Gillian Bidgood's Team In Training Page
She's Going How Far??
So it seems that 100 miles on a bike isn't good enough for me anymore. Also I am apparently very susceptible to suggestion. After 4 century rides, I mentioned to my cycling coach that I was looking at maybe supplementing all my bike riding with a bit of triathlon training, he said "I'm doing a half-ironman in August, you should join me!" And with minimal cajoling, I signed up.
A Half Ironman Triathlon starts with 1.2 miles of open water swimming (you should know that the last time I was in a pool was approximiately 1998 and that only for the 4 laps required to pass MIT's swim test for graduation), folowed immediately by 56 miles of biking (a nice normal workout for me these days), followed immediately by 13.1 miles running (anyone who saw my pathetic running for the high school soccer or volleyball teams should be laughing right about now). I have been training for about 6 weeks now and I am finally convinced that this might not be the worst idea ever.
Of course, the only reason it is not the worst idea ever is the excellent coaching and team camaraderie that I get through Team In Training. I knew the team would get me through the pain of training. This season, I am particularly glad of the tri team, the chapter staff, and especially the cycle team's support since my mother suddenly lost her 26 year battle with breast cancer. The best way I know to pay them back for that support is to continue with my fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Cancer is scary. There is nothing good about it, whether found in the blood or in the breast or anywhere else. The research that the Society sponsors is focused on blood cancers, but it also offers insights into all forms. I know at least two different avenues where the research into blood cancer treatments has directly benefitted the research into breast cancer treatments.
I hope you will give something to defeat this horrible disease. I have a challenge from a friend who will increase his donation for every person who donates to me, so any little bit can help.
Thank you for every contribution and for every thought in support of my training and racing.
