What I have learned in the past week and a half

First and foremost, I have a fear of exhaling under water.

Exhaling is followed by inhaling. Inhaling is something that really isn't best done while your face is submerged in a thousand-something gallon pool.

Mental note to self: there really is no way around this. I guess this makes itself a priority as I have no real desire to drown during the first leg of this race.

Second: The YMCA enjoys sleeping in on Sunday too.

I got up Sunday morning and packed up my bag, thinking that I'd be there when they opened at 7:30 or 8. It would be a nice, quiet time for me to hold on to the edge of the pool, kicking my feet, face under water, breathing out without taking up a swim lane or looking extremely ridiculous to all who knew their way around swimming laps.

It was cold and I didn't have a strong desire to sit in the car if I got there too early, so I checked to see what time they opened. Glad I did. The Y doesn't open until noon on Sundays. Good to know.

Third: For the most part, people don't look at you like you have three heads when you suddenly announce that you want to participate in a triathlon.

No matter what you look like.

This is kind of an ongoing revelation to me. Sure, I have told friends and family, but, well, they're friends and family. I'm pretty certain that there's a law somewhere that they support you no matter how insane your idea is. At least in my circle of friends and family.*

I figured it would be best to come clean with my swimming instructor when he asked what my expectations were for the class.

"Do you just want to become more comfortable in the water? Do you want to work on your stroke?" he asked about half way through my first lesson.

Clearly my response should have been, "I want to learn how to exhale underwater."

Instead I announced my intention of participating in a triathlon.

He looked excited.

"Great! We'll need to work on getting you a really efficient stroke then. Don't worry, we have plenty of time."

When I went for an orientation of sorts earlier this week, to get set up with a basic routine, the instructor who was showing me around casually asked what had made me join the Y.

"I want to do a triathlon in June," was my response.

I think she bounced in response. (Don't most weight room instructors, though?)

"I've done three. We'll get you buffed up and ready in plenty of time."

Maybe it's the Midwest. Everyone here is so nice.

*There has been one exception to that rule. You were, in all honesty, probably joking, but you can still kiss my lake soaked, bicycle seat chafed, sweaty behind come June 7th. You know who you are.