I’m counting down the days until June 21. That’s the day I’m competing in a triathlon here in Indianapolis. And, because I’ve got quite a bit of work to do to get ready for it, the time is just flying by.

I’m not a runner. I don’t even own a bike. I have no pool to train in. How did I get myself into this?

A few weeks ago, one of my friends from home told me she was coming to Indy with some friends to do a triathlon and asked me if I wanted to do it as well. At first, I was pretty hesitant about the idea, but once she told me it was a sprint triathlon – 500 meter swim, 10-mile bike and 3-mile run – I thought, why not? Thanks to the Angie’s List fitness center, I’ve been working out almost every day for the past couple of months. I’m not in great shape, but at least I’m getting regular exercise, and I’ve been trying to stick with a healthier diet, too. I swam competitively growing up, and although I’ve been retired from swimming since I graduated from college, I figured it couldn’t be that hard to get back in shape. And, part of me just wanted to see if I could do it. I’ve done a triathlon once before (OK, some kids’ event when I was about 12), so that makes me an old pro, right? Besides, I had six weeks to train.

That six weeks is now five weeks – and counting – and although I’ve made some progress (I’ve gotten another friend to sign up, made plans with those coming in from out of town, and thought about what carbs I might want to eat the day or two before the race), I still have some work to do. I’ve only been running a few times (did I mention that I really don’t like to run?), but hey, I still have five weeks. I’ve made arrangements to borrow a bike from a co-worker (thanks, Mandy!), so as soon as I have that, I’ll start biking around my neighborhood. I’ve talked to the people at the YMCA, which has both indoor and outdoor pools, about their membership plans, and I’m joining this weekend. (Not only will I have somewhere to swim laps, but I’ll have a pool I can visit all summer!) I still need to check the List to find a massage therapist…. I have a feeling I’ll have some aches and pains when all is said and done.

I guess you could say I’ve done well with the preparation… now it’s time to really start training. I’m not worried: I’m already running, I’ll soon be swimming and biking, and anyway, I still have five weeks to go….