Going better

Training has been on the upswing this week, which is good. I have made peace with this thing called patience. Knowing how fit I was 6 months ago, I really want to achieve that level again - perhaps more quickly than my body will let me. I've resolved to take my time, focus on technique during this build period and then build up the endurance.

The swimming has been progressing - though it's been almost 3 weeks since I've actually swam laps, I've been progressing on the Total Immersion drills and feel very comfortable with the first couple. These eventually turn into swimming so I have resolved to exercise patience when it comes to rebuilding my swim stroke.

I've had a hard time getting on the bike lately though - it's still too dark and 'cold' in the morning. The afternoons are packed with meetings or picking up the kids...perhaps a spin class is in order?

Either way, I'm happy with my progress this week. I'm trying hard not to count hours or get pissed if I choose to sleep in a bit one day a week. Fitness is hard work and I have learned to appreciate what my body is telling me - if it's tired, I listen. Pushing over the limits only gets you sick or breaks you down.

Rainy, unmotivated week

It's been a tough week to get motivated. Aside from not having a very good training outline, it's been cold and rainy they entire week. I freely admit that I'm a fair-weather athlete these days - it has to be at least 65 before I even consider riding or running.

Aside from the weather, I feel like I'm in this rebuilding stage - yet it's a bit more work than I remember it being when I was first training for my first 70.3. Amazing the stamina and endurance you lose in 6 months time.

Part of my rebuilding involves learning to swim better. I've been reading (and following) the Total Immersion book - it has completely changed my perception of swimming and makes it easy to see the many things I've been doing wrong with my swim technique.

Before, I was using all muscle and force to power through swims - my mind set on doing a distance no matter what the technique or pain. This book 'resets' your mind to realize that power and shear force is NOT the way to swim efficiently. I have yet to put enough drills and practices together to actually swim with these techniques but I can already tell that my attitude towards swimming has changed and I'm sure this effort will pay off.

I looked back at my training schedule last year when I first started - it's blotchy too. Missed morning swims, X'ed out afternoon runs and shortened rides...I don't feel bad (yet). I know my body and mind are slowly making the adjustment to all this effort. In time, I'll be back to racing form...in time.

Birthday weekend

This past weekend was rough - It was my birthday. So naturally, I was surrounded by food that wasn't good for me along with cake, beer, wine and cigars. I could have been strong and not had any of them...but I wasn't. Instead, I had all of them. And I liked them. You can train and live life at the same time...

It didn't set me back any - which is good. I got my long run in on Friday (5 miles) and then rested the remainder of the weekend.

Training summary

This has been one of those weeks that required flexibility and patience. There were a number of things going on around the house - dentist appointments and just work in general prevented me from hitting several afternoon workouts. Reflecting on the week, I'm actually glad I 'missed' a few - I would probably be wiped out right now had I made them all. Being the first week back, it is probably better to err on the side of taking it easy instead of pushing it too hard.

In total, I spent about 6 hours training this week. Half of that was on the bike and the other half split between the pool and running.

Overall, I'm happy with the week - I'm no longer sore running my couple miles and after my 40 mile bike ride yesterday, I'm only slightly sore in my hamstrings. I'm anxious to actually spend time in the gym - the one thing I didn't do this last week.

First day of training

As I suspected, this first day of training has made me a bit sore. I ran a couple miles this morning - keeping the pace slow (9:45) and concentrating on an even stride and good form. It felt good in the cool crisp air, but by mile 1.5 I could feel my lungs starting to long for additional oxygen.

I also took a bike ride this afternoon to try and work some of the lactic acid out of my legs. I haven't been focused so much on distance yet but rather just getting my body used to being on the bike again - surprising how it hurts the butt, shoulders and triceps just riding a bike.

Anyway, the ride felt good - kept a 19.4 mph average pace. I've stretched tonight, iced my feet and and starting to pack things up for the morning swim. Man, I'm tired.