A forever newbie goes to Tri Camp

Are you considering signing up for Tri Camp? Does it sound a little scary? Does it sound a lot scary? Read on about the lessons I learned as a forever newbie that attended Tri Camp last year. (Feel free to message me or tag me in a post on Facebook if you have any questions at all AND follow me on Strava!)

1. It’s totally acceptable to modify workouts for your needs. I skipped the Friday ride altogether (but waved and beeped at folks huffing it up the hills as I drove by!) and opted for the less hilly, smoother ride on Saturday, where we stayed in the park (and together!). At 1,375 feet of elevation in 20 miles, it was still a challenge, but it prepared me for my first ride with the B minus group two Tuesday night bricks later (thanks Dana!).
2. The Team Tri was the BEST PART! We were teamed up, with one fearless leader keeping us all together (Hi Julie!), and we swam/bike/ran as one unit. I was quite nervous that I would be the one slowing the team down on every leg, but it didn’t even matter! We were there to have fun and sweat and make forever memories and such. Everyone waited on the beach for me to get out of the water, and we regrouped on the bike and run to cross the finish line together. Spoiler alert: we didn’t win, but we smiled every mile!
3. I learned a lot. I fully believe we should purposefully surround ourselves with folks who are wiser and faster and everything-er than us in order to improve. They let us tuck in behind their wheel, and we rise as they climb, quite literally. The hive brain of sports and fitness knowledge in our club is a gift. Key learnings from Tri Camp for me included how to draft on the swim, the best way to attack a hill, and to never leave pastries out overnight in a cabin in the woods (I’m looking at you, Jen!). 
4. I immersed myself in the CTC community. Before Tri Camp, I always felt like I was on the fringe of the club - I had my circle of newbie tri friends but was a little intimidated about stepping outside my small group. Tri camp broke down the walls (that I had put up myself, dang it!) and gave me the chance to get to really know some CTC members. I realize that Tri Camp isn’t the only way to do this -  you could commit to attending Tuesday night bricks or one of the regular social outings - but Tri Camp accelerated the process for me.
5. ​I am a triathlete. Imposter syndrome is real, friends. There are a few specific CTC events I consider monumental in giving me the strength and confidence to jump across the finish line of my first 70.3 last July in Sandusky: committing to EVERY Tuesday night brick, swimming farther than I ever thought possible at the Big Swim, riding the Ohio 70.3 preview, and attending Tri Camp. If you can swing it, sign up. You won’t regret it (and I think I have two more spaces in my cabin - let me know if you want in!).

My sweaty rundown, if you’re interested:
Friday: skipped the ride but folks did 30 or 60 miles, I believe
Saturday Morning: Swim: 875 yards (in a wetsuit, of course) Ride: 20M (longer option)
Saturday afternoon: Team Tri (sprint)
​Sunday: Swim: 550 yards Run: 3.1 M

-Kirsten Bardwell

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