In June I got an email from Jim McCann saying we needed a new story for the website and he asked me to write a "My first triathlon" story.  This is the story of how triathlon and TCSD saved my life. Here goes, I hope you enjoy it.

I have spent years and years sitting in front of glowing computer monitors on the telephone fixing peoples computer problems. My dog and I would go to the park and I would sit on my butt while he ran and played.  I was 45lbs overweight and smoked a pack a day. My recreation consisted of chain smoking and playing "First Person Shooter" video games in an online league while sipping beer and mixed drinks.

Something told me that I could not go on like this forever and I decided to take the first step toward good health and quit smoking. After quitting I found that I had a lot of pent up energy. Rather than picking up a cigarette, I decided I would take my dog for a jog every time I had a craving.

My only real prior exercise experience was short lived in high school and the years I worked for the Air National Guard where I was actually put on probation in school because I was too heavy for my height based on the BMI (Body Mass Index). Despite the fact that I could run faster than most in my flight they still gave me a hard time.

As I continued jogging with my dog I decided I needed more. I began swimming in the wintertime with my sister along Sunset Cliffs and at La Jolla Cove.  I still had military benefits, so I decided to utilize the gym and the San Diego MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot).  There I found free fitness trainers, classes, and every piece of equipment I could imagine. I worked out there until the elliptical machines, step mills, and spin classes seemed somewhat easy. I needed more.

The MCRD has a series of 5k races every year. The weekend of St. Patrick's Day 2006 someone talked me into running the St. Patty's Day 5k at the facility.  This was my first running race, and when I finished I was exhilarated.  Afterwards I felt fantastic like I could do even more.

Somehow the idea of doing a triathlon got into my head.  I figured I could swim, I owned a mountain bike, and I loved running. What more do I need, right?  I remembered that some of the managers at work had done a relay at the 2005 Solana Beach Triathlon.  I decided this would be my first triathlon event and I began my training.

I arrived at registration to find that the event I had been training for so many months had sold out. I was distraught and it showed.  I walked away from the registration tents and picked up the phone to call my family to share my disappointment. (Note to self and others: always pre-register)  I was surprised when one of the staff members tapped me on the shoulder and told me they could work something out for me since it was my first event. I was so happy I almost cried.

The morning of the race I threw my GT mountain bike in the back of my car, picked up my support crew (my sister) and headed up to Solana Beach for the event.  When I got there it was miserable, drizzily, and cold; but I wasn't going to let that ruin the excitement. Then I realized that I had forgotten my helmet. T hank heavens Koz had a loaner bin. I grabbed one that wasn't too stinky and went to set up my first transition area.  When I got out to the shore I was filled with anticipation and excitement, feeling like a bull getting ready to charge.

The gun went off and I didn't hesitate to power through the swim.  I came out of the water ahead of the game and didn't look back.  On the way to the transition, I was somewhat disoriented from the exhilaration.  When I finally got to my spot I threw on the race T-shirt I had gotten the day before and shoes with no socks.  I was ready to rock!

I ran out of there at top speed, jumped on my bike and rode as hard as I possibly could.  I passed someone on a road bike.  I remember his words were something like "No way I'm going to let someone on a mountain bike pass me!"  I continued to mash my pedals putting me further ahead of him.  He shifted gears and eventually passed my butt up.

I passed an ex-coworker walking his dog.  He had not seen me since my sedentary days.  I will never forget the look of astonishment on his face.  It made me realize how far I had actually come in my training and motivated me to be strong into the Bike-Run transition.

The run was more fun than I had anticipated.  Prior to this race, I had done a 60 day Bikram Yoga (heated-hatha) challenge.  One of my instructors would always tell me "your breath will carry you through this".  These words echoed through my head when the exhaustion set in on the run and looking back, I think this really allowed me to give it my all, not to mention helping prevent lactic acid buildup.

When I arrived at the finish I was delighted to see not only my sister and her family, but my mother had just arrived from Vegas to see the end of my race.  I was so happy!  It was finally over and I could relax for a serious recovery.  After breakfast we caravanned to Huntington Beach for my mother's 45th high school reunion.  I spent the drive in the back of her Yukon laid out with her Afghan hound.  Looking back it was probably the worst recovery ever, but I didn't mind because I was still glowing from the competition.  My only regret is that I wore the race T-shirt in the race.  Even though it has chain, tire, and mud stains on it, I will still wear the shirt proudly as a reminder of a great race.

Looking back, I can see why so many people say that Solana Beach is a great beginner race.  The surf entry was not too difficult and the bike and run were for the most part flat. I would recommend this course to any beginner triathlete who has the means to participate.  I am going back this weekend with a road bike and a lot more training under my belt. I am anxious to see how much progress I have made in this first year.

The Triathlon Club of San Diego has taught me so much in such a short time.  With the regular and spur of the moment trainings, previews, and club events I am stronger than I had ever anticipated. I have made some incredible friends along the way.  My experiences have taught me that what is really important in life is your health, great friends, family, and helping others.  We are lucky to have such a great multisport community in this town and TCSD is the hub of this Triathlon Mecca we call San Diego.

Although I did not know Jim McCann very long, he helped me realize my true potential and goals in life.  I hope to take what he has shared with me and give it back to this flourishing community that he dedicated so much of his amazing life to. I've found that when you find a way to remember Jim, you will be reminded of what it's all about!  I will always proudly represent Triathlon and TCSD, ya’ll changed my life, for that I thank you.

Sincerely,
Buck Williamson

Bike and Run photos courtesy of www.Opix.net