So I'm very excited after tonight's swim workout. I haven't been to my Master's group since early last week. Nor have I really worked out in the past few days. I've been recovering from being sick earlier this week. I went to swim tonight, and afterwards Coach pulled me out of the water. I wasn't sure what he was going to say - in fact I was a little scared... But he put my worries to rest, and said that he was so impressed by my improvement since I had started. He actually wanted to know my "secret." I wish I could've said that I had been practicing every day, but I'd really only been swimming with the group. It was great to have such positive feedback.
Otherwise this week has been spent recovering from something that put my body into a tail spin - I was so sick sunday night and monday. It's taken me all week to get my feet back under me. Yesterday I just went for a super-easy bike ride - 1 lap around the Polo club, for a total of 25 min, very easy.
I may not get much training in this weekend, but it will be worth it.
Until Next time.
-Kate
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Windy Days
This week has been a challenge training-wise. The first week of competitions at the horse show has required some long days. The good news is, we are done showing now for another week. Today I had enough time to get in a nap and a workout. Yesterday, too.
Thursday I left home at 5am and didn't return until 9pm. That was a crazy long day.
Friday I managed a 6+ mile hour run. It was nice to run again, since it had been a full week, and even that run was bad... But last night I felt good. I ran well, and didn't feel too tired. I actually felt like myself again.
Today was an easy day, and I got out on the bike tonight, for an almost hour ride. Both yesterday's workout and today's were very windy. I feel like I'm getting more confident riding in the wind.
Until next time!
Thursday I left home at 5am and didn't return until 9pm. That was a crazy long day.
Friday I managed a 6+ mile hour run. It was nice to run again, since it had been a full week, and even that run was bad... But last night I felt good. I ran well, and didn't feel too tired. I actually felt like myself again.
Today was an easy day, and I got out on the bike tonight, for an almost hour ride. Both yesterday's workout and today's were very windy. I feel like I'm getting more confident riding in the wind.
Until next time!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
More Masters
Isn't there a saying, "No rest for the weary." That is becomming my slogan. If I can make it to bed by 9pm, I'm usually ok, but anything after that leaves me exhausted by mid-day. Especially when the alarm goes off at 5am or before!
But even with long days, I'm still managing some workouts. I'm consistant with my 6 day a week training, so far. And twice a week Master's group.
I did a short run last saturday, and it literally sucked the last tiny bit of energy out of my system. I ended up walking the last half mile home.
Monday and today I hit the Master's swim group again. Monday I had a challenging gear day - first I was late, then I ripped a hole in my swim cap, my goggles are getting old, so they decided to leak, then we were using paddles, and they kept coming off my hands. It seemed like it was one thing after another. But through all of that, the coach complemented me on becoming more comfortable and profecient in the water.
I'm feeling better with my swimming, and I can feel the improvements. Every time I go, I learn something new. It's a challenging workout, he keeps pushing us to a higher level. For example, we do a 3-2-1-0 interval - 3 breaths per 25, then 2 breaths per 25, then 1, and then 0. I'm ok for the first 25 with 3 breaths, and then with enough rest, 2 breaths. But after that I'm done! I'm still working on breathing every 3 strokes more consistantly, and the 3-2-1-0 workout helps improve my breath control.
Well, it's already late, and I'm missing out on some sleep. Enough sleep even helps my attitude - go figure! I don't get cranky nearly as fast when I'm not exhausted!
Until Next time!
But even with long days, I'm still managing some workouts. I'm consistant with my 6 day a week training, so far. And twice a week Master's group.
I did a short run last saturday, and it literally sucked the last tiny bit of energy out of my system. I ended up walking the last half mile home.
Monday and today I hit the Master's swim group again. Monday I had a challenging gear day - first I was late, then I ripped a hole in my swim cap, my goggles are getting old, so they decided to leak, then we were using paddles, and they kept coming off my hands. It seemed like it was one thing after another. But through all of that, the coach complemented me on becoming more comfortable and profecient in the water.
I'm feeling better with my swimming, and I can feel the improvements. Every time I go, I learn something new. It's a challenging workout, he keeps pushing us to a higher level. For example, we do a 3-2-1-0 interval - 3 breaths per 25, then 2 breaths per 25, then 1, and then 0. I'm ok for the first 25 with 3 breaths, and then with enough rest, 2 breaths. But after that I'm done! I'm still working on breathing every 3 strokes more consistantly, and the 3-2-1-0 workout helps improve my breath control.
Well, it's already late, and I'm missing out on some sleep. Enough sleep even helps my attitude - go figure! I don't get cranky nearly as fast when I'm not exhausted!
Until Next time!
Friday, January 20, 2006
14 hour work days
In a single word, exhausted. Yesterday was an incredibly long day, started working at 5:30am, and finished after 7pm. Needless to say, after that the only thing on my agenda was dinner, so I took the day off from training. Today appeared to have the same outlook when I started working at 6am. Luckily, I had a short break mid-day and was able to scoot home and get in a 45 min ride on the bike. It was crazy, windy, but it was a good workout. I had hoped to get in a swim since I missed the Master's group last night, but I'm beat after getting home close to 7pm again. I'll swim this weekend. Hopefully tomorrow after getting to work at 5:45, we'll be done earlier!
Wednesday I had a fairly good workout. I was still tired then, even without getting up before daybreak. I dragged my butt out the door for a 25 min high RPM bike, followed by a 30 min run. I felt much better after I finished my workout. And actually I felt better after my mid-day workout this afternoon, too.
Until next time!
Wednesday I had a fairly good workout. I was still tired then, even without getting up before daybreak. I dragged my butt out the door for a 25 min high RPM bike, followed by a 30 min run. I felt much better after I finished my workout. And actually I felt better after my mid-day workout this afternoon, too.
Until next time!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Tuesday
Today I went back to the Master's Swim group. Another challenging workout of 1800-2000 meters. The pool was cold (the heater broke) and so part of it was covered and we had to swim only 25 meter lengths... Which was good since we did this breathing exercize, and had the pool been 50 meters, I definitely wouldn't have made it. As it was I spent a good portion of that exercize light headed! It was chilly enough I wanted my wet suit! But once we got going, it wasn't so bad. I worked with paddles and found that they really helped my stroke.
Before heading to swim, I got in a quick 3 mile run. It was tough - hotter and more humid than I thought it was.
Monday I went for a 1:20 bike ride - my fastest average yet - 17.2 mph. for 22.8 miles. For a short interval, I really pushed the pace, and was able to sustain 24.8 mph.
Well, better get going. Until next time!
Before heading to swim, I got in a quick 3 mile run. It was tough - hotter and more humid than I thought it was.
Monday I went for a 1:20 bike ride - my fastest average yet - 17.2 mph. for 22.8 miles. For a short interval, I really pushed the pace, and was able to sustain 24.8 mph.
Well, better get going. Until next time!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Exhausting Week
I thought I had blogged since monday - but apparently not. Oops. Now I have a lot to catch up on. It's been a busy week.
At work I had 3 mornings this week where I started at 6am - that makes for a long day. Now that it's sunday night I can definitely feel the week taking effect. I'm exhausted! It was all I could do tonight to get out there for a 30 min. run. Last night I attempted to run, but stopped because I was feeling light headed and woozy. I think I must have been dehydrated. It's been significantly colder these past 2 days (today I wanted long underwear this morning - 40 with an icey north wind) and I probably haven't been drinking enough during the day.
Earlier this week though, I had some great workouts. Namely tuesday and thursday when I met up with a Master's swim group near here. WoW!! What an amazing workout. I'd been swimming for a half hour - tues and thurs I spent an hour and half in the water, and lost count of distance around 2000 meters.
Tomorrow when I have more time, I'll tell you about the master's program. I'm going to try to make it as much as I can. I think it'll really improve my technique!
Until Next time!
At work I had 3 mornings this week where I started at 6am - that makes for a long day. Now that it's sunday night I can definitely feel the week taking effect. I'm exhausted! It was all I could do tonight to get out there for a 30 min. run. Last night I attempted to run, but stopped because I was feeling light headed and woozy. I think I must have been dehydrated. It's been significantly colder these past 2 days (today I wanted long underwear this morning - 40 with an icey north wind) and I probably haven't been drinking enough during the day.
Earlier this week though, I had some great workouts. Namely tuesday and thursday when I met up with a Master's swim group near here. WoW!! What an amazing workout. I'd been swimming for a half hour - tues and thurs I spent an hour and half in the water, and lost count of distance around 2000 meters.
Tomorrow when I have more time, I'll tell you about the master's program. I'm going to try to make it as much as I can. I think it'll really improve my technique!
Until Next time!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Monday
As I look over last week's training log, I can't decide whether it was a good week or not... Parts of it were really, quite good. Then there were parts that were not good at all! Getting in a run after a 12 hour day - good, a couple good swims, super... but then there's the fact that I ate out a lot, took one day off, then the next day I only had time for a 20 min workout the next... But then I got home from work late last night, without enough daylight to complete my scheduled bike ride, so I opted for a run and went for an hour and twenty minutes - somewhere around 8 miles. Go figure.
So today, my day off, I got up and went for a long ride - my legs tired quickly, so I turned for home, and only got in just over an hour ride, nearly 18 miles. Then I headed to the pool with the goal of 800 meters. I did an easy 1000 instead.
Swimming has all of a sudden gotten a lot easier for me. This is great. I'm able to go the length of the pool with fewer strokes than I did even a few weeks ago. yay! I haven't timed myself per interval, but today I did 1000 meters in less than a half hour - even with some drill work thrown in there.
Now I can sit back and enjoy the remainder of this beautiful day. Hmmm. High 70's, blue skys and sunshine - don't you wish you were here?? :)
Until next time!!
So today, my day off, I got up and went for a long ride - my legs tired quickly, so I turned for home, and only got in just over an hour ride, nearly 18 miles. Then I headed to the pool with the goal of 800 meters. I did an easy 1000 instead.
Swimming has all of a sudden gotten a lot easier for me. This is great. I'm able to go the length of the pool with fewer strokes than I did even a few weeks ago. yay! I haven't timed myself per interval, but today I did 1000 meters in less than a half hour - even with some drill work thrown in there.
Now I can sit back and enjoy the remainder of this beautiful day. Hmmm. High 70's, blue skys and sunshine - don't you wish you were here?? :)
Until next time!!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Toughening Up
Today was the first of many 12 hour days at work. And even though it was a long day, it wasn't as intense as some will be. After spending 12 hours on my feet, I still had a run on the schedule. I haven't put together a weekly schedule yet, so how much I would run was up to how I felt. My legs were tired, but once I got going I didn't feel as poorly as I thought I might. So I opted for a solid hour run. I left the GPS at home, so I'm not sure about my pace, other than plain slow. So I logged somewhere around 6 miles. It was a good night to work on still getting a workout in after a long day at work on my feet. It's time to get tough.
Yesterday I went out on the bike. The wind was really blowing out of the west, but that didn't stop me. I'm working on riding in the wind, so come race day it doesn't blow my confidence. I did 2 loops around the Polo Club and it worked out to be 13.7 miles. Since half was into the wind and half was with a very fun tail wind - I averaged 16.7 mph. Returning on the loop I was able to maintain 23+ mph. That was fun, learning how to handle the curves and ride fast.
Until next time.
Yesterday I went out on the bike. The wind was really blowing out of the west, but that didn't stop me. I'm working on riding in the wind, so come race day it doesn't blow my confidence. I did 2 loops around the Polo Club and it worked out to be 13.7 miles. Since half was into the wind and half was with a very fun tail wind - I averaged 16.7 mph. Returning on the loop I was able to maintain 23+ mph. That was fun, learning how to handle the curves and ride fast.
Until next time.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Swim Breakthrough
This morning I headed out for an easy 3+ mile run. It was starting to really warm up, and the humidity was definitely a factor. I was glad I only needed to do an easy run today. I felt remarkably good after yesterday's brick workout. Last week I had "bricks" in my legs after a similar workout. I was pleased this morning to be running fairly well. Not fast, but I didn't need to go fast either. Today was just an easy "burn some calories" run.
Later today I went to the pool. The first time in a couple weeks. I had been having trouble with breathing to the right in the past, and with my stroke technique. Today was definitely a good day!
I got in the water, and started off, and without even thinking I found myself breathing to the right without any trouble. This is huge! There was a time, not that long ago, that I couldn't breathe to the right without feeling like I was the Titanic. So today when I found myself breathing to the right like I'd never had a problem, I was very excited.
I've also been struggling with my technique in the catch and pull phase of the stroke. Today I read some tips regarding that before I left for the pool, and I think that it really helped to have a good mental image of a correct stroke in my head when I got in the water. I worked on simply having good technique in the water, and after 800 meters I was finding myself struggling to hold on to the correct position, so I called it a day. No point in practicing poor form.
It was a very positive swim workout, and has me looking forward to the next one. I hope that by correcting my form and bilateral breathing I'll be able to not be the last guy out of the water this season!
Oh, and more good news! I've signed up for my next Half Iron Distance Tri for this summer. September 9 - the Lake Geneva Triathalon in Fontana,WI. Immediately following the HIM I'll drive to Madison to watch Ironman on sunday, and Monday I'll sign up for 2007!!! Another step along the road of life!
Until next time!
Later today I went to the pool. The first time in a couple weeks. I had been having trouble with breathing to the right in the past, and with my stroke technique. Today was definitely a good day!
I got in the water, and started off, and without even thinking I found myself breathing to the right without any trouble. This is huge! There was a time, not that long ago, that I couldn't breathe to the right without feeling like I was the Titanic. So today when I found myself breathing to the right like I'd never had a problem, I was very excited.
I've also been struggling with my technique in the catch and pull phase of the stroke. Today I read some tips regarding that before I left for the pool, and I think that it really helped to have a good mental image of a correct stroke in my head when I got in the water. I worked on simply having good technique in the water, and after 800 meters I was finding myself struggling to hold on to the correct position, so I called it a day. No point in practicing poor form.
It was a very positive swim workout, and has me looking forward to the next one. I hope that by correcting my form and bilateral breathing I'll be able to not be the last guy out of the water this season!
Oh, and more good news! I've signed up for my next Half Iron Distance Tri for this summer. September 9 - the Lake Geneva Triathalon in Fontana,WI. Immediately following the HIM I'll drive to Madison to watch Ironman on sunday, and Monday I'll sign up for 2007!!! Another step along the road of life!
Until next time!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
New Year
After a couple of days back in the dreary, snowy north country, I'm back in Florida. I got a couple easy 3 and 4 mile runs in. Barely enough to run off some of the large quantities of food I ate!
I had planned a workout last night after spending 12 hours travelling. But I felt too gross, and even though I knew it might make me feel better, this time I just couldn't get up the motivation to get out there.
Today I hopefully made up for yesterday's lack of motivation. I got out on the bike for 1:20, and 21 miles. It was a good ride. Not too windy, warm and humid - 81. I averaged 16.6 mph and felt fairly good about it, since I was trying to "take it easy."
Afterwards, I immediately laced up my running shoes and went out for a painful 1.5 mile loop. I hope that one of these days running off the bike isn't quite so painful! I still managed to put in an 8:40 mile, but it was tough.
I'm excited to start up my 2006 training plan!
Until Next time.
I had planned a workout last night after spending 12 hours travelling. But I felt too gross, and even though I knew it might make me feel better, this time I just couldn't get up the motivation to get out there.
Today I hopefully made up for yesterday's lack of motivation. I got out on the bike for 1:20, and 21 miles. It was a good ride. Not too windy, warm and humid - 81. I averaged 16.6 mph and felt fairly good about it, since I was trying to "take it easy."
Afterwards, I immediately laced up my running shoes and went out for a painful 1.5 mile loop. I hope that one of these days running off the bike isn't quite so painful! I still managed to put in an 8:40 mile, but it was tough.
I'm excited to start up my 2006 training plan!
Until Next time.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Wonderful Run
This afternoon I was sitting on my couch with my feet up after work feeling groggy and cranky. I was "off my game" and not feeling up to par. I knew that I had a run on my aganda for the day, but I wasn't feeling up for it. After much self talk, I decided to lace up the running shoes and head out, because I probably wouldn't feel any worse by doing it, and I just might make myself feel better...
And feel better I did. It was an AWESOME run. The sun was just starting to set and I was able to watch the sky turn from lavender, to pink to a bright orange. The temps had dropped to somewhere in the high 50s and the humidity felt like it was gone. I headed out without any clue on how far or how fast... I ended up cruising through 8 miles without hardly noticing it. I was plugged into my MP3 and simply ran for the joy of running. And you know what, after I was done, I felt great. It felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders. (Now mind you, I'm not sure why I was carrying the weight of the world to begin with... but anyway..) I'm so glad I made myself get out there. Heck, I even treated myself to some Moosetracks Ice cream at the local Ice cream parlor tonight, too!
Last night I took the bike out for an easy 30 min spin around the polo club. I'm just trying to keep the frequency of biking up there, before I start adding on too many miles. I'm not training for anything just yet, so now is the time to enjoy it without the pressure of trying to get the miles in.
Well, tonight's my last night in the south for a couple days. Time to go to MI to celebrate "Belated Christmas" and I'll be back to running in the cold and slop again for a couple days... Just long enough to remind me why I winter in Florida...
Until Next Time.
And feel better I did. It was an AWESOME run. The sun was just starting to set and I was able to watch the sky turn from lavender, to pink to a bright orange. The temps had dropped to somewhere in the high 50s and the humidity felt like it was gone. I headed out without any clue on how far or how fast... I ended up cruising through 8 miles without hardly noticing it. I was plugged into my MP3 and simply ran for the joy of running. And you know what, after I was done, I felt great. It felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders. (Now mind you, I'm not sure why I was carrying the weight of the world to begin with... but anyway..) I'm so glad I made myself get out there. Heck, I even treated myself to some Moosetracks Ice cream at the local Ice cream parlor tonight, too!
Last night I took the bike out for an easy 30 min spin around the polo club. I'm just trying to keep the frequency of biking up there, before I start adding on too many miles. I'm not training for anything just yet, so now is the time to enjoy it without the pressure of trying to get the miles in.
Well, tonight's my last night in the south for a couple days. Time to go to MI to celebrate "Belated Christmas" and I'll be back to running in the cold and slop again for a couple days... Just long enough to remind me why I winter in Florida...
Until Next Time.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Holiday Weekend
Yesterday I took the bike out for an 18 mile (hour +) ride. It was a beautiful day, although slightly windy. I left the Polo Club through the west gate, and headed out to the aero club and Palm Beach Point Going into the wind, I was able to maintain 16-17mph on average, when I was protected from the wind, or had a tail wind I was able to cruise at 20-23mph. It was really quite fun. I think my average speed was 17mph and my average cadance was 90. I felt like it was a good ride, for my 3rd time out. I think that buying a new bike seat was probably the best investment I've made on that bike. Wow! What a difference.
After I got off the bike, I laced up my running shoes and went for a mile and a half incredibly painful run. It only took about 5 minutes for me to stop thinking about how painful it was, and about 10 minutes to finally feel like I was hitting my stride.
Today I elected to go for a run. I thought I might go for a long run since I had the time, but I wound up with a mid-day headache, and legs that felt like lead (or bricks as the case may be - from yesterday...) I made myself go anyway, thinking that getting the endorphans moving might have additional benefits. I hoped they would improve my outlook on life and help get rid of the headache. I ran a slow 4.5 miles (or thereabouts) in 45 minutes. I allowed myself 1 min. walk breaks every 10 min. I could tell that my legs were fatigued from yesterday, and it's significantly windier today than yesterday, so that slowed me down too. (I was glad I biked yesterday for that reason). Mentally/emotionally I feel a little better from my run, and my headache is nearly gone.
So a funny Henry story - After my run today, I took Henry out to play ball in the parking lot while I stretched. It's pretty warm/humid out so it didn't take long for him to get hot. Behind my building is a fenced in pool and hottub. He's never been in the pool area before. But all of a sudden he takes off, and makes a beeline directly for the pool. The supports for the fence are far enough apart that he can get through - so he wiggles through the fence and gets in the pool!! I don't have my pool key, so I'm left to scold him from outside the fence until he decides he's had enough and comes back out. Much to the ammusement of the kids in the hot tub! It was really quite funny. If I didn't know better I'd think that he was part Labradore! I guess better the pool than the canals!
Until Next Time... Merry Christmas
After I got off the bike, I laced up my running shoes and went for a mile and a half incredibly painful run. It only took about 5 minutes for me to stop thinking about how painful it was, and about 10 minutes to finally feel like I was hitting my stride.
Today I elected to go for a run. I thought I might go for a long run since I had the time, but I wound up with a mid-day headache, and legs that felt like lead (or bricks as the case may be - from yesterday...) I made myself go anyway, thinking that getting the endorphans moving might have additional benefits. I hoped they would improve my outlook on life and help get rid of the headache. I ran a slow 4.5 miles (or thereabouts) in 45 minutes. I allowed myself 1 min. walk breaks every 10 min. I could tell that my legs were fatigued from yesterday, and it's significantly windier today than yesterday, so that slowed me down too. (I was glad I biked yesterday for that reason). Mentally/emotionally I feel a little better from my run, and my headache is nearly gone.
So a funny Henry story - After my run today, I took Henry out to play ball in the parking lot while I stretched. It's pretty warm/humid out so it didn't take long for him to get hot. Behind my building is a fenced in pool and hottub. He's never been in the pool area before. But all of a sudden he takes off, and makes a beeline directly for the pool. The supports for the fence are far enough apart that he can get through - so he wiggles through the fence and gets in the pool!! I don't have my pool key, so I'm left to scold him from outside the fence until he decides he's had enough and comes back out. Much to the ammusement of the kids in the hot tub! It was really quite funny. If I didn't know better I'd think that he was part Labradore! I guess better the pool than the canals!
Until Next Time... Merry Christmas
Friday, December 23, 2005
Friday
Today I gave up the bike ride for a quick nap. It was a beautiful day, but and would've been perfect for a ride... but I came home from work, and was really tired, so I was only going to take a quick nap. Well an hour later I was nearly out of daylight.
So I headed to the pool and got in a 1000m swim. It felt better than earlier this week. I even did some 400 and 200 repeats, and I wasn't as winded as I was on wednesday.
I think that tomorrow I'll go on a long-ish bike ride with a brick at the end. I mean, where else can you go on a bike ride on Christmas Eve??
Happy Holidays!!
So I headed to the pool and got in a 1000m swim. It felt better than earlier this week. I even did some 400 and 200 repeats, and I wasn't as winded as I was on wednesday.
I think that tomorrow I'll go on a long-ish bike ride with a brick at the end. I mean, where else can you go on a bike ride on Christmas Eve??
Happy Holidays!!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Thursday
As I'm settling into a schedule in here, I need to sit down and write out a training plan for the winter. I have one in my head, but it always helps to put it on paper. So right now I feel like I'm training without any real goals yet. I don't know if I'm going to do a full marathon or only a half in April, so I'm not sure how much milage I should be adding to my running yet, and then I want to also increase my time on the bike, but if I do a full marathon, then I should be running more.... ahh, all these questions.
I've decided though, that I'll let myself train "how I feel" between now and the end of the year (so about another week). And in that time period I'll attempt to figure out my training plan for the next 4 months.
Tonight I did a GF-type workout. I started with a 1.5 mile loop that put me back at my doorstep. So I did some spiders and pushups. Went out for another 1.5 mile loop, this time pushing the pace (I could feel that! Wow! The longest 1.5 miles ever!) Then I did situps, planks, and a 2 min wall sit before heading out for my last 1.5 mile loop. This time I ran the loop easy (but nicely, it still was a 9 min pace - ish) then I finished up with some additional pushups and stretching. It was a good solid hour workout that got a little bit of everything in.
I hope to get out on my bike again tomorrow, and hopefully hit the pool for a longer swim workout.
Until then...
I've decided though, that I'll let myself train "how I feel" between now and the end of the year (so about another week). And in that time period I'll attempt to figure out my training plan for the next 4 months.
Tonight I did a GF-type workout. I started with a 1.5 mile loop that put me back at my doorstep. So I did some spiders and pushups. Went out for another 1.5 mile loop, this time pushing the pace (I could feel that! Wow! The longest 1.5 miles ever!) Then I did situps, planks, and a 2 min wall sit before heading out for my last 1.5 mile loop. This time I ran the loop easy (but nicely, it still was a 9 min pace - ish) then I finished up with some additional pushups and stretching. It was a good solid hour workout that got a little bit of everything in.
I hope to get out on my bike again tomorrow, and hopefully hit the pool for a longer swim workout.
Until then...
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Rebuilding the Foundation
Today is my day off from work, so I enjoyed sleeping in and a lazy morning. I was wide awake by 8am, but the true luxury was being able to lay in bed and watch T.V. until I felt compelled to actually get up. Those days are few and far between in my world, so I enjoyed it thoroughly this morning.
By 10:30 I was dressed and ready to take on the traffic and road hazards florida had to throw at me on my bike. I had planned to ride for about an hour. After 35 min or so, I found myself back at the gate of the Polo Club, so I decided to ride through the Polo Club and home. My total ride was 45 min. I averaged 17 mph and went 13 miles. All but one section of road was light traffic, and most drivers gave me plenty of room. It wasn't bad at all getting out there again.
Last winter I got a lot of experience by riding with a group of 'Roadies' on monday night. They were an intense group, riding in a pace line on roads without shoulders at night. There is nothing like riding in the middle of a pace line at night at 20mph with your only focus being the white line and the tire of the guy in front of you. You did what you had to to keep up! So I stopped into the bike shop this afternoon to inquire about the rides again. They are still holding them on monday nights, but then I asked about riding with a tri bike... yeah, just as I expected, they don't like us "Tri Geeks" riding in a pace line with aerobars. Looks like I'm on my own this year. That's ok, he gave me a good route with safe roads to ride on. Maybe next year I can swing a road bike and ride with them in the future...
After my bike ride, I headed over to the pool for a quick swim. Best to start getting in the habit of swimming a few times a week again. I can tell it's been a long time since I swam any distance. After a 100m I was breathing like I'd never swam before. So it's time to hit the pool on a regular basis and start rebuilding that aerobic foundation. I'd actually like to find a swim group to help me work on my technique a little bit, since I'm certain that is partially why I am so slow in the water.
Well, I've got some more errands to run, so I'd best be off. Catch ya' later.
By 10:30 I was dressed and ready to take on the traffic and road hazards florida had to throw at me on my bike. I had planned to ride for about an hour. After 35 min or so, I found myself back at the gate of the Polo Club, so I decided to ride through the Polo Club and home. My total ride was 45 min. I averaged 17 mph and went 13 miles. All but one section of road was light traffic, and most drivers gave me plenty of room. It wasn't bad at all getting out there again.
Last winter I got a lot of experience by riding with a group of 'Roadies' on monday night. They were an intense group, riding in a pace line on roads without shoulders at night. There is nothing like riding in the middle of a pace line at night at 20mph with your only focus being the white line and the tire of the guy in front of you. You did what you had to to keep up! So I stopped into the bike shop this afternoon to inquire about the rides again. They are still holding them on monday nights, but then I asked about riding with a tri bike... yeah, just as I expected, they don't like us "Tri Geeks" riding in a pace line with aerobars. Looks like I'm on my own this year. That's ok, he gave me a good route with safe roads to ride on. Maybe next year I can swing a road bike and ride with them in the future...
After my bike ride, I headed over to the pool for a quick swim. Best to start getting in the habit of swimming a few times a week again. I can tell it's been a long time since I swam any distance. After a 100m I was breathing like I'd never swam before. So it's time to hit the pool on a regular basis and start rebuilding that aerobic foundation. I'd actually like to find a swim group to help me work on my technique a little bit, since I'm certain that is partially why I am so slow in the water.
Well, I've got some more errands to run, so I'd best be off. Catch ya' later.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Putting the wheels in motion
Monday I finally took the bike out for an inagural ride. I think I must have smiled the entire time. When I stepped outside, I thought it might be a bit chilly... but in no time I was working up a sweat. I didn't go far - about a 30 min ride, averaging 16 mph. It was nice to get out there again.
Tonight I went for a run - just over 6.5 miles. It was cool and overcast. Perfect for an evening run. I was running about a 9:30 pace with walk breaks every mile or so. All was well until the end when my stomach decided that it was not happy... guess I'll have to figure out what I ate last, and remember to NOT EVER eat that before a run again!!
Tomorrow is my day off, so I'm planning on taking my bike out for an easy ride to refamiliarize myself with the roads. I'll probably hit the pool as well. Until next time...
Tonight I went for a run - just over 6.5 miles. It was cool and overcast. Perfect for an evening run. I was running about a 9:30 pace with walk breaks every mile or so. All was well until the end when my stomach decided that it was not happy... guess I'll have to figure out what I ate last, and remember to NOT EVER eat that before a run again!!
Tomorrow is my day off, so I'm planning on taking my bike out for an easy ride to refamiliarize myself with the roads. I'll probably hit the pool as well. Until next time...
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Acclimation
Sorry it's been awhile since I checked in last... But I'm finally in sunny south Florida. Yay. It's been sunny and high 70s, so it's been a great change from the sub-zero temps of Minnesota.
After driving for 2 full days it was time to go for a run. Matt and I did an easy 6.5 miles our first day out. It felt VERY warm, but in reality, it wasn't THAT hot, we just weren't used to it. It felt good to really sweat.
The following day we did a GF-type workout. With a 1.5 mile warmup then situps and pushups then a lap around the condo with more situps/pushups, spiders and of course, a wall sit. I can tell that it's been a couple weeks since I last did spiders - I definitely enjoyed them the next day :)
The past couple days I've been feeling a little tired, and Matt and I have been enjoying the "Palm Beach Experience" so I haven't worked out much. Lots of good food and a trip to the ocean. Next week I'll pay for all my extravagence - no more eating out and plenty of working out!
Until next time...
After driving for 2 full days it was time to go for a run. Matt and I did an easy 6.5 miles our first day out. It felt VERY warm, but in reality, it wasn't THAT hot, we just weren't used to it. It felt good to really sweat.
The following day we did a GF-type workout. With a 1.5 mile warmup then situps and pushups then a lap around the condo with more situps/pushups, spiders and of course, a wall sit. I can tell that it's been a couple weeks since I last did spiders - I definitely enjoyed them the next day :)
The past couple days I've been feeling a little tired, and Matt and I have been enjoying the "Palm Beach Experience" so I haven't worked out much. Lots of good food and a trip to the ocean. Next week I'll pay for all my extravagence - no more eating out and plenty of working out!
Until next time...
Monday, December 12, 2005
One Last Run
Tomorrow morning I'll hit the road, so today I'll enjoy one last winter run in Minnesota. I've gotten a couple easy runs in the past few days, but nothing to challenging. I did a nice hour run on thursday around Delano, and then an easy 4 or so miles yesterday. I'll probably put forth some effort today to start the calories burning for the road trip tomorrow!
Well, not much else to report, so I'll keep this updated from Sunny Florida later this week!
Until then!!
Well, not much else to report, so I'll keep this updated from Sunny Florida later this week!
Until then!!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The countdown begins
One week from now I'll be enjoying warmer temps and a bit more sunshine. I'm in the final packing stages for getting ready for Florida. Today I checked out my bike, and made sure it was in good working order for some heavy duty riding. I pedaled around my basement, and now I cannot wait to get back out there! Yay!
I've gotten in a couple of good workouts this week. Probably not as many as I should, but that's why the call it the "off season," right? Monday night GF was held at the Interchange Bldg. 21 flights of fun... 5 times.... it was definitely hard, but I felt ok during it, and enjoyed getting my heartrate WAY up there. I thought I'd be really sore, but on Tuesday my quads were tired, but not so much sore, and my calves were tight. Tuesday night we did 2 laps around Lake Nakomis with the "Crazy Swimmers" and topped it off with Burgers and Beer. The snowy, chilly, evening run was very enjoyable, and it felt good to get the blood moving in my legs and work out some of the tightness from the previous day's workout.
Wednesday the soreness from Monday set in a little bit more, but not horrible. I spent the evening getting caught up on details for FL (and baking cookies.) So I didn't get a workout in. I took Henry for a couple long walks though, so that must count for something...
Today I'm planning on going for a run. I'm not sure how long... I'm going to take Henry and run around town here. We'll see how we feel. It's a beautiful sunny day, although a bit chilly, but it should be a nice day for a run.
Until next time!
I've gotten in a couple of good workouts this week. Probably not as many as I should, but that's why the call it the "off season," right? Monday night GF was held at the Interchange Bldg. 21 flights of fun... 5 times.... it was definitely hard, but I felt ok during it, and enjoyed getting my heartrate WAY up there. I thought I'd be really sore, but on Tuesday my quads were tired, but not so much sore, and my calves were tight. Tuesday night we did 2 laps around Lake Nakomis with the "Crazy Swimmers" and topped it off with Burgers and Beer. The snowy, chilly, evening run was very enjoyable, and it felt good to get the blood moving in my legs and work out some of the tightness from the previous day's workout.
Wednesday the soreness from Monday set in a little bit more, but not horrible. I spent the evening getting caught up on details for FL (and baking cookies.) So I didn't get a workout in. I took Henry for a couple long walks though, so that must count for something...
Today I'm planning on going for a run. I'm not sure how long... I'm going to take Henry and run around town here. We'll see how we feel. It's a beautiful sunny day, although a bit chilly, but it should be a nice day for a run.
Until next time!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Playing Catch Up
Geez, it seems like it's been forever since I've had a chance to update my blog. After returning from a relatively relaxing trip to Michigan, I had to hit the ground running...
The Sunday after I returned, I had to move and that was enough to send me spinning in all directions. Needless to say, I didn't get the workouts in that I had hoped, but I'm starting to get back on track again.
I made it to GF last wednesday, and that was the usual workout. I ran a short 30 minutes on friday in the snow with Henry, and then again on Sunday afternoon. Tonight it's off to GF again to do stairs in the Interchange bldg. That is supposed to be a tough workout. We'll see how it goes! I need to do some serious calorie burning! This will be my last GF workout before leaving for Florida. I am definitely starting to look forward to the sunny south after these sub-zero temps!!!
Until next time!
The Sunday after I returned, I had to move and that was enough to send me spinning in all directions. Needless to say, I didn't get the workouts in that I had hoped, but I'm starting to get back on track again.
I made it to GF last wednesday, and that was the usual workout. I ran a short 30 minutes on friday in the snow with Henry, and then again on Sunday afternoon. Tonight it's off to GF again to do stairs in the Interchange bldg. That is supposed to be a tough workout. We'll see how it goes! I need to do some serious calorie burning! This will be my last GF workout before leaving for Florida. I am definitely starting to look forward to the sunny south after these sub-zero temps!!!
Until next time!
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