I ended up walking in the evening before dinner last night. Never got a bike ride in after my shoe fail for cycling class. :) It's ok though because my legs are toast right now.
Waking up with them still being pretty dead, I decided I'd literally jog for 3 miles. Just need to burn some calories, i.e. all the Indian food I stuffed into myself last night. So that's what I did. An easy 3 in the still mostly shady neighborhood that butts up against ours.
There are many roofers out roofing.
There are also many funny birds I've noticed in general this spring. Yesterday when walking into Lux, there was an adolescent robin chirping its little head off while perched on a parking space sign. I mean, he was chirping like it was his job to tell the entire world that it was morning, only it was already 7:45 so I think he slept in. I could tell it wasn't a full adult robin because its feathers were rough, but not as rough as baby robins. It made me chuckle.
Another funny avian Lux anecdote is the Canadian goose that likes to perch on the very top of the building (it's 4 stories tall) and honk away. Again, there must be some important things to say in Mason if you are a bird.
Today when I was running back into the neighborhood, I heard a duck persistently quacking and turned to see a male mallard on the top of a house. I've certainly never seen a duck that high unless its flying.
What are they all trying to tell me????......
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Yoga and An Attempt at 5:45 a.m. Spinning
Did yoga again last night, for the second time after our 8 week break. We went last week and it was really rough. This week wasn't nearly as bad, though I was having a hard time because I was really sore from...well, everything I guess. Yard work, swimming, running. Anyway, it was a good class despite being pretty difficult. And hot. It was warm in the room.
Last night I packed up my gym bag with work clothes and all the necessities in preparation for rolling out of bed at 5, throwing on bike clothes, and going to a 5:45 a.m. cycling class. And I was very successful...except I forgo the bag that had my bike shoes and water bottle. I could have made it without the water, but all I had for shoes was flip flops. So, after arriving at the gym and getting out of my car, noticing the absence of the crucial bag, I hopped back in and went back home. :) It sucked, but I guess it was a good run-through for the 5:45 gym time!
I thought I'd run when I got back, but my back is so sore, I didn't think I would do myself any favors by pounding the pavement. It's my lower back, sciatic nerve area. I know it's from the excavation of the grass - using the shovel the way I did. It happens nearly every time I overdo it with the shovel :) So this afternoon I'm going to go for a long walk instead, and run or bike tomorrow.
In other news, I'm having some annoying stomach issues. For the past 3 or so weeks, I've been bloating up like crazy after eating. I look like I'm 4 months pregnant, no kidding. It's really uncomfortable and I'm concerned. At first I thought I was just over-eating. But I've had barely anything and then will have a little bit of food and wwooooooooommmmmmm. Huge. I have also had problems with getting sick after eating certain things. If I have ice cream, that usually doesn't end well. But it's been all over the place with severity, so I'm having a hard time figuring it out. Last night I had a salad with blue cheese dressing, feta, and a beer. Maybe it's the beer? I don't know. I really want to figure it out though.
Last night I packed up my gym bag with work clothes and all the necessities in preparation for rolling out of bed at 5, throwing on bike clothes, and going to a 5:45 a.m. cycling class. And I was very successful...except I forgo the bag that had my bike shoes and water bottle. I could have made it without the water, but all I had for shoes was flip flops. So, after arriving at the gym and getting out of my car, noticing the absence of the crucial bag, I hopped back in and went back home. :) It sucked, but I guess it was a good run-through for the 5:45 gym time!
I thought I'd run when I got back, but my back is so sore, I didn't think I would do myself any favors by pounding the pavement. It's my lower back, sciatic nerve area. I know it's from the excavation of the grass - using the shovel the way I did. It happens nearly every time I overdo it with the shovel :) So this afternoon I'm going to go for a long walk instead, and run or bike tomorrow.
In other news, I'm having some annoying stomach issues. For the past 3 or so weeks, I've been bloating up like crazy after eating. I look like I'm 4 months pregnant, no kidding. It's really uncomfortable and I'm concerned. At first I thought I was just over-eating. But I've had barely anything and then will have a little bit of food and wwooooooooommmmmmm. Huge. I have also had problems with getting sick after eating certain things. If I have ice cream, that usually doesn't end well. But it's been all over the place with severity, so I'm having a hard time figuring it out. Last night I had a salad with blue cheese dressing, feta, and a beer. Maybe it's the beer? I don't know. I really want to figure it out though.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
100s!
I tried it, and it wasn't pretty, but I was able to swim 100 yards straight, 6 times. I also threw a 50 yard dash in there. So a total of 650 yards today.
Sometimes I go down the lane and it feels great. Other times I feel like everything is wrong at the same time.
I think I'll look up some more videos this weekend. I know it seems stupid- looking up videos for how to swim. But there are some drills that seem like they'd help, and, well what other options do I have?
Tomorrow morning I'm braving a 5:45 spinning class. With my new schedule at Lux, those morning classes are the only ones I can hope to fit in. And the benefits of spinning I think will be very helpful for this tri training.
I really hope there's good music.
Monday, May 27, 2013
When the run sucks, turn it into intervals
My 3 miles this morning were pretty slug-tastic. My legs felt heavy and my breathing was all over the place even though I was going pretty slow. I suppose that I'm not surprised given the yard work all weekend.
So after the 1.44, where is turn around, I decided to run hard-ish and walk in intervals the rest of the way home. Just didn't feel like the slog was doing anything for me.
So that's what I did. Clearly running is where I need the most work.
Here's to a good week.
Benchmarks
I think it will be nice to put down where I'm at now, and hopefully see some progress later.
Running: I'm running 10+ minute miles, usually more in the + range than 10.
Swimming: I can swim 100 yards without stopping.
Biking: I went 16 miles at 16 mph. It wasn't all out by any means, but I had to think about keeping that effort.
Weight: I'm overweight. I'll put that number somewhere else. Not that any reads this.
Strength: I'm pretty weak, especially in the core. I can't plank for more than 15 seconds and it's a real challenge.
So there are my beginning stats. Hopefully only up from here.
Running: I'm running 10+ minute miles, usually more in the + range than 10.
Swimming: I can swim 100 yards without stopping.
Biking: I went 16 miles at 16 mph. It wasn't all out by any means, but I had to think about keeping that effort.
Weight: I'm overweight. I'll put that number somewhere else. Not that any reads this.
Strength: I'm pretty weak, especially in the core. I can't plank for more than 15 seconds and it's a real challenge.
So there are my beginning stats. Hopefully only up from here.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday rocks.
And that's not rocks as in Saturday is really awesome. (Though it is, usually.) That is I moved 14 or 16 bags of rocks in Saturday and my back it hurts! :)
I did a ton of yard work. Planted shrubs, rocks, stained the hot tub, moved dirt, did some trimming and mowed. Progress made.
So I'm counting that as a cross training / rest day. :)
Today I went on a 16 mile bike ride and it went very well. I averaged 16 mph for the last 8 miles, so I was happy with that. It was pretty uneventful except I really really almost hit a squirrel.
Tomorrow I'm going to run. Woohoo!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Swimming Progress
Thursday I was going to run a very easy 2 or 3 after work. But my legs were really tired, and we went to Shaun's funeral. It's just surreal that he's gone. I really thought he'd make it. It's hard to believe.
I did walk a mile Thursday, which felt good. Friday I was back at the community center in my stinky suit (got a new one today) for another 10 x 50yds. Also- I found out that the pool is in fact yards not meters.
I had been reading up on swimming, since I really don't know what I'm doing, and came across an interesting tidbit about kicking. Apparently, when doing distance swimming (like in a triathlon) you aren't necessarily supposed to kick like crazy, or like a sprinter. Two events follow where you use your legs, so saving them a bit is recommended. I got to thinking about how I kicked and was pretty sure I was kicking like there was no tomorrow. Then I also thought about how out if breath I get when using just the kick board to kick (and my head is above water, no arms). Soooooo maybe I should try this barely kicking thins and I'll be able to breathe...
It turned out to be true. I was able to breathe every 3 strokes the entire 50 each time. At the end, I did my last 50 and then immediately kept going to see if I could. To my pleasant surprise, I was able to do it. :)
So Tuesday in the pool I'm going to jump to 100s. Or at least 75s. I have a lot if other things to work on with swimming but it was nice to see this progress.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
First Bike Ride of the Season
Tuesday was the first swim for training...Wednesday was the first bike ride I've done this year! I haven't been spinning because of my work schedule and the gym cutting a class I could go to. So I reintroduced my legs and butt back to the bike Wednesday at lunch.
I rode from the house, and planned to take it easy. But I have a hard time taking it easy on the bike, especially when there is traffic involved. I'm not sure why. I rode through the salt barn connection and into the neighborhood that butts up against ours. Did a loop there, then turned right onto Irwin-Simpson, right onto Montgomery, and headed down Montgomery into the neighborhood that is across from Meijer. There is about a one mile loop there, and barely any traffic, so it's kind of a cool place to get some distance in. I've been there before to do intervals on my bike. There was another woman on a beach cruiser type bike going the opposite way. She was all frowny and didn't seem to want to be friendly, so it was awkward given how many times we were in passing. :) Meh. After a few loops, I headed home.
My cyclometer has a dead battery, so I have no idea how fast I was going or what the distance was, but I'm guessing somewhere around 12 miles for the distance. I mapped it, but couldn't remember how many loops I did, soooooo 12 give or take 2 miles :)
I meant to wear my heart rate monitor. Just curious about all the bases I have for things. My running, weight, swimming, etc. I'll have to remember it next time.
Today I am SORE. Just sore, from everything. :) A run Monday, a swim Tuesday + yoga and a bike Wednesday + moving 10 40lb + bags of dirt into my car = overall soreness :) But it's good. I'm feeling so much better already since I've been working out this week. It's so great. Thank you, body.
Tonight I'm planning to do a very easy 3 mile run. Might have to run-walk some of it but that's totally ok. I also need to make a point to stretch a few times today.
And now...time for some (not so healthy) strawberry shortcake I made last night! Breakfast!
I rode from the house, and planned to take it easy. But I have a hard time taking it easy on the bike, especially when there is traffic involved. I'm not sure why. I rode through the salt barn connection and into the neighborhood that butts up against ours. Did a loop there, then turned right onto Irwin-Simpson, right onto Montgomery, and headed down Montgomery into the neighborhood that is across from Meijer. There is about a one mile loop there, and barely any traffic, so it's kind of a cool place to get some distance in. I've been there before to do intervals on my bike. There was another woman on a beach cruiser type bike going the opposite way. She was all frowny and didn't seem to want to be friendly, so it was awkward given how many times we were in passing. :) Meh. After a few loops, I headed home.
My cyclometer has a dead battery, so I have no idea how fast I was going or what the distance was, but I'm guessing somewhere around 12 miles for the distance. I mapped it, but couldn't remember how many loops I did, soooooo 12 give or take 2 miles :)
I meant to wear my heart rate monitor. Just curious about all the bases I have for things. My running, weight, swimming, etc. I'll have to remember it next time.
Today I am SORE. Just sore, from everything. :) A run Monday, a swim Tuesday + yoga and a bike Wednesday + moving 10 40lb + bags of dirt into my car = overall soreness :) But it's good. I'm feeling so much better already since I've been working out this week. It's so great. Thank you, body.
Tonight I'm planning to do a very easy 3 mile run. Might have to run-walk some of it but that's totally ok. I also need to make a point to stretch a few times today.
And now...time for some (not so healthy) strawberry shortcake I made last night! Breakfast!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
First Swim
Tuesday is swim day! I didn't even have to get up that early to throw on my suit, pack clothes for work, and pack all the other stuff for the day. I did forget a towel for showering, so I had to use a couple little sweat towels provided by the gym, but no biggie :) Other things I learned: I need to get "gym bag only" makeup, deodorant, etc. I'm just not that good at remembering everything, so this would make getting to the gym regularly even easier. Especially considering swimming and all the extras needed for that.
So, anyway...got to the gym, put my stuff in a locker and walked out to the pool. Another change since I've swam last is my hair is longer which means swim cap. Such an odd thing to put on the head. I got my ears tucked in such a way that I don't think I'll need to use my ear plugs.
Some people don't run and can't imagine being able to run 1 mile. I don't swim and can't imagine being able to swim a half mile. But that's the distance I need to work up to. I'm approaching it like a beginner runner; starting slow, taking breaks, methodically build up the distance. I don't know any other way to do it. I can't remember how long I've ever swam. I've gotten into the 1000s of yards I believe, between some different strokes and the kickboard. But I've never swam continuously more than 50 yards. Sooooo....I have some serious work ahead of me. :)
I started this swimming endeavor with 10 x 50 yards. So down and back 10 times. It was a workout suggested in my Multi-sport training book. I tried to make it super slow so I could go longer and not have issues breathing. For the first 25 yards, I was breathing every three strokes. Then turning around, I did that for maybe a quarter of the way then had to switch to every other stroke. And then at the ened I was out of breath. :/ A lot of work ahead of me. Depending on who you ask and how long the pool I swim in actually is (yards or meters - I should ask the front desk next time I'm there what the distance is of the leisure pool), I'm looking at a distance of somewhere between 33 - 36 laps. Continuous laps. Right now I can do...two :) It's a half mile to the end of our street. So it's like all I could do was make it to the neighbor's mailbox, lol. It is a bit daunting.
I feel fine today from the swim. I was definitely tired for the 10th lap, my form (if you can call what I do in the water having any form at all) was really falling apart. I found something about a cross-over kick for long swimming. Sprint kicking will wear you out too fast, so it's recommended to barely kick at all. I had no idea! I thought you had to kick like mad while swimming. This makes me wonder if I can breathe easier next time if I take the legs out of the equation.
We did yoga for the first time in 8 weeks last night. It was pretty miserable. But also proof that yoga ws in fact making me stronger.
So, anyway...got to the gym, put my stuff in a locker and walked out to the pool. Another change since I've swam last is my hair is longer which means swim cap. Such an odd thing to put on the head. I got my ears tucked in such a way that I don't think I'll need to use my ear plugs.
Some people don't run and can't imagine being able to run 1 mile. I don't swim and can't imagine being able to swim a half mile. But that's the distance I need to work up to. I'm approaching it like a beginner runner; starting slow, taking breaks, methodically build up the distance. I don't know any other way to do it. I can't remember how long I've ever swam. I've gotten into the 1000s of yards I believe, between some different strokes and the kickboard. But I've never swam continuously more than 50 yards. Sooooo....I have some serious work ahead of me. :)
I started this swimming endeavor with 10 x 50 yards. So down and back 10 times. It was a workout suggested in my Multi-sport training book. I tried to make it super slow so I could go longer and not have issues breathing. For the first 25 yards, I was breathing every three strokes. Then turning around, I did that for maybe a quarter of the way then had to switch to every other stroke. And then at the ened I was out of breath. :/ A lot of work ahead of me. Depending on who you ask and how long the pool I swim in actually is (yards or meters - I should ask the front desk next time I'm there what the distance is of the leisure pool), I'm looking at a distance of somewhere between 33 - 36 laps. Continuous laps. Right now I can do...two :) It's a half mile to the end of our street. So it's like all I could do was make it to the neighbor's mailbox, lol. It is a bit daunting.
I feel fine today from the swim. I was definitely tired for the 10th lap, my form (if you can call what I do in the water having any form at all) was really falling apart. I found something about a cross-over kick for long swimming. Sprint kicking will wear you out too fast, so it's recommended to barely kick at all. I had no idea! I thought you had to kick like mad while swimming. This makes me wonder if I can breathe easier next time if I take the legs out of the equation.
We did yoga for the first time in 8 weeks last night. It was pretty miserable. But also proof that yoga ws in fact making me stronger.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Kick-off Run
Today I ran about 3 miles. I took it slow, being pretty sore from yard work. But it was good. My breathing was good - so I was super happy about that.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to brave the pool. My schedule just changed at Lux. I was going to work there Tuesdays and Fridays. Now it's Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning. Sooooo still won't be able to spin on Tuesday. But nothing really seems to be effected by it accept Fridays will be me going to Mason for the Community Center only. No big deal there. Mondays being off will be good. Tuesdays I'll still swim. Wednesdays will have to be a run, or I'll have to bike at lunch I guess. I can't fit biking in pre-work too easily. Thursdays will be run or bike, whichever I don't do Wednesday. Fridays swim. Saturday and Sunday long bikes and runs.
I was really hoping for the break in the week between all day stints at the office. Oh well.
Anyway - run this morning was good and I'm excited!
Tomorrow morning I'm going to brave the pool. My schedule just changed at Lux. I was going to work there Tuesdays and Fridays. Now it's Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning. Sooooo still won't be able to spin on Tuesday. But nothing really seems to be effected by it accept Fridays will be me going to Mason for the Community Center only. No big deal there. Mondays being off will be good. Tuesdays I'll still swim. Wednesdays will have to be a run, or I'll have to bike at lunch I guess. I can't fit biking in pre-work too easily. Thursdays will be run or bike, whichever I don't do Wednesday. Fridays swim. Saturday and Sunday long bikes and runs.
I was really hoping for the break in the week between all day stints at the office. Oh well.
Anyway - run this morning was good and I'm excited!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Tentative Schedule and Journal Making
This morning I sketched out the rough flow for the Triathlon training journal I am making for Erika (and me as well). That felt good to do. I haven't been able to do anything "extracurricular" in the design or illustration arenas since...April I guess?
Anyway, I'm thinking it's going to be a bout 48 pages including the covers. There will be a couple intro pages. One intro spread about tri stuff and one that is a spread of the training months at a glance. I'm hoping to have it done by June. Then it will be for June, July, August and the bit of September. After the intro pages, there will be a month intro spread (or page in the case of August) that is just an opportunity for some fun illustration. :) Then each week has its own spread with room to write in what we did for each day as well as a summary area for the week. It's the basic stuff I like about tracking things, so I hope it's what Erika would like too.
I've decided my schedule is going to look like this:
Mon - off
Tues - swim (ref swim workouts from multi-sport training book I've had from duathlons)
Wed - bike (and Ultimate in the evening)
Thu - run (track maybe?)
Fri - swim
Sat - run long
Sun - bike long
I think I'll do bricks every 4 weeks or so? And strength training...maybe Monday or Tuesday? I do think I should have Monday completely off though. Sleep in day.
I'd like to do a half marathon in the fall. Going for a PR this year. This is the year!! So this training will really be excellent for that I think. I'll get stronger somewhere else besides my quads.
So that's it. 2 days swimming, 2 days biking, and 2 days running plus Ultimate running. From what I can tell, that's your basic never done a triathlon training base schedule. I'll work out the intensities and times for all of it as I go.
I am going to run tomorrow because I did tons of yard work this weekend instead of running. So I'm just kicking off training with an easy run. The weather right now is so absolutely gorgeous.
Here I go.........
Anyway, I'm thinking it's going to be a bout 48 pages including the covers. There will be a couple intro pages. One intro spread about tri stuff and one that is a spread of the training months at a glance. I'm hoping to have it done by June. Then it will be for June, July, August and the bit of September. After the intro pages, there will be a month intro spread (or page in the case of August) that is just an opportunity for some fun illustration. :) Then each week has its own spread with room to write in what we did for each day as well as a summary area for the week. It's the basic stuff I like about tracking things, so I hope it's what Erika would like too.
I've decided my schedule is going to look like this:
Mon - off
Tues - swim (ref swim workouts from multi-sport training book I've had from duathlons)
Wed - bike (and Ultimate in the evening)
Thu - run (track maybe?)
Fri - swim
Sat - run long
Sun - bike long
I think I'll do bricks every 4 weeks or so? And strength training...maybe Monday or Tuesday? I do think I should have Monday completely off though. Sleep in day.
I'd like to do a half marathon in the fall. Going for a PR this year. This is the year!! So this training will really be excellent for that I think. I'll get stronger somewhere else besides my quads.
So that's it. 2 days swimming, 2 days biking, and 2 days running plus Ultimate running. From what I can tell, that's your basic never done a triathlon training base schedule. I'll work out the intensities and times for all of it as I go.
I am going to run tomorrow because I did tons of yard work this weekend instead of running. So I'm just kicking off training with an easy run. The weather right now is so absolutely gorgeous.
Here I go.........
Finally done!
Last Thursday I completed my 3 day a week contract position, while the other two days were filled with my new 2 day a week contract position. Which means this coming week will finally be a normal work week! Hurray!!!
I managed a couple runs last week, but would like to make next week my official training start. I feel like I've began this training over and over. But really. No really... This week is it!!
I'm thinking the two days I'm in Mason I should head to the community center to swim. Tuesdays and Thursdays- nice and spread out. Then for the other days...hmmmmmm This fitting three sports in and trying to balance them correctly is really hard! Here's what I'm initially thinking:
Su- off or bike
M- run
T- swim
W- bike
Th- run
F- swim
Sa- run long
But I don't know if that's correct. I might need to double up some days. And I really want to get back to spinning again now my schedule's not so crazy. I think the long run is important because it gives me the best endurance training. Should Wednesday have biking and running so Sunday can really be off? Hmmmm...
I'll figure it out. I'm excited!
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