you’re well on your way to a record-breaking race. After all, if it’s your first triathlon, it will definitely be your personal best. 🙂 I was so impressed with Ali’s report, and I’m delighted you’re going to come to Seattle next summer, too.
AngMomof3 says
Hey Cathy, I’m doing a sprint tri in just two weeks! Gulp. Good think I’m teaming it w/ my sister (swimmer) and sis in law (biker) and I’ll just do the run portion. A first for me! Maybe I should train for the Seattle Sprint for next year too… 🙂
Nancy McM says
You are such a nut 😉 I love reading your blog… good luck with the training!
Melissa says
i want to try a triathlon also, but the fear of gators (i live in Florida) has my panties all in a bunch….weeds are nothing.
cathy says
Nice!
cathy says
ah, thanks. : )
cathy says
Um, yeah. Gators vs. weeds? You win! : )
Jamie Danford says
Nice butt C-dog! Way to work that suit. 😉
Heidi says
YOU ARE AWESOME!!! Glad you are taking the plunge. Enjoy!
Doris says
Cathy. Doris here. One of Ali’s four amigos doing the Seattle race.
I was mostly worried about the swim. Never having swam in an open water race. Learning how to swim 6 years ago (and then stopping for 5 years after having 3 kids..yes I blame them but anyways!) Ask Ali. I was petrified of the water. I pestered her over and over…right up to the point of getting in line for the race.
I promise you this. If I can do it, you can do it. The water wasn’t cold. It is so, so doable. My swim wasn’t pretty but hey guess who is taking swim lessons this year!
There was something that grabbed me by the toe though…I kid. I kid!
cathy says
ha! that just made me laugh out loud. quite literally.
cathy says
Doris, you rock! : ) I seriously plan to be there next year!
kristin says
this was possibly my favorite part. i laughed out loud.
the weeds part was funny, but that’s why i try to keep the swimming i do limited to clear water pools 🙂 (the chlorine kind) i grew up around a lake, and then my parents bought a house with a pool and i got spoiled. especially with beaches which get sand in all crevices. no.thanks.
so excited for you. i loved reading ali’s recap of both years… and i know i’d love yours as well. might even inspire me to hit one up. i’m just getting back into the scene of exercise since having a baby and have not created any goals other than do the different things while strengthening my weak muscles 🙂
anna says
you are such a nerd! in the most fun way of course :)i would love to do a triathlon since i have 3 1/2 marathons under my belt. but i’m not a strong swimmer, and the nearest pool is an hour away. so…. thats my excuse 😉
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Sharon F. in CA says
Me tooo.
Sharon F. in CA says
Go Cathy Go…you gotta start somewhere….as a former competitive swimmer and coach, dont forget to kick…it will keep you from sinking. Most people only focus on their arms…but give the legs equal opportunity. You can do this!
Stacy Simpson says
You GO girl! I want to be like you when I grow up!
cathy says
I always forget to keep a strong kick! Good reminder!
Jeanne Pellerin says
You’re a nut. That was great!
Michelle says
Cathy,
Once you do your first triathlon you will be hooked. I did my first one a couple of years ago–the Danskin tri in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Its a very supportive and nurturing environment. Go for it!
cathy says
That is one I have my eye one. I hear the lake is smooth and clean!
Marge says
my sister-in-law did the Iron Girl in Syracuse NY last year. The WEEDS were horrendous!! She ended up purchasing a wet suit to do the swim in because she couldn’t handle the slime and that “touchy” feeling from swimming over them. She said it was like “horror movie” gross!!LOL
cathy says
Thats my fear! : )
Beth Sutton says
Our sprint tri is in a marshy ocean water (SE Georgia Coast), you have to make sure to wipe your mouth really well when you leave the water, otherwise the photo they get has you looking like a bearded princess! I wish the water part was the hardest for me, I’m doing my third sprint tri this October and I’m just hoping that I can run the whole distance. Now don’t get me wrong, I can run a 5k normally, but not so much after a 400 yd swim and a 12-15 mile bike. Love that you will be blogging about this… for me it’s the journey, getting strong enough to do this is really worth it.
cathy says
I guess those open water swims all have their challenges! Sounds crazy, but good for you!
Amanda says
Post Irene I turned to you for a needed boost in spirit and perhaps a smile … what you delivered was LAUGH OUT LOUD ! Thank you ( and your irrepressible Dan ) ! You are going to be awesome in the open swim ! Keep up the good work 🙂
Kim says
Now THAT is my kind of triathalon training:):):)