The Challenges of training in Boston

I have reached the 6 months out of the big day! I can easily ride inside for two hours and can run for 80 minutes no problem.

The big news of the month is that I swam 2925 yards in 60 minutes, stopping only twice, and doing a 100 yard cool down. 3125 yards (thats 1.8 miles for those of you who don't know). My swimming has reached new levels. I feel stronger and am faster. More importantly I am more confident. I am certain that I can swim 2. 4 miles in 6 months. My lofty goal of completing it in 70 minutes may actually be a reality! I actually like (maybe even love) swimming.

Boston is covered-buried in snow. We have 5-6 feet snow banks and treacherous sidewalks at times. In one week I ran outside only once. I am biking on a trainer. Swimming in a pool. And largely running on a treadmill. When I run outside it is inconsistent and involves a lot of stopping. There are days when I don't want train because of the weather. I am grumpy because I am not spending enough time outside, breathing fresh air.

I love triathlon and love training. I love that way I feel after a hard workout. I love the accomplishments in training, that feeling I get when I reach a new milestone. I love what my training has done to my body. My muscles are toned and strong. I am fit and healthy. My resting heart rate is crazy low. I can sprint up stairs without thinking. I can sprint to get a bus with ease. I want these things back.

Winter is adding a challenge to my training, one I did not anticipate or plan for. I'd hope to ride and definitely run outside all winter. It never occurred to me that I would have to do treadmill runs, not in Boston. Extreme temperatures-bring it on. Dark early morning or late evening runs, rides, or swim-bring it sucker. Hill repeats and speed work-love it. Risking my life to run 45 minutes---undue stress. I know that the weather will soon change, the snow will melt, and the sun will shine once more. And soon I will obtain euphoria on my workouts.

For now I relish the good moments of training and those precious moments I can spend outside, training; the way I love.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Three plus days til Mooseman

I've logged miles on land and in water. I've put time on the hills both on cycle and run. I've improved my swim stroke, a little. Bike tuned, wetsuit bought, outfit planned, shoes polished, new handle bar tape applied. Yes folks I am ready. My muscles feel strong and my body beginning to feel rested. I am ready.
I am ready for a cool 1.2 mile open water swim. I am ready for a cool beginning of a ride. I am ready for Devil's Hill (twice). I am ready to do two loops of a challenging course. I am ready to run 13.1 miles after cycling 56 and swimming 1.2. I am ready Mooseman. I am ready for 70.3.

I will spend the new few days resting and visualizing cruising up and down hills, gliding through the water, and easing over the finish line. I am excited and nervous. I am ready.

Boston Run To Remember

Yeah! I finished the Half Marathon in 1:52:24! This is a personal record for me by 3min! I am so excited and proud of myself. My training has paid off it seems. ;) I felt strong through-out. I had some discomfort in my shins at the very end, by easily able to run through. I felt like I could have easily done it after a tough ride.

Yesterday I rode 24 miles, swam 1/2 mile at Walden, then 24 home. I was very tired from the week, but pushed through. We rode pretty slow, but I felt strong in swim.

I really do think I am ready for Mooseman Half Iron. wow can't believe I am saying this. I am scared but excited and feeling prepared. I actually feel the most prepared that I have ever felt for a big race!

psych!