Two or three years ago, I decided that I was interested in doing a triathlon. For those that don’t know, a triathlon includes three different events, also called “legs” – swimming, biking and running. Usually, it’s in that order, and the distances vary, depending on the type of triathlon. 

There was one main issue with me doing triathlons: running. I didn’t do it. I felt like I didn’t have the body for it, and I wasn’t sure where to start, but I figured that I probably shouldn’t just go out and start doing it.  I mean, I knew that it was basically left followed by right, followed by left, and so on, but what else was important to know? 

I decided that I would see what kind of books that RCPL had, and go from there. Before I knew it, I was on a plan that would work me up to running for 30 minutes, which was all I needed, since the triathlons I was going to do had a 5K/approximately 3 miles at the end.  I have known other people to do similar programs that they’ve found or purchased online. Personally, I’d rather save the money for my first event and use the free resources from the library!

The library has a variety of information about running -- for beginner runners, young runners, women runners, older runners, as well as for those that wish to run longer distances, such as a half marathon or a full marathon. Richland County Public Library has a running book for you.  Many of the books include valuable information about shoe selection, injury prevention, nutrition, running tips, and much more!

Here I am now, preparing for my first full marathon, and I feel great. I found a training plan that has built me up for endurance running and feel confident about my race, which is coming up! In the meantime, I don’t dread the final leg of my triathlons, knowing that I am a runner!  Maybe you are, too.