Why Tri is addicting. The 2009 Tri Season

This year is my second triathlon season. I decided to get my training off to an early start but apparently the economy or the Tri-gods are conspiring against me. I started weekly swim training at my club when the pool was promptly closed for indefinite emergency repairs. Of course I could make other arrangements but I will probably just wait until it reopens. Instead I am taking a weekly running class on the track trying to improve my speed. I've found that there is a big difference from jogging, which is apparently what I used to do when I ran, and trying to run faster. The track workouts are extremely difficult but very fun and rewarding. I'd highly recommend a structured program. On the bike I typically do not start to ride until May when the weather is better. So I am trying to fit in a couple of spin classes every week. We'll see if that helps my biking this spring. Otherwise this year my goal is to do an Olympic distance race. I'll still try a few of the shorter sprint distances for training but it is time to kick it up a notch. Once ski season is over I should have enough time to train more this season and hopefully do better in the results. One thing is for sure, the training is a great relief from the current economic climate. Now is a great time to set your goals for the season or the year. But beware. Tri training is a part-time job and fairly addicting.