IMLP

IMLP

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Mojo back

It's late December, the days are short, cold, and dreary. But I have a lofty goal a little more than 7 months from now. It's getting me outside and pushing me past any seasonal affect that my creep up. I roll out of bed by 5:30 even on my early days to jump in the pool, gym, or run before work.

This past week I got my mojo back. I feel like my tri legs and arms are coming back slowly. My endurance is returning and I am feeling stronger already. I swam 2400 yards last week, a new distance for me. The best part is that I was not insanely tired after. I've been holding myself back on bike and run, waiting until that time to bump up intensity and miles.

I look forward to the open road on my bike and sneakers, nothing between me and freedom but what my body will allow. M body seems to respond well to everything that I ask it to do. I love that with each season (thus far) I seem to bounce back faster and end up stronger. I hope this will continue into 2011 and help me drive to Vineman. Until warmer days...I hit the trainer and spin bike.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

minor strides

Something major happened in the pool last week. I found that drive, that release of adrenaline that is so familiar to me on the bike and run. It allowed me to sustain my pace during interval training and more importantly, allowed me to enjoy the workout. For the first time in a long time I left the pool feeling good and accomplished, not just drained and floopy like my dog. My stroke is starting to come together a little too. Another big milestone: 500 yard interval at the end of practice in 10 minutes--not too shabby!

I've started putting some "miles" on the bike via my indoor mag trainer. Its funny how fast the time flies when watching SNL! My endurance on the bike and run are starting to improve too. And I did 10 min of running without my orthotics. My hope is to be in Newtons by mid Jan.

So far things are going along as planned. When I think too hard about racing for 140.6 miles I get a little freaked out. But when I believe in me, my training, and my coach; and just breath, I know I will be ready come July 30th.

Taken from Adam Hochberg obit on Elizabeth Edwards:

"Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before," she said. "You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you've lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that's good."

In Resilience, Elizabeth Edwards contemplated her own death, writing that it didn't seem as frightening to her since she lost her oldest son. Reflecting on how she wants to remembered, she repeated one of her favorite metaphors. She wrote that at times, the wind didn't blow her way, but she said she was still able to stand in the storm, adjust her sails and move forward."

Friday, November 19, 2010

swim stroke

Last night I attended my fourth Masters swim class. Things went markedly better than the last week day practice. I have accepted the fact that my swim is my weak point and that I have to work hard at improving. No more trying to push myself in the pool. I need someone there watching and motivating me. The class involves lots of breast/backstroke as well as fly. At the end of practice I specifically asked the coach for help. She basically told me that my stroke sucked and has no power. ugh. She did note that we'd be doing some drills to improve technique and power.

I've come to realize that I am not good at pushing myself to go fast in the water. I get tired, I slow down. Unlike on the bike/run I find an extra umph 99% of the time. I think this maybe the key to my loving it and improving.

We swam close to 1.2 yards in an hour. I am pleased with my endurance so early in my "season". Not great speed, but I was able to do the distance. By Vineman I will easily swim 2.4 miles!
huzzah.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

140.6 here I come!

I have officially entered my first full triathlon. As soon as I hit the submit button my stomach flipped a little! I am both excited and terrified. I truly believe that I can do this! July 30, 2011 I will compete in Full Vineman in beautiful CA. The course looks fun and challenging.

I started my base training Nov2nd. So far things are going well. Run and swim speed are pretty consistent from the end of '10 season. I have joined a Masters swim team to enhance my swimming. I am hoping that the terror will make me swim faster and make me a stornger swimmer. I have been working on expanding my swim strokes! At this point I've done one full lap of butterfly!

current time goal: 1:20 swim, 6.5 hour ride, 4:30 marathon---crazy??? Maybe.
Until next time.