Three Things Thursday: What Scares Me

Source. This cartoon snake is ok. Looks like a gummy worm.
Freaked out over the other wpclipart photos of actual snakes

While snakes are on top this list, I have no desire to overcome it any time soon, unless overcoming that fear will promise me magic powers or all the money in the world....


Umm...scratch that.  No amount of money or supernatural powers will make me want to get close to one.  No. Not a chance.  But here are scary things to me that I am think sure I can face, thanks to supportive friends who will (promised to!) join me.

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1)  Swim.  Swim classes.  Yup, I can't swim.  Or rather, I used to swim, The Hubs taught me how to swim a little, but throw me in a pool right now and I'll be screaming for a lifeguard.  Yes, you don't leave your kids alone with someone like me at the pool.  It's scary, isn't it?  So I'm taking the plunge, literally, and signing up for swim classes in the spring with a friend who doesn't know how to swim either.  I was a little intimidated by it - didn't want to be surrounded by 14 year olds, but thanks to my friend, I won't be the only one in the midst of 14 year olds.  Yup, I NEED to do this.


I'm motivated by thoughts of swimming with my boys and The Hubs this summer instead of just standing at the shallow end looking like a dork.  Oh and the cross training!  Yeah!

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2)  My First Sprint Triathlon.  The running part is obviously easy for me, and once I conquer Fear #1, I'm sure this one won't be so bad, but I don't trust myself on a bike.  I'm afraid I'd lose control and literally ride towards cars or fall off the bike.  I have issues about stopping too.  I know, right?  How old am I?  Six?  I don't know what it is.  I just don't bike often and obviously need more practice.


When I was injured last year, I dusted off my bike for a short ride with the boys and ended up almost crashing into them because I lost control.  Pathetic huh?  


Practice.  I just need practice, right?  I need to get on the bike more.  Just give me an empty parking lot.  I'll be ok.  Yes, a sprint tri- would be awesome to try.  Two friends promised me they'd join me on my first tri- race.  Eventual goal:  Irongirl!  

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3)  Marathon.  Full Marathon.  I think I'm ready for it this year in the fall.  I wanted a new running goal.  I'm scared about the long runs, the time commitment...running 26.2 miles in one day.  There were so many signs for me lately, though, pointing to 26.2 miles.  Signs that motivated me to just say, yes, I'm going to do it.  More on that later, but I am excited.  I'm not 100% sure yet which full to do, but somewhere close to Washington DC, Virginia, definitely.  Thinking of Marine Corps Marathon.  ACK!!!!  


When I feel the fear, the doubt, I think about this quote, "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived" from the movie, Strictly Ballroom.  So true!


Anyone doing MCM this year or in the past?  What was your first full marathon race or triathlon?  Would you recommend it to a first timer?  Are you training for your first full too?