Life is full of firsts.  We've all had our share, but some of us occasionally find ourselves facing many firsts in a very small amount of time.  If we are fortunate, they are good firsts.  I am two months into training for my first triathlon with the Amaiza Fitness Women's Training Group, and I have had so many terrific new experiences. 

It started, of course, when I signed up for the race in January.  When I clicked that submit button on the race website, I think my heart skipped a beat.  I could not believe I was going to do this!  Since then, I bought my first bike (since childhood, that is) and took my first ride on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.  I did my first "brick," an 80-minute bike ride followed by a 20-minute run.  I did my first group swim, waking up at 4:40 AM for the first time since having a newborn.  I got my first swim cap, which made me feel like a real swimmer and made my hair colorist happy.  I went for a bike fitting and had all kinds of angles on my arms and legs measured and re-measured.  I spent an entire morning cycling with friends while my kids were at school; I used to run errands.  I rode 21 miles roundtrip with my family for Mother's Day lunch, and you can bet I had never done that before.  I also did my first pull-up, my first double under with a jump rope, and swam my fastest 50 yards.  Of course, I also had my first near miss with a squirrel while on a bike (I don't have to tell you that it is worse than in a car).  And, I ran right by a snake on the trail during that first brick.

Some of these firsts may not seem like good things on first inspection, such as my bruised bottom following my first spin class, or the embarrassment of forgetting to take off my helmet before going out for the run portion of the brick.  But here's the thing: every single experience has made me feel like I have accomplished something.  Every early swim is a badge I get to wear for the rest of the day; just knowing I got up and did my training before the sun rose.  Every ride down a hill is exhilarating and fun in a way that sipping lattes with the other neighborhood moms will never be.  And every single member of the training group knows that.  It is having the support of these other women, who are all at different levels of fitness and experience, which is the best first of all. 

I have never trained with a group like this, and I can tell you that I am reaping the rewards.  Because basically, no matter whom you are, you have had your firsts too.  And the women in the group support each other with those common experiences.  Even our coach Laurie, once upon a time, competed in her very first triathlon.  And when she shares her stories with me, as the other women do, I feel empowered and a little less terrified.  That's all I need to get through the next six weeks of training and get me to race day.  Then I can compete in my race and say I am a triathlete.  What a first that will be!