I was dared to do my first sprint triathlon by a friend in 2011. She injured herself prior to the race, so I showed up alone and really nervous. I was immediately embraced (literally) by several other women in my swim wave who recognized my fearful, deer-in-the-headlights look and took me under their wings until we were in the water. I finished the race and I was sure I was going to do more after that. Before then, I could swim well enough to survive (not fast, but steady) and while I had never raced on a bike, I was regularly doing long rides including several centuries per year. But I had never run a 5K before my first tri. I followed a couch-to-5K plan to gain confidence in the run, and I did a total of 30 races over the next 5 years, gradually working my way up to longer distances. But still I feared signing up for a half or full because of the run requirement. When I decided to try my first half iron distance last year, I knew I needed to have a disciplined approach to training, especially for the run segment. Being a bit of a data geek, I was attracted to TriDot for their data-driven, highly individualized approach to training. I finished 4th in my age group at my first Ironman 70.3 last year and I attribute my success to trusting and following the TriDot program! This year I plan to do at least one more 70.3, several smaller races, and my first-ever marathon. Then in 2020 I want to do my first full distance triathlon. I know TriDot (and my tri club, West Chester Women's MultiSport) will be there with me for the distance. Pun entirely intended!