I’m a runner and a cyclist, and now I’m adding swimmer into the mix as I train for my first triathlon. It might only be the sprint portion, but ever since I went for my first real swim of the summer, I have a healthy new respect for anyone racing any triathlon length.

For the Toronto Island Triathlon, I’ll be expected to swim 750 meters, bike 20 kilometers and run a final five kilometers. I justified putting off any serious swimming training not only because I’m pretty confident in water, but also because I figured swimming a 750-meter distance was equivalent to running five kilometers – boy was I ever wrong.

I’m struggling to swim the 15 lengths of my local Olympic pool that make up 750 meters total. And I have to consider that I’ll be competing in open water – an experience that is significantly different.

I might be scaring myself even more as I write it all down, but I’m determined to take this challenge seriously from now until the race. As I take a bit of a break from running to hone my swimming skills, I’ll still be referencing the recurring Nike motto, “Better For It,” since that’s how I feel every time I finish a lap.