Welcome to my World

For those of you who don't know me, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Lamar Hughes. I was born and reared in the South Bronx of New York City. I still call New York home, however my roots are now based in the borough of Queens. My professional occupation is that of an Elementary schoolteacher. You will come to learn other aspects of my personal life as we continue along this journey. For now, though, it's probably best for you to know that this-and future blogs-will be devoted to the training, following and competing of my newest recreational activity: triathlon. As of now, my "experience" consists of three duathlons and one Olympic distance tri; one I might add that while memorable, was the most stressful and strenuous physical activity I have ever experienced. Never have I been forced to push myself beyond my capabilities. There were countless moments where I cursed myself for thinking that I could pull of a challenge like this. But not too many feelings compared to the one I had when I crossed the finish line that Texas morning.

Aside from detailing my training regimen and updating you on future events in and around the triathlon world, my other purpose for creating this blog is to serve as a testament to those who want to get involved in this sport that 1) it is 87 different ways of fun, 2) anyone, and I do mean anyone, can take part in a triathlon. The only size that matters is that of your heart. Before I started training, I couldn't swim. This isn't to say that I'm able to go stroke-for-stroke with Michael Phelps, but believe me, my awareness and comfort in open and lap water grew tremendously over an eight-month span. I believe that there should be as many sites and blogs dedicated to first-time triathletes. There are so many things to keep mind of, that hearing or reading them all from a veteran could be overwhelming (it was for me).

My goal is to be that voice for the beginner triathlete and address topics that people tend to overlook. I know how it feels, for example, to finish last in a practice run. I know how it feels to walk in with a less-than-cool bike while your counterparts fly out the gate with some state-of-the-art tianium machine. And I certainly know how it feels to have lifeguards swim along with you during an actual race because you look an absolute mess on your own. But, I know how it feels to cross that finish line, knowing that I accomplished something that approximately 90% of the U.S. population hasn't and no one in my immediate circle of friends and family have even attempted.

Thank you all in advance for taking a few minutes to look at life through my lenses. As I mentioned before, I hope my experiences will serve as motivation for others to get involved in this great sport. My inspiration was a friend who suffered from severe asthma as a child, yet went on to compete in 3 marathons as an adult (he also thinks Usher is the second-greatest entertainer of all time, that's a different blog for a different day).

For the record, I'm in training for my 2nd race: the Mossman Sprint Triathlon in Norwalk, CT on July 19th. I'll keep you posted.