Woo Hoo!

03/19/08 - Run and Core

#1-Run

I have been racking my brain trying to see where I could possibly fit another run in my weekly training schedule. I've got a little time before core class, so I'll just squeeze in a run where I can take it! I'm used to the marathon training mindset, where I need a few hours on the weekend and AT LEAST an hour at a time for my daily runs, but in the triathlon, I'll only be running 6 miles! No worries! I'll take 30 minutes and run with it (sorry, couldn't help myself)!

Met up with Cristy and we started at a nice quick pace on our run. Something was a little different for me today, maybe I was channeling my brother like I always try to, but I felt really light on my feet. This could also be a result of 12+ workouts a week making some extra weight kind of fall to the floor, but anyway, I felt like my load had been lightened. We ran from the swim center where our core workout would be to the yacht harbor and back.... it's about 3 miles, and I felt no pain, not even any sweat really. I felt like I had just gotten started when we finished. 3 miles was normally my warm-up on long runs, so it's probably just ingrained in my head that the worst is yet to come!

#2 - Core

I shouldn't just call this a core class, it's really a strengthening class specifically for triathletes. We ran in from our run with enough extra time to grind out some stiffness on the foam rollers before class started. Oh, this is magical and painful all at the same time. Rolling breakdowns some of the tightness and knots you get in your muscles to help prevent injury, and pretty much feels like you're being pounded on by a 200lb WWF wrestler, but yet, it feels oh so nice! The kind of pain you look forward to!

After working out the kinks, we do a circuit training warm up with things I've never seen before. Really, the entire class is comprised of some strengthening exercises I recognize, but some that are just genuinely creative and seem to be making me quite a bit stronger. The class has consistently gotten harder every week as well, and I'm able to keep up. I like what I'm seeing!!! The first time I took the class I thought it was a little too easy, not really a good workout, but now I'm finding it to be one of the gem's of my week. Our coach is so focused and pays attention to everyone's form.... there's no slacking allowed, and that works for me! After the class was finished, I even went back for an extra round of pull-ups, and some push ups with resistance bands. I'm just yearning for some tanktop worthy arms this summer!

03/20/09 - Swim

Got to the pool a little late this morning, and again to find it cold. I'm wondering who I need to talk to about covering the pool at night, seriously people, it's not easy getting into a cold pool at 6:00am!!! Anyway, did my normal warm up of 100 each Swim, Kick, Choice, Pull (are you getting bored of me repeating this yet?). I skipped my 50's to save on time and started in on my workout. Today was supposed to be 4-5 x 250's (10 laps each) focusing on staying fluid and calm for distance. I did my 4 x 250's and decided to make the last one a timed 400m. This is the distance of most of the sprint triathlons, so I'd like to know how I'm sitting.

My arms were a bit burnt out already, having finished about 1400m of swimming. But, I just decided to not worry about time, and focus on being calm and consistent. I started my 400m and before I knew it, I was in my good place. I was focused, calm, relaxed, and felt like I was the only one in the pool. I noticed no one else but myself. As I was moving through my laps, I realized that I was so focused on being calm, I was kind of erring on the slow side. I decided to kick it up a bit, still feeling calm and relaxed. By the last 50m's I just gave it my all, and felt powerful and quick moving into the wall. I touched the wall, tore off my goggles, and peered at my time. It looks like it was somewhere around 7:15 or 7:25! Not bad at all!!!

Yes, that's where the "Woo Hoo!" title comes from. After I saw my time, I belted one out, and proceeded to sing my praises through my cool down. I'm pretty proud of myself. Not even halfway through my training, and really looking good on the swimming. And to think, that was my time AFTER having done the majority of my workout, I'm thinking I can get that down closer to 7:00 on fresh arms and legs.... we shall see, we shall see!

At least now I have a true marker of my progress. The first month of swimming I could barely finish a 200m without being stopped by fear. Now, I'm doing the 400m staying calm and collected and in a decent time. Two more months and I should be golden!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, it feels so nice to not be the slowest at something! At least now I have more balance;I'm a slow runner, but not that bad of a cyclist, and can certainly hold my own on the swim! It's too bad the tri isn't performed in the opposite direction (run, bike, then swim), so I could actually finish it strong!

PS - No #2 workout today that I anticipate. I'm looking forward to some drinks and fun with the girls tonight. Sometimes a workout will magically manifest itself in the way of a fun dance class, but for now, I see nothing but margaritas and guacamole in my future!