On New Year’s Day, my very kind and very ambitious neighbor, Sonia, stopped over to ask if I had any interest in competing in a triathlon with her in May.  She’s approaching a milestone birthday and was looking for a training buddy to join her.

As someone who recently celebrated a, ahem, milestone birthday, I fully understand the need to memorialize and honor a landmark day.

When I turned 30, I set a lofty goal of completing a full marathon — 26.2 miles. For someone who doesn’t run, it would be a challenge indeed, and I was determined. I teamed up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies’ Team in Training program and trained to walk the entire distance. 

I'm proud to say that I was able to finish the race, partially due to meeting an amazing training partner on the first day of group walk. And now, 10ish years later, another friend has asked me to help her reach her goal of completing a triathlon, which would surely be another lofty endeavor for me.

Although I can tread water for hours, I have to admit that I’ve never swum a full lap in the pool.  I know how to swim, but not efficiently.  My free stroke is more like a modified doggie paddle, with my head bobbing above water the entire time.

Although I know how to ride a bike, due to an accident during my teen years, I have much anxiety when climbing on to anything with two wheels.  Although I have three friends (Maureen, Michelle and Ghazaleh ) that teach spin classes and look for me to participate, I haven’t stepped foot into one.

And, as I said earlier, I don’t run.  I used to when I was younger, however, years of playing volleyball led to eventual knee surgery that makes running near impossible.

So, finishing a triathlon is something I have not added to my bucket list.  However, I’m a very competitive person who revels when challenged.

The triathlon is May 20th at Lake Lanier. I’m attracted to the fact that it’s a women-only “Iron Girl” marathon . I still have my Iron Girl hat from the marathon. Perhaps this is a sign.

There’s a woman at the Robert Fowler YMCA here in Peachtree Corners who teaches adults how to swim efficiently, and offers a free class every Monday. OK, I could do that; another sign.

I could also practice with my daughters, who at 8 and 5 are already far better swimmers than I, after yearly participation on the Jones Bridge River Station Rapid Barracuda swim team.  I strive to serve as a positive role model to them when it comes to health and fitness, and watching their “Iron-Girl” mommy learn to swim and finish a triathlon would be priceless.

I could surprise my spinning friends and show up to one (or all) of their classes at the YMCA. Perhaps my good friend Patti (also a biking diva) would consider teaching me how to ride and train with me?  I could conquer my fear of the two-wheeler.

So, for the past week, I’ve been seriously considering Sonia’s request. What sealed the deal is when I received a message from Donna, my marathon training partner from over a decade ago, whom I still keep in touch with, “I’m doing a triathlon this year. Any interest?"

Now, there’s a sign.  I’m all in.