It's Not Like I Have A Lot Of Free Time But....

For some time now I have wanted to do a triathlon. Having a job, three kids, and a part time gig as a completely unknown musician has largely prevented that particular piece of self realisation. However, my fortieth year on this planet is looming, in fact it passed looming some time back. "Bearing down on me rapidly" might be a more apt description. 40 is now tanked up on speed, driving a fast car, and has just popped over the horizon, accelerator depressed to the max, while laughing maniacally.Therefore, I just signed up for the Wildflower Triathlon in Monterey in early May. A mere three weeks before my inevitable meeting with the onset of middle age. I can't afford a red Porsche, so my midlife crisis will be something I should have tried 10 years ago.

Not that anyone out there should really give a toss, but I figure if I put it up here publicly, I may be more likely to actually train and compete in the event. I should be fine for the swim (I swam competitively for years and I did the Alcatraz swim a few years back), so I know I can go the distance easily. Biking's not a problem as I've done, and do, lots of that. However, here's the rub: I'm not so sure about the run. I tore my meniscus last spring, and the good doctor thought it worthwhile, based on the position of the tear, to avoid surgery and see how/if it mended itself. So far, it seems to be progressing nicely. It still twinges, but I can walk up a stairs or chase my kids without stabbing pain, or my knee popping. However, I won't really won't know how it holds up until I begin running. My plan is to forestall running for as long as possible, and get myself in shape biking to and from work, and swimming at lunch time (there's a pool close to work).

For anyone interested, I am doing the Olympic distance, 0.9 mile open water swim, 40k bike ride, and 10k run.

Advice anyone?