The Treasure Valley YMCA in Boise, Idaho is a great organization.  Not only does it have a full-on aquatic center, 4 locations for training… but it also has a highly organized triathlon club.  As if that wasn’t enough, the YMCA also puts on at least six triathlons a year in addition to, track meets, marathons, road running, and duathlons.

This past weekend was no different, with the YMCA holding the Camelsback Duathlon only a few blocks away in Camelsback Park!   This was a great race to jump into with two weeks to go before Boise 70.3.   I’ve run a half marathon PR, so I know my running is on track for the season.  My bike workouts have been good, but there’s nothing like a full effort to see where your fitness really stands.

From 2004 to 2009, at the same time as I was progressing in the pool, I grew as a triathlete in general and as an open water swimmer.  Still, at first I had a lot of anxiety at the swim start and I swear that I decided to quit triathlon in every single swim.  Ok, so maybe this is an exaggeration.  And regardless, once on the bike I forgot all about that decision.  But I was typically WHOOPED when I finished the swim.  I couldn’t think straight let alone run through transition.

I wouldn’t say that water itself is my nemesis.   I really like water.  I drink maybe two or three liters of seltzer water a day.   I like to surf and I need water for that.  So I think I have a pretty positive relationship with the stuff.  However, for some reason my relationship with swimming has been tumultuous.

Last Wednesday, I packed up the CR-V and drove from Boise, Idaho to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Xterra Wester Championships.  It’s an absolutely beautiful drive.  The mountains of Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Nevada were amazing.   And the speed limit is 80 mph. Nice.  I love a good road trip.