WORK-outs | ------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday (10.31.07). Tri-Training - Day 11: Run 25 mn/Swim 1200 yd
——Run. Okay... pre-story to this run. I got to the gym with my swimsuit on under my clothes, all ready to hit the pool first. Well... apparently some parents don't take their kids out on Halloween, but instead insist on bringing them to swimming lessons. I hadn't counted on that. Every lane in the pool was full of either kids or other swimmers (and one pool runner), and I wasn't in the mood to share. So I ran. I was grumpy about it too. But, an easy warm-up and then a few sprint intervals did the trick. I think I am getting my body used to running faster, because I am feeling much more comfortable at the faster paces I am throwing in. Ohh goody.
——Swim. I seriously considered bailing on this swim. After I got off the treadmill, I thought I might throw up. I had been feeling icky at work, and I started feeling it again. I sat in the locker room for about 10 minutes before convincing myself that a swim would make me feel better. It did. I got in the pool, and instantly felt... good! 4 laps (200 yd) + 1 minute break x 6 = 1200 yards. This was a great swim. I am getting stronger again in the pool, AND I shaved a whole 10 minutes off the predicted time for this workout... without even trying! 35 minutes total, with the 5 breaks included. Really I was actually going allot slower than what I am capable of or even usually do, BUT I was really working on a couple things that slowed me down. The focus of last night's swim was 1) bilateral breathing, and 2) the flip turn thingy. I'll admit it... I'm a right-side breather, and I have never mastered breathing left. I need to, I know. I read an article in Triathlete magazine about how bilateral breathing balances out your form, etc, etc. So I was convinced to work on it. And I'm proud to say that I am definitely getting better! The flip turn on the other hand... not so hot. But I have never had instruction, so I would basically swim a little behind this one guy in the lane next to me and then watch him do it and then try it myself. I never knocked my head, but I did do a complete flip once and came up very disoriented. More work to be done on that one. Great swim overall...
Thursday (11.1.07). Tri-Training - Day 12: Rest Day.
——This whole weekend is going to be a little screwy with workouts... We're traveling up north for Zack's parents 25th Wedding Anniversary party. Ironically, I realized that I don't have room for the pool and the weight room in my suitcase. The bike will come with us, and obviously my running shoes will too. I planned to workout today, but we're leaving right after work, and this morning was way to busy to fit a swim AND a bike in. So, I decided to flip tomorrows rest day with today. This weekend will feature bike rides in the cool morning air, and at least one good run. Can't wait!! And hopefully we will get back early enough on Sunday to fit in some time in the weight room and the pool.
Random | -----------------------------------------------------------------
I forgot to mention this earlier. BUT big news for me. I have signed up with Beginner Triathlete for one month of Nutrition Coaching. It's high time I get my diet in order. This program gives me one month of personalized nutrition counseling, coaching, advice, recipes, menu, grocery lists, etc. My thought was that one month would be plenty of time to get educated on how to eat well for my body and for my training. So... stay tuned, the adventure is just beginning!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tri-Training... more.
Random | -----------------------------------------------------------
Really, honestly, I won't do this again! I need to update every day... it will only take a few minutes. Okay. I have convinced myself. :)
WORK-outs | --------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday (10.23.07). Tri-Training - Day 3: Bike 45 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. I wish it was still summertime when the sun rose at 6 AM and life was good. Ha.... I learned today that riding a bike at the gym doesn't have the same magic as cruising down the road with the wind in your hair. When I first got to the gym, the "normal" bikes were taken, so I hopped on one of those recumbent bikes. Yuck. I lasted 5 minutes... or as long as it took for one of the real bikes to open up. Much better. But not great. 40 minutes later, my butt was sore as heck. Two words sum up today on the bike: "ouch" and "boring". I really have to figure out how to make riding a bike at the gym more interesting and less painful.
——Strength. Went well... Again, not overly challenging. I need to up the sets or the weights or reps or something.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/15 reps - 12lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/15 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/15 reps - 75lb & 80lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/15 reps - 20lb & 30lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 1 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 12, 1 x 16
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 3 x 15
Wednesday (10.24.07). Tri-Training - Day 4: Run 22 mn / Core / Swim.
——Run. Ran on the treadmill. I hate to say that I might be used to it. Started slow, 12min pace, threw in some sprints at sub-8 pace. Good run. Ended up doing 2.1 miles.
——Swim. Good day in the pool. Overall felt stronger. 800 yards in about 30 minutes including a few breaks.
Thursday (10.25.07). Tri-Training - Day 5: Bike 1 hr / Swim
——Bike. Long time in the seat. Again at the gym. Nice, even steady. "Endurance ride" today. I brought a book and read, which helped the time go by. My legs felt slightly stronger, but it all feels relative on a machine at the gym.
——Swim. 600 yards. Fast, easy swim. It took me maybe 20 minutes. Oh, and you know when a race just happens out of the blue? Well I was swimming next a guy who was flailing around like he was drowning. When I got to one end of the pool with only one length left in my set, I eyed him about 10 - 15 feet in front of me. The race was on. I caught him quickly and then held my pace just long enough for him to get the point. From there is was all out to the end. I won. :)
Friday (10.26.07). Tri-Training - Day 6: Rest day
Saturday (10.27.07). Tri-Training - Day 7: Bike 30 mn / Run 25 mn
——Bike. Finally! A real bike ride! Outside! On a real bike!! It was a beautiful day, and perfect for a ride around the 'hood. It was a little chilly, so gloves and hat were in order. I did around 6 miles in 30 minutes... I seem to do a consistent 12 mile pace on the "real" bike as well as on the bike at the gym. I am encouraged by this. If this is where I am starting, I have a feeling that with some work, I can improve my bike strength greatly over the winter and spring. Hopefully!
——Run. NOT on the treadmill!! I came home from the bike, blew my nose and headed straight out on a run. My first "brick" day. ;) Man, it felt great to be outside running for real. I did 25 minutes easy and felt strong and loose. About 2.5 miles keeping a steady, decent pace.
Sunday (10.28.07). Tri-Training - Day 8: Bike 30 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. Read Triathlete magazine and kicked out 30 minutes easy. I did a hill routine and kept the resistance pretty low so that I could stay in the 5-6 RPE zone. The bikes at the gym have "baskets" on the pedals (or whatever they are really called), so I have been practicing a pull and pushing motion. Lots of room for improvement on the bike still!
——Strength. First time by myself in the weight room. Zack was busy so I was alone. And thankfully it was a quiet Sunday evening at the gym, so no one to watch me fumble. :) Actually, it went very well. No complaints.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 x 12 - 12lb & 24lb
Seated Row - 2 x 12 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 x 15 reps - 85lb & 95lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 x 12 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 x 15 reps - 20lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 15
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Monday (10.29.07). Tri-Training - Day 9: Run 20 mn / Core / Swim
——Run. Another day on the 'mill. 20 minutes nice and steady, with one sprint. I don't know this for sure, but I feel like, if nothing else, running on the treadmill is making me faster. My legs feel strong these days.
——Swim. I had an 800 yard swim scheduled for today. 4 sets of 200 strong and steady. Zack expressed some interest in swimming with me, and I jumped at the chance to get him in the pool. It was around 8 when we got there, and there were only two lanes taken. It was perfect. I worked with him on learning some breathing techniques, but otherwise just let him do his thing so that he could gain confidence in the pool. He has allot of natural form, and I think with a few "lessons" he is going to find himself at home in the water. I did about 800 - 900 yards... sort of lost count and didn't really do the sets of 200 as I was helping Zack out here and there. It was a great swim though, and I am thrilled to have a swimming buddy!
Tuesday (10.30.07). Tri-Training - Day 10: Unplanned rest day. We hosted a Halloween Party at our house. The workout got scrapped.
Wednesday (10.31.07). Tri-Training - Day 11: Details tonight after my workout at the gym! On schedule... a 1200 yard swim, a 25 minute run, and a core workout.
Really, honestly, I won't do this again! I need to update every day... it will only take a few minutes. Okay. I have convinced myself. :)
WORK-outs | --------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday (10.23.07). Tri-Training - Day 3: Bike 45 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. I wish it was still summertime when the sun rose at 6 AM and life was good. Ha.... I learned today that riding a bike at the gym doesn't have the same magic as cruising down the road with the wind in your hair. When I first got to the gym, the "normal" bikes were taken, so I hopped on one of those recumbent bikes. Yuck. I lasted 5 minutes... or as long as it took for one of the real bikes to open up. Much better. But not great. 40 minutes later, my butt was sore as heck. Two words sum up today on the bike: "ouch" and "boring". I really have to figure out how to make riding a bike at the gym more interesting and less painful.
——Strength. Went well... Again, not overly challenging. I need to up the sets or the weights or reps or something.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/15 reps - 12lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/15 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/15 reps - 75lb & 80lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/15 reps - 20lb & 30lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 1 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 12, 1 x 16
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 3 x 15
Wednesday (10.24.07). Tri-Training - Day 4: Run 22 mn / Core / Swim.
——Run. Ran on the treadmill. I hate to say that I might be used to it. Started slow, 12min pace, threw in some sprints at sub-8 pace. Good run. Ended up doing 2.1 miles.
——Swim. Good day in the pool. Overall felt stronger. 800 yards in about 30 minutes including a few breaks.
Thursday (10.25.07). Tri-Training - Day 5: Bike 1 hr / Swim
——Bike. Long time in the seat. Again at the gym. Nice, even steady. "Endurance ride" today. I brought a book and read, which helped the time go by. My legs felt slightly stronger, but it all feels relative on a machine at the gym.
——Swim. 600 yards. Fast, easy swim. It took me maybe 20 minutes. Oh, and you know when a race just happens out of the blue? Well I was swimming next a guy who was flailing around like he was drowning. When I got to one end of the pool with only one length left in my set, I eyed him about 10 - 15 feet in front of me. The race was on. I caught him quickly and then held my pace just long enough for him to get the point. From there is was all out to the end. I won. :)
Friday (10.26.07). Tri-Training - Day 6: Rest day
Saturday (10.27.07). Tri-Training - Day 7: Bike 30 mn / Run 25 mn
——Bike. Finally! A real bike ride! Outside! On a real bike!! It was a beautiful day, and perfect for a ride around the 'hood. It was a little chilly, so gloves and hat were in order. I did around 6 miles in 30 minutes... I seem to do a consistent 12 mile pace on the "real" bike as well as on the bike at the gym. I am encouraged by this. If this is where I am starting, I have a feeling that with some work, I can improve my bike strength greatly over the winter and spring. Hopefully!
——Run. NOT on the treadmill!! I came home from the bike, blew my nose and headed straight out on a run. My first "brick" day. ;) Man, it felt great to be outside running for real. I did 25 minutes easy and felt strong and loose. About 2.5 miles keeping a steady, decent pace.
Sunday (10.28.07). Tri-Training - Day 8: Bike 30 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. Read Triathlete magazine and kicked out 30 minutes easy. I did a hill routine and kept the resistance pretty low so that I could stay in the 5-6 RPE zone. The bikes at the gym have "baskets" on the pedals (or whatever they are really called), so I have been practicing a pull and pushing motion. Lots of room for improvement on the bike still!
——Strength. First time by myself in the weight room. Zack was busy so I was alone. And thankfully it was a quiet Sunday evening at the gym, so no one to watch me fumble. :) Actually, it went very well. No complaints.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 x 12 - 12lb & 24lb
Seated Row - 2 x 12 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 x 15 reps - 85lb & 95lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 x 12 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 x 15 reps - 20lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 15
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Monday (10.29.07). Tri-Training - Day 9: Run 20 mn / Core / Swim
——Run. Another day on the 'mill. 20 minutes nice and steady, with one sprint. I don't know this for sure, but I feel like, if nothing else, running on the treadmill is making me faster. My legs feel strong these days.
——Swim. I had an 800 yard swim scheduled for today. 4 sets of 200 strong and steady. Zack expressed some interest in swimming with me, and I jumped at the chance to get him in the pool. It was around 8 when we got there, and there were only two lanes taken. It was perfect. I worked with him on learning some breathing techniques, but otherwise just let him do his thing so that he could gain confidence in the pool. He has allot of natural form, and I think with a few "lessons" he is going to find himself at home in the water. I did about 800 - 900 yards... sort of lost count and didn't really do the sets of 200 as I was helping Zack out here and there. It was a great swim though, and I am thrilled to have a swimming buddy!
Tuesday (10.30.07). Tri-Training - Day 10: Unplanned rest day. We hosted a Halloween Party at our house. The workout got scrapped.
Wednesday (10.31.07). Tri-Training - Day 11: Details tonight after my workout at the gym! On schedule... a 1200 yard swim, a 25 minute run, and a core workout.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Run/Swim
WORK-outs | -------------------------------------------------------------------
Tri-Training - Day 2: Run 20 min / Core / Swim 600 yd.
—Run. I entertained thoughts of running outside this morning, but it was 1) pitch black out, and 2) too cold. I haven't built up my thick skin for the winter yet. Ha. So, first morning at the new gym. I headed over the treadmills and found only one of the five were being used. Nice. Anyways, "the plan" called for 15 minutes of running. Cough, cough. 15 minutes? You've got to be kidding me. I did 20.
—Core. I did Core #1 from BT again. My abs were a little sore from yesterday, but overall I felt stronger and powered through the routine.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 10
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
Crunches (FB) 2 x 10
—Swim. First time in the pool since August. Umm, wow. Has it really been that long? I was pleased at how my form returned... smooth and strong. But I have definitely lost fitness in the pool. 600 yards easy... I took breaks every hundred yards for a few seconds. I am looking forward to regaining my swim strength... I remember being able to do 1700 yards without stopping and calling that an easy workout. I'll get there again.
Overall, I love this training program. It's a great step-back, recovery, winter-maintenance, tri-foundation schedule for me. I will definitely be "upping" the running volume though. I almost feel sheepish being on the forums when I'm doing so little running these days. :)
Tri-Training - Day 2: Run 20 min / Core / Swim 600 yd.
—Run. I entertained thoughts of running outside this morning, but it was 1) pitch black out, and 2) too cold. I haven't built up my thick skin for the winter yet. Ha. So, first morning at the new gym. I headed over the treadmills and found only one of the five were being used. Nice. Anyways, "the plan" called for 15 minutes of running. Cough, cough. 15 minutes? You've got to be kidding me. I did 20.
—Core. I did Core #1 from BT again. My abs were a little sore from yesterday, but overall I felt stronger and powered through the routine.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 10
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
Crunches (FB) 2 x 10
—Swim. First time in the pool since August. Umm, wow. Has it really been that long? I was pleased at how my form returned... smooth and strong. But I have definitely lost fitness in the pool. 600 yards easy... I took breaks every hundred yards for a few seconds. I am looking forward to regaining my swim strength... I remember being able to do 1700 yards without stopping and calling that an easy workout. I'll get there again.
Overall, I love this training program. It's a great step-back, recovery, winter-maintenance, tri-foundation schedule for me. I will definitely be "upping" the running volume though. I almost feel sheepish being on the forums when I'm doing so little running these days. :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Training Begins Again
WORK-outs | ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tri-Training - Day 1: Bike 30 min / Strength / Core.
—Bike. Okay, it felt really weird not to be heading out for a run, but instead taking off on my bike. And yet, once I got out there, I could begin to feel myself getting used to the fact that a bike ride isn't cross-training anymore. It is what it is... the main event. Or rather, one of the main events. Anyways, it was a really chilly day, and windy as heck, but the ride was great. Short, granted, but good. The plan only called for 30 minutes, which is exactly what I did. I worked my butt off on a few decent hills and kept my RPE (Rate of Perceived Exhaustion for those on my blog who are wondering) near the recommended 5-6, but at times I was probably closer to 7-8. Good, quick ride.
—Strength. Wow... first time in a weight room in a long time. Zack came with me so I didn't look like a moron wandering around trying to figure things out on my own. I followed the plan that was posted with my training program, and frankly found it really easy. But I enjoyed it and am looking forward to adding more weight and more reps and other exercises as I go.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/12 reps - 12lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/12 reps - 24lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/12 reps - 50lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/12 reps - 15lb
—Core. I did Core #1 from BegginerTriathlete. Again, it wasn't overly challenging. But I did work hard and I definitely felt it. This was a great quick routine that I will throw in several times a week.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 10, 1 x 12
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
More to come! Tomorrow... running and a swim. :)
Tri-Training - Day 1: Bike 30 min / Strength / Core.
—Bike. Okay, it felt really weird not to be heading out for a run, but instead taking off on my bike. And yet, once I got out there, I could begin to feel myself getting used to the fact that a bike ride isn't cross-training anymore. It is what it is... the main event. Or rather, one of the main events. Anyways, it was a really chilly day, and windy as heck, but the ride was great. Short, granted, but good. The plan only called for 30 minutes, which is exactly what I did. I worked my butt off on a few decent hills and kept my RPE (Rate of Perceived Exhaustion for those on my blog who are wondering) near the recommended 5-6, but at times I was probably closer to 7-8. Good, quick ride.
—Strength. Wow... first time in a weight room in a long time. Zack came with me so I didn't look like a moron wandering around trying to figure things out on my own. I followed the plan that was posted with my training program, and frankly found it really easy. But I enjoyed it and am looking forward to adding more weight and more reps and other exercises as I go.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/12 reps - 12lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/12 reps - 24lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/12 reps - 50lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/12 reps - 15lb
—Core. I did Core #1 from BegginerTriathlete. Again, it wasn't overly challenging. But I did work hard and I definitely felt it. This was a great quick routine that I will throw in several times a week.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 10, 1 x 12
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
More to come! Tomorrow... running and a swim. :)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Let's get this party started!!
So... I've been MIA. I know. I've been busy recovering, resting, regrouping, and relaxing. (And hiding from the rain that has been coming down for the past week.) I haven't run since the race, and I don't even feel guilty. I needed this break. I needed it to learn a few things about myself and to let myself dream and wonder about what to do next.
Lesson # 1: I am way too darn goal-oriented. I need a goal to motivate me, because I have a very difficult time convincing myself to run "just because" or to "stay in shape". Dragging myself to the gym is impossible when I am going there to just "work out". It doesn't work out at all. Nope, not one bit. I am my father's daughter and having a goal and a focus in life is essential to success. I have the hardest time training for something without a finish line in sight, even if it's far, far away. Give me something to work towards, and all of a sudden getting out of bed when it's cold, raining and windy actually begins to make sense. Enough said.
Lesson # 2: I need a change of scenery. I love running. I can't find the words to describe why, but most of you on the forum definitely know what I mean. With that said, let me introduce another facet of my personality. I get bored very easily. Most of you on my blog know this about me. I love variety and I love change. I hate when my routine gets stale. If I am bored with something, inevitably, it won't last long. I will find a way to change it, mix it up, make it more interesting. All of that to say... I could feel myself burning out at the end of my marathon training. I had been training for 38 weeks straight with one week off in there. Now, I know most of you on the forum just continually train week after week, year after year... Wow! That's awesome. I don't think I could do that. Not because I'm not dedicated or driven, but simply because I get bored... looking ahead and knowing what is around the bend (another marathon, another half, another 8k, another 10k... training, PRs, etc). I am not saying I don't want to run another marathon or another half or anything. My only point is that to combat the burnout that was beginning to creep into my running at the end of my last program, I realize that I need to change things up for awhile to keep myself exciting about moving forward.
Okay. Lessons learned. Now... about moving forward. I think I have finally let go of the marathon. Wow, it was an awesome experience, but now it's time to think ahead. Nothing is concrete right now... I mostly have ideas and thoughts that are subject to change. With that said, here's what I'm thinkin'.
1) Winter training. This winter I will be following BeginnerTriathlete's 12 week Basic Sprint program. I looked at over 20 programs, and found this one to be just the right thing for me. It includes three workouts in each sport, plus 2 days of strength training and core work. The distances and durations are all doable. I will almost certainly beef up the run portion as I have the time. The point of following this program is 1) for me to learn the art of combining three sports and multiple workouts into a week of training, 2) to get back in the pool and on the bike in preparation for this summer, 3) to begin strength training, 4) to maintain and tune up for the spring when the "real" training starts, 5) to have some variety in my training! I have no goal race at the end of this program, because, frankly, Minnesota has no triathlons in January. :)
2) Adding some flavor! I am planning on racing some short races to keep life interesting this winter. So far on my list of potentials: Reindeer Run 5k, St. Paul Human Race either 5k or 8k.
3) Springtime... when it really begins. Alright, admittedly, I don't have a specific plan. I know that I will be continuing with the tri training, but I am also entertaining thoughts of doing enough running to be able to do a springtime Half. I would love to run Med-City again. It was my first half and carries lots of good memories for me. I don't think it would be that difficult to get myself in shape to run that while doing tri training, but I could be wrong. I'll decide as I get closer. :)
4) Summer!! My plan is to do at least one Sprint and one Olympic distance tri in the early part of the summer. From there, I will determine which path I follow. Path 1: I continue along as a budding triathlete and jump into training for a fall Half Ironman. Path 2: I determine I had enough fun with the tris for one year, and I jump back into marathon training. This time... for Chicago. (My dad is really wanting me to run it. Chi-town is home for him and my mom, as well as my birthplace. We have tons of family there... and he has determined that I need to do this race at some point. Ha! Of course, he is also very passionate about me doing the triathlons. So either way, I know I'll have some awesome cheerleaders... love you mom and dad!)
5) Fall... Half IM or another Marathon. Time will tell!!
It feels good to be back.... moving ahead, looking forward, starting something new.
OK, enough said... Now, Let's get this party started!!!
Lesson # 1: I am way too darn goal-oriented. I need a goal to motivate me, because I have a very difficult time convincing myself to run "just because" or to "stay in shape". Dragging myself to the gym is impossible when I am going there to just "work out". It doesn't work out at all. Nope, not one bit. I am my father's daughter and having a goal and a focus in life is essential to success. I have the hardest time training for something without a finish line in sight, even if it's far, far away. Give me something to work towards, and all of a sudden getting out of bed when it's cold, raining and windy actually begins to make sense. Enough said.
Lesson # 2: I need a change of scenery. I love running. I can't find the words to describe why, but most of you on the forum definitely know what I mean. With that said, let me introduce another facet of my personality. I get bored very easily. Most of you on my blog know this about me. I love variety and I love change. I hate when my routine gets stale. If I am bored with something, inevitably, it won't last long. I will find a way to change it, mix it up, make it more interesting. All of that to say... I could feel myself burning out at the end of my marathon training. I had been training for 38 weeks straight with one week off in there. Now, I know most of you on the forum just continually train week after week, year after year... Wow! That's awesome. I don't think I could do that. Not because I'm not dedicated or driven, but simply because I get bored... looking ahead and knowing what is around the bend (another marathon, another half, another 8k, another 10k... training, PRs, etc). I am not saying I don't want to run another marathon or another half or anything. My only point is that to combat the burnout that was beginning to creep into my running at the end of my last program, I realize that I need to change things up for awhile to keep myself exciting about moving forward.
Okay. Lessons learned. Now... about moving forward. I think I have finally let go of the marathon. Wow, it was an awesome experience, but now it's time to think ahead. Nothing is concrete right now... I mostly have ideas and thoughts that are subject to change. With that said, here's what I'm thinkin'.
1) Winter training. This winter I will be following BeginnerTriathlete's 12 week Basic Sprint program. I looked at over 20 programs, and found this one to be just the right thing for me. It includes three workouts in each sport, plus 2 days of strength training and core work. The distances and durations are all doable. I will almost certainly beef up the run portion as I have the time. The point of following this program is 1) for me to learn the art of combining three sports and multiple workouts into a week of training, 2) to get back in the pool and on the bike in preparation for this summer, 3) to begin strength training, 4) to maintain and tune up for the spring when the "real" training starts, 5) to have some variety in my training! I have no goal race at the end of this program, because, frankly, Minnesota has no triathlons in January. :)
2) Adding some flavor! I am planning on racing some short races to keep life interesting this winter. So far on my list of potentials: Reindeer Run 5k, St. Paul Human Race either 5k or 8k.
3) Springtime... when it really begins. Alright, admittedly, I don't have a specific plan. I know that I will be continuing with the tri training, but I am also entertaining thoughts of doing enough running to be able to do a springtime Half. I would love to run Med-City again. It was my first half and carries lots of good memories for me. I don't think it would be that difficult to get myself in shape to run that while doing tri training, but I could be wrong. I'll decide as I get closer. :)
4) Summer!! My plan is to do at least one Sprint and one Olympic distance tri in the early part of the summer. From there, I will determine which path I follow. Path 1: I continue along as a budding triathlete and jump into training for a fall Half Ironman. Path 2: I determine I had enough fun with the tris for one year, and I jump back into marathon training. This time... for Chicago. (My dad is really wanting me to run it. Chi-town is home for him and my mom, as well as my birthplace. We have tons of family there... and he has determined that I need to do this race at some point. Ha! Of course, he is also very passionate about me doing the triathlons. So either way, I know I'll have some awesome cheerleaders... love you mom and dad!)
5) Fall... Half IM or another Marathon. Time will tell!!
It feels good to be back.... moving ahead, looking forward, starting something new.
OK, enough said... Now, Let's get this party started!!!
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