COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: A triathlete's life

Editor's note: Lesley Smith, 29, was an elite all-state runner for Iowa City West who also ran for the University of Missouri. She is back in Iowa City, training and competing in triathlons while also working for Cadence Sports (an event management company). Smith placed third at Ironman 70.3 Kansas, and has recently posted top eight finishes at other top-tier races.

By Lesley Smith, community contributor

Growing up in Coralville, I came to the sport of triathlon first and foremost through my running background.

I was honored to be part of successful programs in high school and college, but about halfway through college - due to some injury, general burnout and immaturity issues - it became clear that I was not on the right path.

After moving to the active city of Austin, Texas - and a long break that included off and on physical activity - I started consistent triathlon training in late 2009 as a way to get back to a habitually healthier hobby and lifestyle.

Getting officially hooked on this new mind-body challenge began in early 2010 when I started to see some improvements and potential for relative achievement.

Now at the age of 29 and back in the Iowa City area for the summer, my daily schedule includes balancing my event production work (which can be done via computer and phone unless there is travel required) with some combination of the three disciplines.

My coach, who is based in Austin, maps out 10-15 hours of training per week depending on the current race schedule, work schedule and need for recovery. Right now this means approximately three to four swims a week, six to eight hours on the bike and 20 to 30 miles of running.

This workload needs to increase over time, but slowly, in order to become more competitive while avoiding chronic overtraining.

While my 2012 results have thus far included some top end finishes and prize money - I was asked to be on the Zoot Ultra Team (which supports athletes via product/clothing compensation) - it still is easy for me to experience some dissonance when it comes to the sport. Is there enough time left for me to nail the swim I need? Am I making the best choices for my future? Is triathlon taking away from other things I should be focused on?

But as is the case with any endeavor, there are trade offs. Ultimately, I remember that promoting an active lifestyle and being a part of an active community of people are core values for which I have always had a passion. The sport allows like-minded people to make connections in a positive, challenging environment.

You cannot beat that.

Of the many lessons I have learned from the sport thus far, none is more important than this: Don't take yourself too seriously.

There is a time to focus, but there also is a time to quote “Dumb & Dumber” at the start line (as was done last weekend by me and my college roommate/amazing fellow triathlete Jillian): Work hard, then go grab a cold beer and eat something gluttonous.

Cheers.