If I had a nickel for every time I’ve said, “Can I ask you something real quick?” over the past 3 years while considering, committing to, and, ultimately, completing my first triathlon, I’d have no worries about this recession.

There is an abundance of resources available to anyone trying to complete a fitness goal – coaches, the internet, sporting goods stores, magazines – but ultimately, in my opinion, success lies in the personal support system with which you surround yourself throughout the journey. One of the first friends I made when I moved to Charlotte 3 years ago was TriCarolina president Holly Gillis. She and I bonded instantly over our love of Georgia football, our excitement about our new hometown, and our passion for endurance events. Holly was training for the Las Vegas Marathon and I joined her on a couple of runs, as well as the last 7 miles of her actual race. During this time, I began to learn about the sport of triathlon from her. Having been a runner since I was a teenager (and, frankly, starting to get a little burned out on it), I was intrigued by the concept, yet petrified to get out of my comfort zone. I started asking questions.

When the TriCarolina club was formed, I joined. I had no bike and no idea where to start with the swimming (despite my numerous “honorable mention” ribbons from swim team in the early ‘80s). So I just showed up for Wednesday night track workouts. And I started asking everyone questions.

A year and a half later, I sprained my ankle horribly and running wasn’t an option for several months. So I bought a bike (after asking lots of questions) and started showing up to the Saturday morning rides. Where I continued to ask questions.

On January 2, 2009, I registered for my first triathlon – an Olympic/International distance. (This is when the questions started coming back at me, “WHY would you sign up for an Olympic as your first race??”) I had seven months to get ready. And ask questions. I solicited training schedules from several people and picked the one that worked for me and my lifestyle. I went to every run, bike, and open water swim I could. And I asked questions.

Race day was August 1. TriCarolina had an amazing turnout – some raced, some cheered, and ALL answered my questions, literally until that bullhorn went off. They are smart. They are fit. They are experienced. They are passionate about this sport. They are wonderfully supportive (and patient) friends. 

Training isn’t only about the physical evolution of your body as you achieve the fitness level necessary to complete an endurance event. It’s a mental journey, too. Finding a level of comfort that I could do it, do it well, and feel awesome before, during, and after the race, was something I had to take control of as much as I had to take control of the workouts. And I did it by asking questions.