Training was disrupted a bit this week due to a pump issue that caused the pool to close mid-week. I still have to figure out how to make-up that swim workout. There is an option to do it today, but I'd miss this great strength-training class...
Decisions, decisions.
Running has been going very well! I'm almost back on pace! Well, at least a minute off, but that is down 1.5 minutes from where I started just a mere 4 weeks ago! Only a few more months and I hope to be back on my PB 1/2 marathon pace!
Nutritionally, my training has helped motivate me to eat more healthful foods, prepared at home. About time, actually! Even the frozen or packaged meals are better than the convenience items of the Food Court at work. : )
On a bit note, too, I'm about to order a heart rate monitor (w. foot pod, cadence, altitude, etc). It's a huge investment, but I think will really help bring all the aspects of my workouts together.
I'm getting excited about this year!
Ciao & happy training,
MJ
29 February 2008
26 February 2008
Lessons of the Square Watermelon
A friend at work forwarded me a story w. the above caption - and yes, in Japan, there really are square watermelon!
The timing of the lesson could not have been better - I'd been dragging (as you can see from yesterday's post) and I never actually made it to the pool. Ugh. That weighed on me. Skipping workouts in favour of sleep/couch time is not a good way to prepare for one's first Ironman.
Part of me dreaded the workout - there were drills intercepted by a 500 & 400 yard straight swim. Ugh x 3!
I made it to the Fitness Centre. A woman in the change room was quite chatty - it seemed she was a breast cancer survivor (noted by the scars on her chest) and was just getting back into swimming. She was so enthusiastic, I felt guilty for avoiding the pool. She was quite complimentary, too - telling me I looked fantastic. We discussed that body image/fitness is all relative. What is important is to get out and be active.
Once in the pool, the water was FREEZING! The jets near my lane were channeling icy cold streams. Brrr. I started the workout and quickly lost count of my warmup laps. How many was that exactly!? After 40 minutes, I guessed I must be done and went right to the Main Set.
I was amazed by how easy the 500 yds straight felt after the drills! I just put my head down and counted the laps until it was time for the next drill set!
I finished the ENTIRE workout in 100 minutes - only 10 minutes longer than the time specified. As noted in one of the Lessons of the Square Watermelon:
Impossibilities often aren't: If you begin with the notion that something is impossible, then it obviously will be for you. If, on the other hand, you decide to see if something is possible or not, you will find out through trial and error.
So not only was it possible to finish the workout, it was possible to do 500 yds straight and still have reserve! I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THE 2.4 MILE SWIM IN LAKE PLACID! Just a matter of time - maybe only a month from now, I'll be knocking out a full 4600 yd workout in 90 minutes!
Oh, and if you are curious about the Watermelons, check out this link:
http://www.financialhack.com/2007/12/04/10145_lessons-of-the-square-watermelon.html
The timing of the lesson could not have been better - I'd been dragging (as you can see from yesterday's post) and I never actually made it to the pool. Ugh. That weighed on me. Skipping workouts in favour of sleep/couch time is not a good way to prepare for one's first Ironman.
Part of me dreaded the workout - there were drills intercepted by a 500 & 400 yard straight swim. Ugh x 3!
I made it to the Fitness Centre. A woman in the change room was quite chatty - it seemed she was a breast cancer survivor (noted by the scars on her chest) and was just getting back into swimming. She was so enthusiastic, I felt guilty for avoiding the pool. She was quite complimentary, too - telling me I looked fantastic. We discussed that body image/fitness is all relative. What is important is to get out and be active.
Once in the pool, the water was FREEZING! The jets near my lane were channeling icy cold streams. Brrr. I started the workout and quickly lost count of my warmup laps. How many was that exactly!? After 40 minutes, I guessed I must be done and went right to the Main Set.
I was amazed by how easy the 500 yds straight felt after the drills! I just put my head down and counted the laps until it was time for the next drill set!
I finished the ENTIRE workout in 100 minutes - only 10 minutes longer than the time specified. As noted in one of the Lessons of the Square Watermelon:
Impossibilities often aren't: If you begin with the notion that something is impossible, then it obviously will be for you. If, on the other hand, you decide to see if something is possible or not, you will find out through trial and error.
So not only was it possible to finish the workout, it was possible to do 500 yds straight and still have reserve! I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THE 2.4 MILE SWIM IN LAKE PLACID! Just a matter of time - maybe only a month from now, I'll be knocking out a full 4600 yd workout in 90 minutes!
Oh, and if you are curious about the Watermelons, check out this link:
http://www.financialhack.com/2007/12/04/10145_lessons-of-the-square-watermelon.html
25 February 2008
Should I ...
Today I'm really dragging. Perhaps because I saw that I have a tougher swim workout tonight... I'd planned to leave work early and hit the pool before it got busy, but have sort of delayed and talked myself into swimming at 8:30 pm.
Not ideal.
So much for the habit - I guess I need to swim for 21 days straight for it to take! Ha, ha, ha!
So the question becomes, should I deek off work now (2:00 pm-ish), get to the pool and swim from 3:00 - 5:00 pm? Or, should I go home, nap and swim later this evening? Neither one sounds great at the moment, b/c I feel so tired! But if at least I get a nap in, I may have a better workout. Which means I'm leaning to the latter option - the one that also keeps my conscience clear, too!
Ciao!
MJ
Not ideal.
So much for the habit - I guess I need to swim for 21 days straight for it to take! Ha, ha, ha!
So the question becomes, should I deek off work now (2:00 pm-ish), get to the pool and swim from 3:00 - 5:00 pm? Or, should I go home, nap and swim later this evening? Neither one sounds great at the moment, b/c I feel so tired! But if at least I get a nap in, I may have a better workout. Which means I'm leaning to the latter option - the one that also keeps my conscience clear, too!
Ciao!
MJ
Habit Forming
Apparently, it takes at least 21 days to form a habit:
It takes at least 21 days to form a habit. This means that you have to do something at least 21 times before it begins to become part of your everyday routine. So . . .
It takes at least 21 days to form a habit. This means that you have to do something at least 21 times before it begins to become part of your everyday routine. So . . .
- Decide exactly what you want to do. Write it down and post it where you can see it every day, like your bathroom mirror. Be as specific as possible. [CHECK: it is in my training plan & logbook.]
- Schedule time to do what you want to do. Again, it takes 21 days to form a habit, so schedule at least 21 days on your calendar and don't let anything get in the way of your schedule. If you miss one of your scheduled days, it's best to start over and schedule another 21 days. You must be consistent and dedicated to doing what you want to do. [CHECK - sort of ... I do set time aside to do this, but it is not currently a 'regularly' scheduled slot in my day - not even on weekends. Yet. But it will be!]
- Once you reach your 21 days, congratulations! Don't stop now though, schedule another 21 days, and then another and so on, until you do those things you want to do, without even thinking about them . . . like brushing your teeth. [CHECK: 21 days and counting on another 21 and another and ...]
So here's to my new Ironman Training Habit! Happy Training!
Ciao!
MJ
24 February 2008
Off to the Fitness Centre!
Planning my day today - so far, the run & weights at Lifetime will bring my recovery week to a nice close, with totals as shown in the small graph. It seems VERY balanced.
Total time is in minutes on the Y axis, with the weekly graph of swim/bike/run/weights on the X axis.
22 February 2008
It's coming together!
The last few days of workouts have been wonderful - none missed this week (which is great), although I did grossly undercalculate my swim workout on Wednesday!
I do need to get into a nice routine. : )
Last evening, after my run & weights, I FINALLY fell asleep and stayed asleep for a regular period of time. Although it was a bit short, I actually did sleep well.
Today, I've enjoyed my day off from training - I feel a bit 'antsy'. Like I should be doing something - but actually, I can feel that I've needed the rest. I did nice girly things - running errands, shopping in Birmingham and actually making dinner! YAY.
Just roasting some coffee now for the week ahead and will be just about set. : )
Ciao!
MJ
I do need to get into a nice routine. : )
Last evening, after my run & weights, I FINALLY fell asleep and stayed asleep for a regular period of time. Although it was a bit short, I actually did sleep well.
Today, I've enjoyed my day off from training - I feel a bit 'antsy'. Like I should be doing something - but actually, I can feel that I've needed the rest. I did nice girly things - running errands, shopping in Birmingham and actually making dinner! YAY.
Just roasting some coffee now for the week ahead and will be just about set. : )
Ciao!
MJ
19 February 2008
Sleeping like CRAP!
Since I began my IM Training Program, I've been sleeping very poorly: off hours; long 4 - 5 hour naps in the middle of the day then unable to sleep; falling asleep at 8:00 pm, waking at Midnight then unable to sleep again until 5:00 am when it is time for me to get up.
AAARGHHH! I thought it might have been temporary, but it seems to be continuing. The only good thing about being utterly exhausted today is that maybe I will gut it through the day and the evening workout to be able to get to sleep tonight.
Not sure what it is but it needs to resolve soon - sleep is the best way for me to recover and that doesn't seem to be happening!
Zzzzzzzz [ciao!],
MJ
AAARGHHH! I thought it might have been temporary, but it seems to be continuing. The only good thing about being utterly exhausted today is that maybe I will gut it through the day and the evening workout to be able to get to sleep tonight.
Not sure what it is but it needs to resolve soon - sleep is the best way for me to recover and that doesn't seem to be happening!
Zzzzzzzz [ciao!],
MJ
A Late Night Swim ... maybe too late!
There can be no doubt of commitment.
Last night, after a 4.5 hour dentist appointment for a root canal, I made it to the pool and finished my 90-minute drill workout just before 11:00 pm.
That is a little bit too late to workout! But I did it. Unfortunately, I was not able to get the pool to myself - there always seemed to be some recreational swimmer in the lane next to me - one guy was even doing some sort of water running which looked more like hopping! It was hilarious!
Ciao,
MJ
Last night, after a 4.5 hour dentist appointment for a root canal, I made it to the pool and finished my 90-minute drill workout just before 11:00 pm.
That is a little bit too late to workout! But I did it. Unfortunately, I was not able to get the pool to myself - there always seemed to be some recreational swimmer in the lane next to me - one guy was even doing some sort of water running which looked more like hopping! It was hilarious!
Ciao,
MJ
17 February 2008
Another great weekend of workouts!
On Friday, I managed to get to 'Strictly Strength' where I had a 'Bosu' butt kicking! WOW - those things are tough!
That was followed by a 3-hour ride on Saturday plus t-run. I didn't think I would have the NRG for a run - no matter how short and easy an effort. But it felt fantastic to be out on the roads! I overdressed, but with the amazing sun, the run was effortless! Even with icy, wet, slushy roads.
Today's workout was a 100-minute run followed by a weight workout. With the icy weather (it rained all morning at 31F so was like an ice rink!), I stayed in, setting my iPod tunes up. I left just in time to make it to another 'Strictly Strength' class where the focus was definitely on core muscles. It hurt so much in my abdominals and hip flexors that I thought there was no way I could gut it through 100 minutes on a treadmill! But I did! And I was flying - a full 30 seconds per mile faster than the pace last week.
So the weekly totals are 10 hours of training for Week 1; 13 hours for Week 2! Whoo hoo! And this next week is a 'recovery' period so I'm certainly looking forward to the slightly easier effots!
Ciao!
MJ
p.s. I arrived home to a water issue - one of the outside faucets had burst [NO - I did drain it at the beginning of the Fall season!] and water was streaming out the side of the house! The faucet had rotted completely off the pipe. Thank goodness for Larry, the retired plumber and his reasonable rates. He is such a kind soul, too - coming out after 5 pm on a Sunday! Whew!
That was followed by a 3-hour ride on Saturday plus t-run. I didn't think I would have the NRG for a run - no matter how short and easy an effort. But it felt fantastic to be out on the roads! I overdressed, but with the amazing sun, the run was effortless! Even with icy, wet, slushy roads.
Today's workout was a 100-minute run followed by a weight workout. With the icy weather (it rained all morning at 31F so was like an ice rink!), I stayed in, setting my iPod tunes up. I left just in time to make it to another 'Strictly Strength' class where the focus was definitely on core muscles. It hurt so much in my abdominals and hip flexors that I thought there was no way I could gut it through 100 minutes on a treadmill! But I did! And I was flying - a full 30 seconds per mile faster than the pace last week.
So the weekly totals are 10 hours of training for Week 1; 13 hours for Week 2! Whoo hoo! And this next week is a 'recovery' period so I'm certainly looking forward to the slightly easier effots!
Ciao!
MJ
p.s. I arrived home to a water issue - one of the outside faucets had burst [NO - I did drain it at the beginning of the Fall season!] and water was streaming out the side of the house! The faucet had rotted completely off the pipe. Thank goodness for Larry, the retired plumber and his reasonable rates. He is such a kind soul, too - coming out after 5 pm on a Sunday! Whew!
14 February 2008
Great Gear: Gaiters!
My t-run on Wednesday was in an amazing snow storm! About 3 inches of snow fell in 2 hours and as I left, I was so happy I'd invested in knee-high gaiters to cover the gap between my run tights & shoes.
The run was completely toasty, although the snowflakes hitting my eyelashes made it difficult to see and of course, I couldn't go very fast!
Off to the fitness club for a run & weight workout tonight!
Happy Valentine's Day!
MJ
The run was completely toasty, although the snowflakes hitting my eyelashes made it difficult to see and of course, I couldn't go very fast!
Off to the fitness club for a run & weight workout tonight!
Happy Valentine's Day!
MJ
12 February 2008
OK Go! Here it goes again!
Everyone must check this out http://youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI
Quite talented and apparently all done in one take. I can certainly appreciate it, having almost ripped my legs off on my first run on the treadmill this past Sunday since I moved here from Toronto.
Ciao!
MJ
Quite talented and apparently all done in one take. I can certainly appreciate it, having almost ripped my legs off on my first run on the treadmill this past Sunday since I moved here from Toronto.
Ciao!
MJ
11 February 2008
Lose Yourself!
With a dentist appointment this afternoon that didn't happen (my dentist is on a cruise & his staff had the wrong week for the booking), I had a great nap and decided to swim later in the evening.
After some veggie soup, I headed out, hoping to get there to start at 7:30-ish. On my way there (interrupted a bit when I had to return to get the workout that I forgot!), Eminem was on the radio. It might just be a perfect anthem for this first phase of training - should select a new one each phase to carry me onward... : )
Turns out there is a swim class in the lap pool each Monday & Wednesday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, so it was a bit crowded. Ugh. But after they finished, there was amazing stillness. I needed it to complete the tough drill session. The challenging part was only 2 x (1x 400 as: (25 kick on stomach w/arms at side, 25 kick on left, 25 kick on right, 25 S2S) four times through) with 1 min rest before the next set. But it was HARD - another HTFU session!
It was the kick on stomach that was the most difficult - obviously what I needed to do the most to help my body position. It felt amazing to complete all 8 of them and the full set.
On the drive home, I was grinning ear-to-ear. Quite the endorphine junkie!
But as I've said earlier - I AM BACK! Can't wait for tomorrow's ride & t-run!
Ciao!
MJ
(p.s. Yesterday's temp w. windchill: a balmy -18 F and roughly similar today!)
After some veggie soup, I headed out, hoping to get there to start at 7:30-ish. On my way there (interrupted a bit when I had to return to get the workout that I forgot!), Eminem was on the radio. It might just be a perfect anthem for this first phase of training - should select a new one each phase to carry me onward... : )
Turns out there is a swim class in the lap pool each Monday & Wednesday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, so it was a bit crowded. Ugh. But after they finished, there was amazing stillness. I needed it to complete the tough drill session. The challenging part was only 2 x (1x 400 as: (25 kick on stomach w/arms at side, 25 kick on left, 25 kick on right, 25 S2S) four times through) with 1 min rest before the next set. But it was HARD - another HTFU session!
It was the kick on stomach that was the most difficult - obviously what I needed to do the most to help my body position. It felt amazing to complete all 8 of them and the full set.
On the drive home, I was grinning ear-to-ear. Quite the endorphine junkie!
But as I've said earlier - I AM BACK! Can't wait for tomorrow's ride & t-run!
Ciao!
MJ
(p.s. Yesterday's temp w. windchill: a balmy -18 F and roughly similar today!)
10 February 2008
Did I say I 'HATED' being indoors?
Yes - I did. MANY times. But today, I am so thankful for my fitness centre membership.
It was 8F, with a bitter windchill (I'll check the actual temp and post later). After procrastinating for a couple of hours this morning, I set the DVR for all my home improvement shows and headed out, bundled completely. It was COLD!
Thank goodness for Lifetime - the sun was shining on the treadmill and I got to peoplewatch (more on that later, too). It was a true HTFU 90-minute run, followed by somewhat of an Easter Egg Hunt as I tried to locate all the weight equipment I needed to complete my simple 30-minute, 1x10 rep routine, but I did it. And enjoyed it!
I am BACK! : )
Will post more later about the Fitness Centre adventure. I truly am a 'newbie' in that world!
Ciao!
MJ
It was 8F, with a bitter windchill (I'll check the actual temp and post later). After procrastinating for a couple of hours this morning, I set the DVR for all my home improvement shows and headed out, bundled completely. It was COLD!
Thank goodness for Lifetime - the sun was shining on the treadmill and I got to peoplewatch (more on that later, too). It was a true HTFU 90-minute run, followed by somewhat of an Easter Egg Hunt as I tried to locate all the weight equipment I needed to complete my simple 30-minute, 1x10 rep routine, but I did it. And enjoyed it!
I am BACK! : )
Will post more later about the Fitness Centre adventure. I truly am a 'newbie' in that world!
Ciao!
MJ
09 February 2008
Butt Kicking!
I had the experience of getting my butt whipped in a fitness class called 'Strictly Strength'. Since I was supposed to find time to stretch & do weights, this class seemed like it would combine the two. It did not disappoint!
For one hour, I tried to follow the choreography and keep up w. our very fit instructor. Wow - it was a great mix of work w. tension bands on arms & ankles as well as core moves strengthening the abdominals and glutes. I could feel it during and of course, today. I knew I had some room to improve (lots!) on my fitness, but this seemed to target muscles I have never used in any running/cycling/swimming.
I was happily exhausted and stoked!
For today's session on the trainer & for my t-run, I could feel the improvement in my core strength. While the run was far from fast due to the deep slush, water & ice all over the street, it felt fantastic. I think I should hop on the bike for a few minutes before every run so they can all feel like a transition run!
Fortunately, today's weather was mild - about 38F. Tomorrow's run will likely be on the treadmill at the Fitness Centre. Ugh. It's supposed to drop down to a high of 10F - seriously!!! I'm toughening up, but that would be crazy! Running at the Centre will make it easier to transition to a weight workout, so I hope to get there early and have the rest of the day for lounging!
Ciao! : )
For one hour, I tried to follow the choreography and keep up w. our very fit instructor. Wow - it was a great mix of work w. tension bands on arms & ankles as well as core moves strengthening the abdominals and glutes. I could feel it during and of course, today. I knew I had some room to improve (lots!) on my fitness, but this seemed to target muscles I have never used in any running/cycling/swimming.
I was happily exhausted and stoked!
For today's session on the trainer & for my t-run, I could feel the improvement in my core strength. While the run was far from fast due to the deep slush, water & ice all over the street, it felt fantastic. I think I should hop on the bike for a few minutes before every run so they can all feel like a transition run!
Fortunately, today's weather was mild - about 38F. Tomorrow's run will likely be on the treadmill at the Fitness Centre. Ugh. It's supposed to drop down to a high of 10F - seriously!!! I'm toughening up, but that would be crazy! Running at the Centre will make it easier to transition to a weight workout, so I hope to get there early and have the rest of the day for lounging!
Ciao! : )
07 February 2008
This Quote Says it All!
"The investment in proper technique and a structured swim program including drills and form work will pay tremendous dividends. ... Want proof? Go to your local masters swim meet and check out the out-of-shape ex-swimmer with the beer gut effortlessly kicking your skinny ass."
Sam McGlone (from Triathlete Magazine, Feb. 2008)
That's what I felt like yesterday evening - the guy ripping flip turns yesterday had quite the tummy!
Sam McGlone (from Triathlete Magazine, Feb. 2008)
That's what I felt like yesterday evening - the guy ripping flip turns yesterday had quite the tummy!
A Snowy Swim
My update yesterday on the swim workout missed the best detail - it was a beautiful snowy swim! Really!
Southeast Michigan had experienced sleet and ice pellets most of the day, making it a salty & wet commute to Lifetime Fitness. In the 90 minutes I was in the lap pool, the weather shifted to thick, huge fluffy wet snow. At one point during the swim, I glanced over to the large wall of windows, framed by tall pines and there were beautiful large flakes floating gracefully.
It was inspirational! I continued swimming with a smile on my face.
In the parking lot, my car was covered with a solid 2" of snow. A gentleman parked next to me was just arriving and asked if I had a snow brush - I did! He still helped me clear the snow off my car. Traffic inched carefully - the snow covered a 1/2" of gravel-like ice! It took 45 minutes to go the 5 miles home. But it was a gorgeous drive!
Southeast Michigan had experienced sleet and ice pellets most of the day, making it a salty & wet commute to Lifetime Fitness. In the 90 minutes I was in the lap pool, the weather shifted to thick, huge fluffy wet snow. At one point during the swim, I glanced over to the large wall of windows, framed by tall pines and there were beautiful large flakes floating gracefully.
It was inspirational! I continued swimming with a smile on my face.
In the parking lot, my car was covered with a solid 2" of snow. A gentleman parked next to me was just arriving and asked if I had a snow brush - I did! He still helped me clear the snow off my car. Traffic inched carefully - the snow covered a 1/2" of gravel-like ice! It took 45 minutes to go the 5 miles home. But it was a gorgeous drive!
06 February 2008
Amazing Swim Tonight!
It was great that the workout tonight had three main sets in total - nothing fancy or difficult. Just solid swimming. And I was much more focused than the Monday workout. Downside: This time was my turn to look like I was flailing away! Two guys in the lanes next to me were much smoother and faster. One was even doing flip turns rather than open turns at the end of the lane.
I think I've said before - it is all relative. : )
At yesterday's chiropractic session, I mentioned to Stacey that I was afraid of drowning. She did a bit of the fantastic holistic mind/body work she does and WOW - tonight I didn't even have a thought about that. The only thing that did pop into my mind almost at the end of the workout was that I could get 'beaten-up' by all the faster swimmers pummeling over me. That's probably the next thing to work on.
And an added bonus - no run tonight! I thought there was but there is only an optional 1 hour bike, which I'll pass on so that I can be fresher for tomorrow's run & weight workout.
Ciao!
I think I've said before - it is all relative. : )
At yesterday's chiropractic session, I mentioned to Stacey that I was afraid of drowning. She did a bit of the fantastic holistic mind/body work she does and WOW - tonight I didn't even have a thought about that. The only thing that did pop into my mind almost at the end of the workout was that I could get 'beaten-up' by all the faster swimmers pummeling over me. That's probably the next thing to work on.
And an added bonus - no run tonight! I thought there was but there is only an optional 1 hour bike, which I'll pass on so that I can be fresher for tomorrow's run & weight workout.
Ciao!
Adapting to the Trainer
Amazing ride last evening - well, trainer session! 83 minutes of drills. Initially felt tired, but was surprised at how quickly my legs came back. The toughest part of the ride was sitting on the hard bike seat for that long! Ouch. It's just a matter of acclimating - a few more rides and I'll be fine. : )
After the ride, my legs felt like lead. I hurried up the stairs from the basement and changed for a short run. Just 15 minutes. Running off the bike is one of my favorite things! I felt like I was flying! It was so psychologically great that the run was short - kept me moving easily and fluidly.
One quick comment on clothing. My extra small cycling shorts don't fit like they used to! ACK! I NEED to work out! Wow. As for the run, I love my new Nike arm band with encased blinking light. It wraps around my bicep and velco holds it in place.
Tonight is another swim followed by a long run. The run will be done outdoors, although the weather is not supposed to be great.
Although it is only Day 2, I'm really encouraged about the training program and about how my body has already adapted to training. The level of intensity is not high right now, but I feel the changes and adapations taking place. I also feel very confident about the program - it is really well done. So nice to simply 'follow the program' and not have the stress of planning or adjusting. Money well spent! Thanks for the recommendation, Ginger!
Until later ...
Ciao!
After the ride, my legs felt like lead. I hurried up the stairs from the basement and changed for a short run. Just 15 minutes. Running off the bike is one of my favorite things! I felt like I was flying! It was so psychologically great that the run was short - kept me moving easily and fluidly.
One quick comment on clothing. My extra small cycling shorts don't fit like they used to! ACK! I NEED to work out! Wow. As for the run, I love my new Nike arm band with encased blinking light. It wraps around my bicep and velco holds it in place.
Tonight is another swim followed by a long run. The run will be done outdoors, although the weather is not supposed to be great.
Although it is only Day 2, I'm really encouraged about the training program and about how my body has already adapted to training. The level of intensity is not high right now, but I feel the changes and adapations taking place. I also feel very confident about the program - it is really well done. So nice to simply 'follow the program' and not have the stress of planning or adjusting. Money well spent! Thanks for the recommendation, Ginger!
Until later ...
Ciao!
05 February 2008
The Journey has begun ...
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step ...
Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzuChinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)
I did it!
Arrived at the pool at about 3:30 pm. All lanes were full - mostly of older guys - one had someone wo was working w fins & paddles. I guess they have all afternoon to workout/swim. As I watched some of the older guys, I became very appreciative of my coach's input from the last year and a half that has improved my swim!
As I waited on deck, the thought of sharing a narrow lap lane was not great and it was looking bleak in terms of having a nice workout when one gentleman offered me his lane. No time like the 'NOW' - that is all there is.
The first 200 yards felt horrible. All I could think was that I was going to drop like a rock to the bottom of the lap pool. It was tough, but I gutted through the warm up and moved into the drills.
Midway through, I looked over at the guy in the next lane as he was finishing up. It was one of the guys from my tri club! The guy w. zoomers and paddles - he's finished several IM events and is a hammer on the bike & run. Wow.
We chatted a bit until some other swimmers asked if we were done. Back to work! I was amazed that the lap pool emptied out - I guess some people only need 15 minutes of swimming or I'd timed it right! Continued to fill 70 minutes and complete 1750 yards. Not stellar, considering that there are 4 224 yards in an IM swim! However, it is a start.
I slept very soundly last night, in spite of stiff shoulders. A visit to my incredible chiropractor, Stacey Francis, should straighten things out (no pun intended). Fortunately, I planned it for tonight, just before tonight's turbo bike workout and transition run.
Until then ... ciao!
Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzuChinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)
I did it!
Arrived at the pool at about 3:30 pm. All lanes were full - mostly of older guys - one had someone wo was working w fins & paddles. I guess they have all afternoon to workout/swim. As I watched some of the older guys, I became very appreciative of my coach's input from the last year and a half that has improved my swim!
As I waited on deck, the thought of sharing a narrow lap lane was not great and it was looking bleak in terms of having a nice workout when one gentleman offered me his lane. No time like the 'NOW' - that is all there is.
The first 200 yards felt horrible. All I could think was that I was going to drop like a rock to the bottom of the lap pool. It was tough, but I gutted through the warm up and moved into the drills.
Midway through, I looked over at the guy in the next lane as he was finishing up. It was one of the guys from my tri club! The guy w. zoomers and paddles - he's finished several IM events and is a hammer on the bike & run. Wow.
We chatted a bit until some other swimmers asked if we were done. Back to work! I was amazed that the lap pool emptied out - I guess some people only need 15 minutes of swimming or I'd timed it right! Continued to fill 70 minutes and complete 1750 yards. Not stellar, considering that there are 4 224 yards in an IM swim! However, it is a start.
I slept very soundly last night, in spite of stiff shoulders. A visit to my incredible chiropractor, Stacey Francis, should straighten things out (no pun intended). Fortunately, I planned it for tonight, just before tonight's turbo bike workout and transition run.
Until then ... ciao!
04 February 2008
Day One - the road to Ironman Lake Placid
It starts today! My first official Ironman training day - courtesy of the Multisports group. Just a nice swim with some good form drills.
I'm a bit nervous about getting into the lap pool at the fitness club - not because of any gross infirmity or fear of being seen in a swimsuit, but because this is the start of the road to IMLP. It begins here and there is no looking back.
After last year's false start, there is some additional weight on my shoulders - I really want to make it this time (to the start and to the finish)!
I'm a bit nervous about getting into the lap pool at the fitness club - not because of any gross infirmity or fear of being seen in a swimsuit, but because this is the start of the road to IMLP. It begins here and there is no looking back.
After last year's false start, there is some additional weight on my shoulders - I really want to make it this time (to the start and to the finish)!
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