by Shashwat C.

Coming from a running background, one day I just got motivated to up my game and enter the world of triathlon. So far I only had heard stories and theories about triathlons from others. It was time to experience them myself. That’s when I met Coach Joe LoPresto of Experience Triathlon Coaching Services. I was very nervous about not being able to swim, but he believed in me more than I did in myself.

Within a few months I was able to stay in water sufficiently long enough to swim complete laps in the pool. Then came the open ‘scary’ waters, and I felt as if I was getting into water for the first time. But then there was Coach Christa, and it took a few Monday evenings at the ET Open Water Swim Clinics to get used to the unfriendly conditions.

Race day at the ET Naperville Sprint Triathlon was there is almost no time. With the primary goal of swimming through the open water in the quarry and coming out safely and not intending to beat any clock I decided to wear my wet suit (perhaps I was the only one wearing that on that warm Sunday morning, but I don’t regret it). I was slow in the water, also stopped a couple times to catch my breath, but after 19 minutes I was at the waters exit, and I was happy. From there it was going to be more familiar and friendly tracks on the bike and run course.

It was a very BIG day for me, almost life changing. It’s the beginning of my journey to becoming an Ironman. My first triathlon has taught me two things – one, it’s going to be very very tough, and second, Anything is Possible.