My next Tri is rapidly approaching. I have exactly 10 days remaining before I will find myself in the chill of a sunday morning dawn, setting up my transition area on dewy grass, walking the course, finding the ins and outs of each leg. Yes, I am a little nervous. For the swim, of course. I know I am psyching myself out a bit on this, but doing all I can to keep my nerves in check. I have yet to do another open water swim, life keeps getting in the way. More precisely, I keep allowing life to get in the way. I know that I am subconsciously sabotaging my efforts, and I need to knock it the hell off. I can be my own worst enemy at times like this. Setting myself up to fail or quit. Not this time. I know I can and will do this.
Tonight is my last real swim before the Tri. Tonight I will find my stroke speed and do a solid 20 laps before I allow myself to work with drag float and paddles. I do not care how fast I go, only that I go and keep going. I am strong. I have the power. I need to approach this with the same dogged determination that let me run a 10K last weekend. Find My Pace and stick to it. I can't allow others to influence what I know to be my pace. This held me in good stead last weekend, I passed and was passed a number of times by several people who would run past me then slow to a walk. All the while I kept my steady Penguin Pace and out-stamina'd them. I have strength and stamina. This is my forte. Increased speed can come later as I train through the winter.
Coach is convinced I can do an Olympic distance Tri. I am not as sure of my skills as he is. Next weekend is my Bellwether weekend, it will tell me truly if I am ready. I know that Olympic will push me to my limits, force me out of my comfort zone, but I am totally cool with that. As a matter of fact, I want to be pushed, I want some discomfort, I do not want to placidly ride on my laurels. For what is the point to reach a goal and then coast along, content? For me, each goal has the potential to be a platform to the next dream. And so I will climb each platform, enjoy the view for a brief moment before climbing ever higher.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Down and Dirty Thirty
Came up with a new, quick leg workout that I have dubbed The Down and Dirty Thirty. Thirty minutes, nonstop, of leg work. I did 5 of my regular exercises, back to back, no breaks, as many sets as I could do in thirty minutes. This afternoons choice of sets: Horse Stance (wide) Squats 50 reps; Split Squats (aka stationary lunge) 20 reps each leg; Forward Standing Leg Raise 20 reps each leg; Deep Jump Squats 15 reps; Prisoner Squats 20 reps. Over and over. A solid 30 minutes. It got me dripping sweat, muscles a bit quivery, and just a little nauseated. Just a little. It was an excellent workout for a day when my time was stretched to the limit.
Then, once I got home from work I did a solid 20 minute ab workout with the same principle (yes the Down and Dirty Thirty was completed at work *ha ha*). Seven of my basic ab exercises, nonstop for 20 minutes. I would have done more but needed to eat something before blasting off to Drill Night at the fire station. Tonight was hose lay and hydrant hookup in full gear. Sweaty work, and a nice little workout in it's own right.
All in all a very good evening. I am tired, and know that the one thing my training schedule tends to skimp on is sleep. I do need to remedy that, somehow.
Then, once I got home from work I did a solid 20 minute ab workout with the same principle (yes the Down and Dirty Thirty was completed at work *ha ha*). Seven of my basic ab exercises, nonstop for 20 minutes. I would have done more but needed to eat something before blasting off to Drill Night at the fire station. Tonight was hose lay and hydrant hookup in full gear. Sweaty work, and a nice little workout in it's own right.
All in all a very good evening. I am tired, and know that the one thing my training schedule tends to skimp on is sleep. I do need to remedy that, somehow.
Wetsuit?
Last night's swim lesson went well, gaining praise from Attila The Yoda on my improvements. But she and the lifeguard on duty both noted my serious lack of buoyancy. I do not float. I expend a ridiculous amount of energy in my swim just remaining near the surface and oxygen. In my very first lesson I told Attila The Yoda that I did not float, and my flutter kick did not propel me through the water, at all, and I could actually move easier backwards than forward with a flutter kick. She did not believe me, then. She believes me now. Even the lifeguard was more than a little boggled by my flutter kicking ineptitude. None of us can figure out why it does not move me forward. According to my experts I have "good form." Apparently that counts for exactly Jack in my case. My scissor kick, on the other hand, is amazingly powerful, and will be my default kick when I swim open water. For now I consider the flutter kick just another good cardio workout.
As to the buoyancy issue, or lack of buoyancy issue, I think I need to invest in a wetsuit. The main benefit of a wetsuit in triathlon is the fact that they add enough buoyancy that you can use all your energy for moving forward, not wasting it on the triviality of not sinking to the bottom. And drowning. Another factor of the wetsuit, or a potential factor, is that it may have the secure feeling of my motorcycle leathers, giving me the sense of being armored against those imagined nasties lurking in the murky water awaiting their chance to drag me into the weeds and suck the flesh from my bones. So, flotation and security. I think that will be well worth a little cash outlay. Now, since I am basically broke, I am haunting Craigslist hoping to come across the perfect tri wetsuit for a few sheckels. As tempted as I am to get out the Visa card and charge it, I will not. I am trying to not acquire any more debt. But then it does come back to the flotation and security aspect of a suit. I am sure part of my Labor Day festivities will include bombing around the Portland area hunting for a cheap suit.
On the plus side. I feel my swim stroke is improving with every session in the water. Longer, more precise, less exerting, more relaxed. But there is so much room for improvement. So I will keep swimming. I will swim until I am a Machine. A Perpetual Motion Machine, that can stroke through meter after meter, either in the pool or in open water. I will do this. I will succeed.
As to the buoyancy issue, or lack of buoyancy issue, I think I need to invest in a wetsuit. The main benefit of a wetsuit in triathlon is the fact that they add enough buoyancy that you can use all your energy for moving forward, not wasting it on the triviality of not sinking to the bottom. And drowning. Another factor of the wetsuit, or a potential factor, is that it may have the secure feeling of my motorcycle leathers, giving me the sense of being armored against those imagined nasties lurking in the murky water awaiting their chance to drag me into the weeds and suck the flesh from my bones. So, flotation and security. I think that will be well worth a little cash outlay. Now, since I am basically broke, I am haunting Craigslist hoping to come across the perfect tri wetsuit for a few sheckels. As tempted as I am to get out the Visa card and charge it, I will not. I am trying to not acquire any more debt. But then it does come back to the flotation and security aspect of a suit. I am sure part of my Labor Day festivities will include bombing around the Portland area hunting for a cheap suit.
On the plus side. I feel my swim stroke is improving with every session in the water. Longer, more precise, less exerting, more relaxed. But there is so much room for improvement. So I will keep swimming. I will swim until I am a Machine. A Perpetual Motion Machine, that can stroke through meter after meter, either in the pool or in open water. I will do this. I will succeed.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Bananas
I eat a helluva lot of g'damned bananas. Seriously. I practically live on them. They are my main Go-To food in almost any circumstance. I eat them straight up, with peanut butter, in smoothies, sliced over granola, after my swim, before my run. I eat a bare minimum of two a day, more often four or five, especially on weekends. Why? They are delicious. And versatile. And incredibly nutritious.
I have been paying a lot of attention to what goes into my gullet these days. For the first half of the year I was more concerned with getting my weight down to a solid, competitive weight. I confess, I hit 165 almost too easily. Hey, now don't go throwing rotten tomatoes at me for that statement. I really did work my ass off to get down here. For months I was working out twice a day, as my morning insomnia drug me out of bed and onto the treadmill most mornings before work. And neurotic, nervous energy had me back on the treadmill and strength training for several hours in the evening, in an attempt to wear myself out enough that I could sleep. NOT a recommended method of weight loss, but it really fucking worked. The neurotic phase really only lasted for a short while, but it was long enough for me to get into a routine, both with workouts and with caloric consumption. Kind of a kickstart, as it were. But I needed to get my weight to level off and stay steady at 165, so I had to focus on what I was fueling myself with, both for maintenance and strength building. And then as spring arrived, I began the notion of training hard for obstacle runs, and I did train hard. That dream was shot down by doctor, physical therapist, and Coach. So I reverted to a long held Dream: The Ironman. True, that is a ways off, but I am holding it as a carrot on a stick. So anyway, back to Bananas. I have been eating "clean" for quite some time, limiting sugar, avoiding all refined foods, no prepackaged, no processed, no unnatural chemicals, no artificial anything. The addition of dairy free (yes, I really miss my g'damned milk!) and wheat free cuts out a lot of potential unnecessary calories. I try to balance lean protein, good fats, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lots of bananas (see, there was a tie-in, eventually).
Where has this led me? Besides late night, incoherent ramblings after an incredibly long day, an arduous swim, and a delicious dinner? It has led me to study the science of sport nutrition. I avidly read up on various diets for athletes, gleaning bits of information here and there. I have been particularly interested in pre and post workout nutrition, and even more for the pre-race nutrition. There is a whole science evolving around how to fuel the machine for best performance. Yes, there are powders, bars, goo, beverages and supplements aplenty out there. A person could go broke buying up every new arrival on the scene. I prefer the simple approach: cook good food with good ingredients. I do cook for myself almost daily. Last week was venison chili with garbanzo beans in a home made barbecue-esque base, served with GF cornbread, and all the fresh fruits I could scavenge from my various trees. The last few days it has been lean beef stew made with green beans and carrots from my own garden, served with GF biscuits. I love whole foods. Yes, I down more than my share of whey protein smoothies chock full of fruit and greens. Okay, reining in the ramblings. Did I mention I've been up since 5am after only about 4 hours of sleep. Yeah, kinda loopy tonight.
To prep myself for my 10K I focused on eating high protein, good carb meals the 36 hours before the race. I made a kind of Taco Pie (I don't know how else to tag it) with lean beef, onions and a GF cornbread batter. this was dinner thursday night, breakfast and lunch friday, along with eggs and fruit, especially bananas. Dinner the night before the race was fresh guacamole with baked corn chips, and a high protein smoothie with organic pure black cherry juice, pure cranberry juice, almond milk, whey protein, and frozen banana (see, back to the bananas). Breakfast before the race was a 240 cal protein bar and black coffee. I felt fucking awesome. But basically I followed the regiment of: lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruit, low fiber (you do not want full bowels when you race), but a light dinner so it was fully digested before I ran. This whole "carb loading" thing is actually kind of outdated. Fill your system with carbs the night before, and you are still bloated and digesting when you need to feel lean and mean. I think I have found the formula that works for me, and knowing my OCD nature I am very likely to develop my "lucky meal plan" that I will stick to before every competition. It worked great for the 10K, next event is a Sprint Tri in 10 days, I shall see how it works then.
I have been paying a lot of attention to what goes into my gullet these days. For the first half of the year I was more concerned with getting my weight down to a solid, competitive weight. I confess, I hit 165 almost too easily. Hey, now don't go throwing rotten tomatoes at me for that statement. I really did work my ass off to get down here. For months I was working out twice a day, as my morning insomnia drug me out of bed and onto the treadmill most mornings before work. And neurotic, nervous energy had me back on the treadmill and strength training for several hours in the evening, in an attempt to wear myself out enough that I could sleep. NOT a recommended method of weight loss, but it really fucking worked. The neurotic phase really only lasted for a short while, but it was long enough for me to get into a routine, both with workouts and with caloric consumption. Kind of a kickstart, as it were. But I needed to get my weight to level off and stay steady at 165, so I had to focus on what I was fueling myself with, both for maintenance and strength building. And then as spring arrived, I began the notion of training hard for obstacle runs, and I did train hard. That dream was shot down by doctor, physical therapist, and Coach. So I reverted to a long held Dream: The Ironman. True, that is a ways off, but I am holding it as a carrot on a stick. So anyway, back to Bananas. I have been eating "clean" for quite some time, limiting sugar, avoiding all refined foods, no prepackaged, no processed, no unnatural chemicals, no artificial anything. The addition of dairy free (yes, I really miss my g'damned milk!) and wheat free cuts out a lot of potential unnecessary calories. I try to balance lean protein, good fats, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lots of bananas (see, there was a tie-in, eventually).
Where has this led me? Besides late night, incoherent ramblings after an incredibly long day, an arduous swim, and a delicious dinner? It has led me to study the science of sport nutrition. I avidly read up on various diets for athletes, gleaning bits of information here and there. I have been particularly interested in pre and post workout nutrition, and even more for the pre-race nutrition. There is a whole science evolving around how to fuel the machine for best performance. Yes, there are powders, bars, goo, beverages and supplements aplenty out there. A person could go broke buying up every new arrival on the scene. I prefer the simple approach: cook good food with good ingredients. I do cook for myself almost daily. Last week was venison chili with garbanzo beans in a home made barbecue-esque base, served with GF cornbread, and all the fresh fruits I could scavenge from my various trees. The last few days it has been lean beef stew made with green beans and carrots from my own garden, served with GF biscuits. I love whole foods. Yes, I down more than my share of whey protein smoothies chock full of fruit and greens. Okay, reining in the ramblings. Did I mention I've been up since 5am after only about 4 hours of sleep. Yeah, kinda loopy tonight.
To prep myself for my 10K I focused on eating high protein, good carb meals the 36 hours before the race. I made a kind of Taco Pie (I don't know how else to tag it) with lean beef, onions and a GF cornbread batter. this was dinner thursday night, breakfast and lunch friday, along with eggs and fruit, especially bananas. Dinner the night before the race was fresh guacamole with baked corn chips, and a high protein smoothie with organic pure black cherry juice, pure cranberry juice, almond milk, whey protein, and frozen banana (see, back to the bananas). Breakfast before the race was a 240 cal protein bar and black coffee. I felt fucking awesome. But basically I followed the regiment of: lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruit, low fiber (you do not want full bowels when you race), but a light dinner so it was fully digested before I ran. This whole "carb loading" thing is actually kind of outdated. Fill your system with carbs the night before, and you are still bloated and digesting when you need to feel lean and mean. I think I have found the formula that works for me, and knowing my OCD nature I am very likely to develop my "lucky meal plan" that I will stick to before every competition. It worked great for the 10K, next event is a Sprint Tri in 10 days, I shall see how it works then.
10K Complete
Saturday was my first ever 10K race. Actually, it was my first ever 10K run. I initially registered for the race as a way to help me decide if I was ready to start entering Olympic distance Triathlons. I admit, my thoughts were "oh hell, I'm not in it to win, just to finish. I will walk when I need to." Funny thing about my nature, I could not bring myself to walk. Yes, I ran the entire distance. Not super fast, but I did manage to place fourth in my age group. And I had energy left at the end of the race. Energy to sprint the last 100 yards. Energy to go do an hour of hard lap swimming afterwards. Energy that I now know can be better spent quickening my step, increasing my speed, and coming in faster the next time. I have become a runner. Weirdly enough, a runner.
I am adding to my skill set to become a better athlete. I am increasing my strength and stamina. Working to reduce my own fears, take my anxieties in hand, build a stronger mind and body. This is truly pushing me outside of my comfort zone, physically and mentally. I was completely on my own for the 10K, Coach was working Hood to Coast so was far from the start/finish line. I missed having his solid reassurance, his confidence in my abilities. He knew I could do 10K long before I did. When I told him I had signed up, he merely asked, "Do you think you can run 10K?" I told him I wasn't sure, I was running to find out. He seemed to find this an acceptable answer. After his initial praise for my completion he told me, "You are ready for Olympic distance now." It gave me a quiver of excitement/fear. He has such faith in me that I find it easier to have faith in myself.
So, on the heels of my victory over the 10K I will be doing the Portland Tri as Olympic distance. Holy shit. 1 mile swim, 25 mile cycle, 10K run.Yikes. Yes, I am scared. Yes, this is outside my comfort zone. Yes, I will do it. Yes, I will succeed. I have faith.
I am adding to my skill set to become a better athlete. I am increasing my strength and stamina. Working to reduce my own fears, take my anxieties in hand, build a stronger mind and body. This is truly pushing me outside of my comfort zone, physically and mentally. I was completely on my own for the 10K, Coach was working Hood to Coast so was far from the start/finish line. I missed having his solid reassurance, his confidence in my abilities. He knew I could do 10K long before I did. When I told him I had signed up, he merely asked, "Do you think you can run 10K?" I told him I wasn't sure, I was running to find out. He seemed to find this an acceptable answer. After his initial praise for my completion he told me, "You are ready for Olympic distance now." It gave me a quiver of excitement/fear. He has such faith in me that I find it easier to have faith in myself.
So, on the heels of my victory over the 10K I will be doing the Portland Tri as Olympic distance. Holy shit. 1 mile swim, 25 mile cycle, 10K run.Yikes. Yes, I am scared. Yes, this is outside my comfort zone. Yes, I will do it. Yes, I will succeed. I have faith.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Stroke. Power. Strength.
I know I an obsessing over swimming right now. But at least it is a healthy obsession. Right? I mean, I could be obsessing over the Kardashians, the latest fashions, or, god forbid, The Twilight Saga. Instead I am nearly eating, drinking and sleeping swimming. I think about stroke, breathing, flutter kick, optimal ergonomics. Last night's swim felt great. No, I did not do lap after tireless lap. But I swam for a solid 2 hours, with very little in the way of rest. True, I did not do more than 4 laps without a break, but I was concentrating on form and power, and did not want to get sloppy. I spent quite a bit of time with a drag float and hand paddles, really working on smooth, long, fluid strokes, and worked my shoulders until they burned. It felt great. I am in love with this exercise, it lets me focus strictly on my upper body and proper strokes, while adding resistance that gives me the same exhilaration and sense of accomplishment that weight lifting does. My shoulders are reminding me today that I worked them quite well yesterday. I know I will take a day off, but g'damn, I want to swim this afternoon. I did pack my suit and towel with the thought of trying to do a brief open water swim at The Cove in Clackamette Park. I need to get my face in murky water. I need to get past the thought of slimy, nefarious creatures lurking just out of sight, waiting to slide rubbery hands across my ankle, causing me to shriek like a banshee and sob like child terrorized by clowns. Yes, murky water triggers anxiety, based in some long past trauma. Or maybe it was growing up hearing the story of how my Uncle Frankie died, drowned in the muddy water of a steep sided hole dug for a septic tank one month before his sixth birthday. I figure that bit of family history is more than enough to instill a deep-rooted dislike for cold, manky water. Regardless of the origin, I need to get past it if I am to be a competitive triathlete. True, it is said that no race is won in the swim. But stressing my mind and body in the first stage is not doing me any favors or helping with my time. So, I need to get past this. I will get past this. I will swim. Become a strong, powerful, fearless swimmer. I know I can. I know I will.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Food, Sleep, Taper
With my first 10K a mere 42 hours away I am paying close attention to the little details of prepping myself Mind, Body and Spirit. The events of the week have caused a bit of a glitch in my normal routines, including sleep deprivation, missed meals and shortened workouts. But now everything is smoothing out, I hope.
I have been, as always, eating healthy, even though a few meals have been a protein bar and water on the go. My stomach settled down so that I was able to resume my vitamin and mineral supplements a few weeks ago. I know the most important period really is the next 24 hours or so. So today, although I was too scatterbrained to remember to boil eggs for my lunch, I am having good, easily digestible sources of natural protein and carbs, including almonds, bananas, almond milk with whey protein, organic granola with brown rice and hemp seed, apple, peanut butter, and a protein bar for the hour before my evening swim. My red blood cell count was a little low a few weeks ago, so I have been trying to add more red meat to my diet, as well as bumping up my multi-mineral supplement. For dinner tonight I am planning something new, and hopefully delicious: Gluten free cornbread baked with lean ground, grass fed beef, browned and seasoned, and Walla Walla sweet onion, caramelized, and the whole thing topped with fresh guacamole. And it will make great leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. Kind of a baked taco dish, kind of. I know I need healthy protein and lower fiber carbs the next few days, at least according to all the research. Yes, as usual, I have researched and over analyzed it all. I am still really missing dairy in my diet. I miss milk!! And yogurt. And cottage cheese. At least whey protein hasn't turned traitorous yet, and cheese in small quantities seems to be okay as well. G'damn, I do not need digestive problems. I want to be able to eat whatever healthy food I feel like, and not worry if it is going to cause "Issues." It makes me feel f'king feeble and delicate.
I am also working on The Taper. I have been very good about not over doing any leg workouts, although I feel like I should be out running every day to make sure I don't gas out in the 10K. I am still swimming diligently, but that is mostly shoulder and core. Yes, I know running uses upper body and core muscles, but I would rather be a bit slow in this 10K than bonk another swim. So I have made a conscious choice to continue with my swimming no matter what. I am being diligent with my stretching, especially calves, hammies and psoas, yes quads too, and glutes, back, shoulders, neck. But I am putting a little extra effort into the muscles I know will be taxed.
A major thing tonight and tomorrow will be getting quality sleep. Difficult at best. I am not a good sleeper. But tonight, I am hoping that several nights of less than optimal hours of Zs, combined with a good swim, some evening yoga, and a home cooked, delicious dinner will provide Body and Brain ample inducement to sleep like the dead. Hoping.
In 48 hours I will be home, resting. Elated in the triumph of a race. No matter the outcome, there will be the sense of accomplishment. A triumph over fears. A victory of my body. And one step closer to an Olympic distance Tri. Coach said to me, "I think you have what it takes to be a competitive triathlete." I will prove him correct. I will prove to myself that I am the athlete my heart believes that I am.
I have been, as always, eating healthy, even though a few meals have been a protein bar and water on the go. My stomach settled down so that I was able to resume my vitamin and mineral supplements a few weeks ago. I know the most important period really is the next 24 hours or so. So today, although I was too scatterbrained to remember to boil eggs for my lunch, I am having good, easily digestible sources of natural protein and carbs, including almonds, bananas, almond milk with whey protein, organic granola with brown rice and hemp seed, apple, peanut butter, and a protein bar for the hour before my evening swim. My red blood cell count was a little low a few weeks ago, so I have been trying to add more red meat to my diet, as well as bumping up my multi-mineral supplement. For dinner tonight I am planning something new, and hopefully delicious: Gluten free cornbread baked with lean ground, grass fed beef, browned and seasoned, and Walla Walla sweet onion, caramelized, and the whole thing topped with fresh guacamole. And it will make great leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. Kind of a baked taco dish, kind of. I know I need healthy protein and lower fiber carbs the next few days, at least according to all the research. Yes, as usual, I have researched and over analyzed it all. I am still really missing dairy in my diet. I miss milk!! And yogurt. And cottage cheese. At least whey protein hasn't turned traitorous yet, and cheese in small quantities seems to be okay as well. G'damn, I do not need digestive problems. I want to be able to eat whatever healthy food I feel like, and not worry if it is going to cause "Issues." It makes me feel f'king feeble and delicate.
I am also working on The Taper. I have been very good about not over doing any leg workouts, although I feel like I should be out running every day to make sure I don't gas out in the 10K. I am still swimming diligently, but that is mostly shoulder and core. Yes, I know running uses upper body and core muscles, but I would rather be a bit slow in this 10K than bonk another swim. So I have made a conscious choice to continue with my swimming no matter what. I am being diligent with my stretching, especially calves, hammies and psoas, yes quads too, and glutes, back, shoulders, neck. But I am putting a little extra effort into the muscles I know will be taxed.
A major thing tonight and tomorrow will be getting quality sleep. Difficult at best. I am not a good sleeper. But tonight, I am hoping that several nights of less than optimal hours of Zs, combined with a good swim, some evening yoga, and a home cooked, delicious dinner will provide Body and Brain ample inducement to sleep like the dead. Hoping.
In 48 hours I will be home, resting. Elated in the triumph of a race. No matter the outcome, there will be the sense of accomplishment. A triumph over fears. A victory of my body. And one step closer to an Olympic distance Tri. Coach said to me, "I think you have what it takes to be a competitive triathlete." I will prove him correct. I will prove to myself that I am the athlete my heart believes that I am.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Still Swimming
Once again, obsessing over The Swim. Once again, or still, call it what you will. I had another swim lesson with Attila The Yoda, my slightly sadistic, yet sage young instructor. It went decently well, I only thought I was going to drown a few times, and I did not end up in tears afterwards, so that is a definite improvement. Once again, working on the hated flutter kick. Swear to god, it is easier for me to move backwards than forwards with a flutter kick. I kid you not. My instructor did not believe me. I proved her wrong. At one point she even commented, "I do not know why you are not moving forward." I told her. She did not believe me. And seriously, I have been practicing. I am trying. I am not an idiot. Or slacker. Or mutant. Okay, maybe I'm a mutant, but that should not prevent me from being able to propel myself through the water with a g'damned flutter kick. Doing laps, freestyle with a flutter kick, gasses me like nobody's business. It wears me thin. I tell myself, "at least it is a good cardio workout." I am pretty sure I will NOT be using a flutter kick in my next Tri swim. No, not just pretty sure, damned sure.
All that being ranted, vented, flushed from my spleen, on the upside, I felt pretty good all around with my swimming last night. My stroke is improving, my wind is get less laborious. And best of all, I finally swam faster than the 60 year old woman who has been damn near lapping me at the pool. Oh sure, she is a very nice lady, and has been swimming competitively since she was very young, but to have her sleekly passing me with what seems to be very little effort has been galling, to say the least. I am an athlete! I am strong. I have the broad shouldered build of a swimmer, fer chrissake. But last night, I was faster. Of course she did not know I was racing her, that is beside the point. I still beat her. Several times. Oh Frabjous Day! Callooh! Callay! It really is the little victories. Those tiny tidbits of triumph. Secret. Private. Minuscule. But Wins none the less. Last night was a good swim.
All that being ranted, vented, flushed from my spleen, on the upside, I felt pretty good all around with my swimming last night. My stroke is improving, my wind is get less laborious. And best of all, I finally swam faster than the 60 year old woman who has been damn near lapping me at the pool. Oh sure, she is a very nice lady, and has been swimming competitively since she was very young, but to have her sleekly passing me with what seems to be very little effort has been galling, to say the least. I am an athlete! I am strong. I have the broad shouldered build of a swimmer, fer chrissake. But last night, I was faster. Of course she did not know I was racing her, that is beside the point. I still beat her. Several times. Oh Frabjous Day! Callooh! Callay! It really is the little victories. Those tiny tidbits of triumph. Secret. Private. Minuscule. But Wins none the less. Last night was a good swim.
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Taper?
I understand the concept of The Taper, allowing the body to rest and recover from workouts before a pending event. I understand the concept, but have a very difficult time allowing myself to take down time. This weekend I managed some, just because events surrounding me took up much physical and emotional energy (in a great way). But now I feel behind schedule. I know I should take it easy this week, but find it nearly impossible to convince myself. Granted, my next event is a 10K race, not a triathlon, so I feel I can continue with planned swims, which I feel in serious need of, and allow myself to take time off from strenuous leg work. But g'damn, I still have a triathlon in 3 weeks that I need to be ready for, and really need to be bumping up my running and cycling. Yeah, I remember what coach said about the two reactions after a triathlon: "Wow, I sucked, I need to train harder," and "Wow, I did great, I need to train harder." Both, he assures me are wrong. I remind myself that I need to just keep moving ahead as I have been, consistent, vigilant, diligent. Honestly though, I don't know how to keep myself in check, go for slow and steady, rein in my natural exuberance. The only way I know is to keep pushing, sweat more, train harder, lift heavier. I must force myself to heed the advice of the experts, to relax, allow my body to recover, to not only understand the concept of The Taper, but to follow through. Maybe it is best that life has spun a bit out of control lately, preventing me from spending too many hours beating my body into submission. I should approach The Taper as I have approached all aspects of training, with sincerity, logic, diligence. It is just another training exercise. But it is a tough one.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Cycling
I enjoy swimming. I like running all right. But I love cycling. I really do. I love the feel of the wind in my face, the asphalt rolling beneath my wheels, the sights, scents, sounds. Rolling through the country roads, vast fields unfolding before me, sky above me, earth below me. The rhythmic sound of gargantuan Rain Bird sprinklers "snick snick snick" cannoning hydration over tall, verdant fields of corn. Earthy scents of cow, silage, wet soil. The tropical bird sounds of children joyously rampaging in the cool evening. Fresh mown hay, sweet in the air. Cycling through such sights, scents and sounds, drawing the clean air deep into my lungs, feeling my muscles propelling me along. Bliss.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Over Thinking, Over Analyzing
I am still struggling with swimming. I am over thinking, over analyzing, as usual. It is not my nature to "just relax" and let it flow. Few things have ever come naturally, with easy grace. I have struggled, fought, and worked hard for nearly every physical endeavor I have ever undertaken. I wish I could step into something as a Natural, just once. But that is not my fate, not my course. I have to work hard, and pretend it is easy. In my first ballet class, oh so long ago, the dance instructor told us all that one key to dance was to always keep the face and shoulders relaxed, this made everything look effortless and fluid. I have kept those words in my heart, and have tried to keep a calm demeanor during physical duress. But I know better. I know how I struggle, how hard I work. I know the feelings of despair when months, years of hard work shows very little results. I don't let on about this often. I don't like to vent my frustrations. Instead I just work harder, put in a little more time, push myself a little more. And I know there is always room to push myself harder. Many a day I feel like I don't work out nearly hard enough to meet the lofty goals I set before myself. Do I set myself up for failure? I am not totally sure. I do know that I am inclined to set the bar higher than I am truly capable of, in the hopes that I will make it over this one time. Case in point: I have my first 10K in one week. One fucking week. Am I ready? No. Can I run 5K? Yes. But, as is evident to all, 10K is twice that far. Why did I do this? I am not really sure. I know I like to push myself, have goals, take it to the next level. But sometimes I think I ask too much of myself. But really, if I don't ask, who will? Who will induce me to bump it up a notch? No one. Just me. So I push myself a bit more, knowing I should push a lot more. I don't take days off. I add weight training, more reps, an extra swim. What the hell? Am I trying to kill myself? No. I am trying to live. I want to do it all. I want to be better tomorrow than I am today, even if it is a minuscule iota of change. I want to be better, stronger, faster. I want to run a race. Win a race. I want to improve my time. I want to be successful in each discipline of the triathlon. I want to be able to do Olympic distance. Half Ironman. I want to do an Ironman. There, I have said it aloud. It is now out in the cosmos. Once again, I set the bar so high I can't even see it, much less reach it. But I know it is there. So back to over thinking. Over analyzing. I need to learn to relax, go with the flow, and I am over thinking even that. I guess relaxation is a bar set too high.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I Can Do This
To assure myself that there will never be a replay of my swim bonk, I have started taking private lessons. Fortunately, the beautiful swim center I go to has 30 minutes sessions for $10. I figure once a week, get pointers and a knowledgeable assessment of my swimming, then work hard to improve.
Tonight was my first lesson. I got some great advice, ways to improve my technique, and a serious feeling of , "oh my god, I suck." Truly. I have managed to be a decent swimmer by just winging it. But that does not cut it when faced with an open water swim in the blender-like action of dozens of racing bodies plunging into murky water together, and many having a "win at all costs" mentality. In my first experience of this, I was kicked several times, jostled, and actually had one guy swim right over top of me. This was not as disconcerting to me as it may be to some, since I have been used to the hard knocks game of armored combat. But once out into open water, the ideal is to relax and find your stroke. I did not manage that. I floundered. I need to get past this. I will do better.
After my lesson, which had more than a few moments of frustration and feelings of abject failure (no fault to my young instructor, she was great), I stayed to do some easy laps. I wanted to drill into my head the lessons I had just learned. After a few laps, barely making 25 yards before feeling gassed and stressed, I clung to the edge of the pool, at the deep end, and cried. Yes, cried. Like a baby. I totally lost it. I had the feeling of being an abject failure. Slowest swimmer in the pond. A What-the-fuck-am-I-thinking breakdown. It went on for several minutes. I could not stop. Finally, after a little mental slapping, I managed to regain control. I wanted to get out of the pool and slink off to the shower. Instead, I did another half lap, 25 yards. I focused on stroke, flutter kicks, breathing. I made it 20 yards before sucking water up my nose. I wanted to quit. Instead, I swam another half lap. This time I made it to the far end, with decent form, good breathing, but slow. "Better," I told myself. Another half lap. 25 yards. Focus on technique. Focus on breathing. "Better." A half lap at a time, I swam another 4 laps. I was tired and wanted to quit. "One more lap." Done. "Better." Breathe. "One more lap." Done. "Better."
It was not my best swim. But not my worst. Yeah, I felt like a floundering newb. I cried. I swore. But I did not quit. I am strong. I am an athlete. I can do this. I can get faster. More effective. I will get better. I can do this.
Tonight was my first lesson. I got some great advice, ways to improve my technique, and a serious feeling of , "oh my god, I suck." Truly. I have managed to be a decent swimmer by just winging it. But that does not cut it when faced with an open water swim in the blender-like action of dozens of racing bodies plunging into murky water together, and many having a "win at all costs" mentality. In my first experience of this, I was kicked several times, jostled, and actually had one guy swim right over top of me. This was not as disconcerting to me as it may be to some, since I have been used to the hard knocks game of armored combat. But once out into open water, the ideal is to relax and find your stroke. I did not manage that. I floundered. I need to get past this. I will do better.
After my lesson, which had more than a few moments of frustration and feelings of abject failure (no fault to my young instructor, she was great), I stayed to do some easy laps. I wanted to drill into my head the lessons I had just learned. After a few laps, barely making 25 yards before feeling gassed and stressed, I clung to the edge of the pool, at the deep end, and cried. Yes, cried. Like a baby. I totally lost it. I had the feeling of being an abject failure. Slowest swimmer in the pond. A What-the-fuck-am-I-thinking breakdown. It went on for several minutes. I could not stop. Finally, after a little mental slapping, I managed to regain control. I wanted to get out of the pool and slink off to the shower. Instead, I did another half lap, 25 yards. I focused on stroke, flutter kicks, breathing. I made it 20 yards before sucking water up my nose. I wanted to quit. Instead, I swam another half lap. This time I made it to the far end, with decent form, good breathing, but slow. "Better," I told myself. Another half lap. 25 yards. Focus on technique. Focus on breathing. "Better." A half lap at a time, I swam another 4 laps. I was tired and wanted to quit. "One more lap." Done. "Better." Breathe. "One more lap." Done. "Better."
It was not my best swim. But not my worst. Yeah, I felt like a floundering newb. I cried. I swore. But I did not quit. I am strong. I am an athlete. I can do this. I can get faster. More effective. I will get better. I can do this.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Build the Machine.
How wrong is it that I am delighted to be back at my normal, vigorous strength training regiment? I do love strength training, above and beyond anything else. Always have. Always will. Even in the darkest depths of winter melancholy I can always muster the energy to lift weights and push my muscles to trembling fatigue. I know some may see this as an enamored obsession, or even an aberrant behavior, but I cannot help myself. Back in late Spring I tweaked my lower back and so forced myself to restrict my strength training, and I missed it horribly. I am even thinking that lack of strength training may have led, in some small part, to my swim bonk. I like to know that my body is as strong as I can make it, and strength training does this for me. I acknowledge that I will never be the fastest participant in any given race, but I damned well can be the strongest. Strength and stamina will be my trump card.
To this end, I have gotten back into building my power with a fanatical glee. I am adding some lower body/ leg exercises for explosive strength, especially Jump Squats. Six months ago, I could not perform this particular task, but losing 60 pounds does make a bit of a difference when propelling body mass upwards from a deep squat, into the air, and landing lightly. I can do them now, and am totally digging the experience. I love finding new ways to playfully torture my body. I am always on the lookout for challenges that won't overtax my knees, but will add strength and power.
Today, I am pleasantly sore from head to toe. Last night was upper body and core, with some good shoulder work and punishing ab work. I feel glorious. Tonight I will run, and then add in an hour of legs and glutes. I want my body to perform at its peak, to be the best that I can make of it, to take every advantage of enjoying the marvelous machine that Brain rides around in. I will build the machine, tweak the engine, fuel the fire. I am strong. I am powerful. I am an athlete. I love being me.
Typical Leg/Glute W.O: 3 to 5 sets each (several sets to failure)
Wide Squat (Horse Stance)
Prisoner Squats
Stationary Lunge
Jump Squats
Jump Lunge
Single Legged Squat (shallow to protect knees)
Calf Raise
Standing Leg Raise
Ronde
Dead Lift
Step Ups
Bridge
Hamstring Curl w/ Stability Ball
Wall Sit
Typical Upper Body/Core W.O.: 3 to 5 sets each (several sets to failure)
Rotating Press
French Curl
Butterfly
Single Arm Side Row
Press
Standing Row
Curl
Standing Fly
Bentover Fly
Tri Dips
Torso Rotation w/ Medicine Ball
Upright Row
Bentover Row
Pushups
Abs: 5 to 8 varieties of Crunch/Leg Lift
To this end, I have gotten back into building my power with a fanatical glee. I am adding some lower body/ leg exercises for explosive strength, especially Jump Squats. Six months ago, I could not perform this particular task, but losing 60 pounds does make a bit of a difference when propelling body mass upwards from a deep squat, into the air, and landing lightly. I can do them now, and am totally digging the experience. I love finding new ways to playfully torture my body. I am always on the lookout for challenges that won't overtax my knees, but will add strength and power.
Today, I am pleasantly sore from head to toe. Last night was upper body and core, with some good shoulder work and punishing ab work. I feel glorious. Tonight I will run, and then add in an hour of legs and glutes. I want my body to perform at its peak, to be the best that I can make of it, to take every advantage of enjoying the marvelous machine that Brain rides around in. I will build the machine, tweak the engine, fuel the fire. I am strong. I am powerful. I am an athlete. I love being me.
Typical Leg/Glute W.O: 3 to 5 sets each (several sets to failure)
Wide Squat (Horse Stance)
Prisoner Squats
Stationary Lunge
Jump Squats
Jump Lunge
Single Legged Squat (shallow to protect knees)
Calf Raise
Standing Leg Raise
Ronde
Dead Lift
Step Ups
Bridge
Hamstring Curl w/ Stability Ball
Wall Sit
Typical Upper Body/Core W.O.: 3 to 5 sets each (several sets to failure)
Rotating Press
French Curl
Butterfly
Single Arm Side Row
Press
Standing Row
Curl
Standing Fly
Bentover Fly
Tri Dips
Torso Rotation w/ Medicine Ball
Upright Row
Bentover Row
Pushups
Abs: 5 to 8 varieties of Crunch/Leg Lift
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Nutrition, Overthinking, As Usual
In typical fashion, when faced with new endeavors, I research. I read everything I can get my hands on, gleaning bits of information, discarding the chaff. And believe me, when it comes to sport nutrition there are mountains of information waiting to be sorted through. I am not one to go high tech, or extreme. Okay, I can go extreme, but not as far as fad diets or radical "new" concepts in nutrition. I do believe that above all calories in must not exceed calories out. I believe that we should eat as naturally as possible. I avoid processed foods, chemicals, high fructose corn syrup, alcohol, fried foods, high sugar. This summer has seen the sudden onset of lactose intolerance, sadly, so I had to bid a mournful farewell to my consumption of two gallons of milk a week, and yogurt as a mainstay for lunch, as well as the delicious vanilla half and half in my coffee. This has been tough for me, as dairy has been my reliable, cheap form of protein for years. Thankfully, my body is still accepting whey protein, so I have that as a solid source of refueling after a workout.
I am always interested in better ways to fuel the machine that is my body. The balance of nutrients, natural energy sources, optimal refueling after a workout, food as a source towards better health. I know many who follow different extreme diets; Atkins, Paleo, The Zone, Acai berry, Detox, No Carb. Low Carb, Hollywood. I say, if it works for them, and is do-able, then go for it. But I can't follow regimented plans devised by someone who does not know me, my body, or my requirements. So I go it alone, as is my nature.
I do follow a healthy lifestyle, eating right for my body, working out religiously, believing that I need good fuel if I want my engine to perform at its best. You wouldn't put heating oil in a jet engine and expect it to run, why fill my system with crap if I want to get the most out of it? I do take a few supplements; a moderate multi vitamin, Vitamin D to offset a recurrence of melanoma, green tea extract, and a multi mineral to counter low iron and a slightly low thyroid. In the winter I do ramp up the B vitamins, minerals, and Vitamin D to try to counteract the inevitable seasonal effected disorder. It is an ongoing experiment, my body. Complicated by my current hormonal shitstorm. I have had to cut dairy and wheat, but this has not been as difficult as I had imagined. A pain in the ass, yes. But I am not so hypersensitive that I have to make a chemical analysis of everything that goes into my mouth. I do miss ice cream though.
Where my focus of late has been is pre-race nutrition. I know the standard is to carb load the night before, but I don't see that as the best option for me. My recent research shows that breakfast the day before the race is where I need to optimize what goes into my system. Yes, I do overthink this topic, but then I overthink and over-analyze just about everything, it is my nature. I want to know that the morning of a race my body is as well prepared as I can make it. I do not want a night before overindulgence of carbs, or protein, or sugar, or anything, to make me feel like crap when I am on the course and should be reveling in the power of my body. I enjoy the machine that is Body. I love the feel of my muscles functioning on high power. I revel in the sensation of everything working together to be a smooth running, efficient, powerful machine.
Where does all my research lead me? Eat clean. Eat balanced. Eat healthy. Protein from eggs, unprocessed meats, whey powder, legumes. Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, now from my own chemical free garden. Whole grains. Simple. Basic. Balanced. No major complicated diet plans. I eat when I am hungry, and let my body dictate what I do eat. So much research comes down to such simplicity. And the day before a race? I follow my Mom's advice from my earliest memories, "Eat a healthy breakfast." All the research and it all comes down to what my Mom always told me anyway, she has always been a firm believer in eating clean, unprocessed, natural foods, even before it was trendy and cool. Once again, Mom knows best.
I am always interested in better ways to fuel the machine that is my body. The balance of nutrients, natural energy sources, optimal refueling after a workout, food as a source towards better health. I know many who follow different extreme diets; Atkins, Paleo, The Zone, Acai berry, Detox, No Carb. Low Carb, Hollywood. I say, if it works for them, and is do-able, then go for it. But I can't follow regimented plans devised by someone who does not know me, my body, or my requirements. So I go it alone, as is my nature.
I do follow a healthy lifestyle, eating right for my body, working out religiously, believing that I need good fuel if I want my engine to perform at its best. You wouldn't put heating oil in a jet engine and expect it to run, why fill my system with crap if I want to get the most out of it? I do take a few supplements; a moderate multi vitamin, Vitamin D to offset a recurrence of melanoma, green tea extract, and a multi mineral to counter low iron and a slightly low thyroid. In the winter I do ramp up the B vitamins, minerals, and Vitamin D to try to counteract the inevitable seasonal effected disorder. It is an ongoing experiment, my body. Complicated by my current hormonal shitstorm. I have had to cut dairy and wheat, but this has not been as difficult as I had imagined. A pain in the ass, yes. But I am not so hypersensitive that I have to make a chemical analysis of everything that goes into my mouth. I do miss ice cream though.
Where my focus of late has been is pre-race nutrition. I know the standard is to carb load the night before, but I don't see that as the best option for me. My recent research shows that breakfast the day before the race is where I need to optimize what goes into my system. Yes, I do overthink this topic, but then I overthink and over-analyze just about everything, it is my nature. I want to know that the morning of a race my body is as well prepared as I can make it. I do not want a night before overindulgence of carbs, or protein, or sugar, or anything, to make me feel like crap when I am on the course and should be reveling in the power of my body. I enjoy the machine that is Body. I love the feel of my muscles functioning on high power. I revel in the sensation of everything working together to be a smooth running, efficient, powerful machine.
Where does all my research lead me? Eat clean. Eat balanced. Eat healthy. Protein from eggs, unprocessed meats, whey powder, legumes. Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, now from my own chemical free garden. Whole grains. Simple. Basic. Balanced. No major complicated diet plans. I eat when I am hungry, and let my body dictate what I do eat. So much research comes down to such simplicity. And the day before a race? I follow my Mom's advice from my earliest memories, "Eat a healthy breakfast." All the research and it all comes down to what my Mom always told me anyway, she has always been a firm believer in eating clean, unprocessed, natural foods, even before it was trendy and cool. Once again, Mom knows best.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Swim More. The Only Way.
Once again, addressing my Swim Bonk. I have pondered all the factors of the swim and am coming up with some aspects that must be managed before my next Tri. One variable that I think my have contributed to my inability to relax and find my pace was my inability to see. Not only were my goggles fogging badly, but I was without contacts or glasses, so my near-sightedness definitely factored in to it all. I think it is nigh on impossible to fully relax when one is, in effect, blind and out on unfamiliar open water. Yesterday I picked up a simple bottle of anti-fog lens cleaner, used it, and was fog free for last night's swim. Next, I have an appointment with my opthamologist to renew my contact lens prescription. I will not do another Tri nearly blind. I want to see buoys, shoreline, finish line.
The next point to ponder is my choice of swimming strokes. I admit, the Crawl is not my most natural stroke, but needs to be. I had resorted to the simple, slow, head above water, Breaststroke for most of my swim, and it is painfully slow, exhausting and very inefficient. Last night I think I had a few breakthroughs with my swimming, with stroke, breathing and kick. And next Tuesday I have my first private lesson to get some help with my technique, and maybe a few pointers on making my swim faster and more efficient.
I also need to get back to my strength training. I have let it slide a bit these last few weeks. I strained my lower back in my typical zeal, lifting more than I should, especially in bicep curls, and decided I needed to take it easy in that arena until I was pain free. This also let me focus more energy into the three disciplines, all of which were new to my workout regime a mere 6 weeks ago. But, with back feeling healthy again, I am back to strength training, which really is my favorite workout anyway. So from here on out I will do upper body and core 3 times a week, and legs, glutes and abs 3 times a week on alternate days. This should get me back up to snuff relatively quickly.
The final, and main point, I need to get in more open water swims. Plain and simple. The only way to get better, more relaxed, more effective, is to do it. There are no shortcuts here. So I plan on doing at least one open water swim per week, preferably two, for as long as the weather holds. Now to find a reasonably close place to put this into practice.
I know that overall what I really need is time in the water. That truly is the only way to become a better, faster, stronger swimmer. The only way.
The next point to ponder is my choice of swimming strokes. I admit, the Crawl is not my most natural stroke, but needs to be. I had resorted to the simple, slow, head above water, Breaststroke for most of my swim, and it is painfully slow, exhausting and very inefficient. Last night I think I had a few breakthroughs with my swimming, with stroke, breathing and kick. And next Tuesday I have my first private lesson to get some help with my technique, and maybe a few pointers on making my swim faster and more efficient.
I also need to get back to my strength training. I have let it slide a bit these last few weeks. I strained my lower back in my typical zeal, lifting more than I should, especially in bicep curls, and decided I needed to take it easy in that arena until I was pain free. This also let me focus more energy into the three disciplines, all of which were new to my workout regime a mere 6 weeks ago. But, with back feeling healthy again, I am back to strength training, which really is my favorite workout anyway. So from here on out I will do upper body and core 3 times a week, and legs, glutes and abs 3 times a week on alternate days. This should get me back up to snuff relatively quickly.
The final, and main point, I need to get in more open water swims. Plain and simple. The only way to get better, more relaxed, more effective, is to do it. There are no shortcuts here. So I plan on doing at least one open water swim per week, preferably two, for as long as the weather holds. Now to find a reasonably close place to put this into practice.
I know that overall what I really need is time in the water. That truly is the only way to become a better, faster, stronger swimmer. The only way.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Upping The Ante
With my first Tri under my belt I know where to focus my energies. I took most of last week off. Sort of. I did swim Tuesday and Thursday, but slowly, focusing on technique and breathing. Even at this, Coach reprimanded me for not taking the week off to recover. I do not do down time. It does not work so well for me. Sunday I ran a very hilly 5K, with far less strain than past runs. Followed by some easy swimming, and Yoga in the shade. It was a very relaxing day. I experienced very little soreness from my 5K, more in my quads from the hill climbs, than in my calves or glutes. I think I am getting stronger.
All that being said, in typical meandering fashion, I am now looking down the road at my next few events. In two weeks I am running a 10K, the longest distance I am likely to face in a Tri until I am ready for my first Half-Ironman. Two weeks after that is my second Triathlon, another Sprint. Then at the end of September I will compete in the Portland Triathlon, and am seriously debating doing an Olympic distance. But that makes me hesitate just a bit. I know in my heart that I can do it, but my mind balks. It is a fearful endeavor, double the distance of a Sprint: 1 mile Swim, 25 mile Bike, 10K Run. But I want to do it. I want one Olympic on the books before the short season is over.
Coach told me that everyone has one of two reactions to competing in their first race: "I sucked, I need to train harder" or "I did great, I need to train harder." He cautioned me about over training, and I am trying very hard to heed his advice. But it is a monumental struggle for me. I WANT to train harder, to be more effective in my next event, to be a little faster, and a lot stronger. I feel like now, seriously, this shit is getting real. I want to explore just how much my body can achieve, how far, how fast, how strong. I want to know. need to know. I want to push myself, because no one else will. I want to challenge myself. I need to Challenge myself at every opportunity. Life is too short to dawdle, to waste time.
So, though I won't be adding much in the way of hours spent training, I am upping the ante. I am looking towards more specific training goals to strengthen my weaknesses, to increase my stamina, to improve my overall readiness for whatever life throws at me.
All that being said, in typical meandering fashion, I am now looking down the road at my next few events. In two weeks I am running a 10K, the longest distance I am likely to face in a Tri until I am ready for my first Half-Ironman. Two weeks after that is my second Triathlon, another Sprint. Then at the end of September I will compete in the Portland Triathlon, and am seriously debating doing an Olympic distance. But that makes me hesitate just a bit. I know in my heart that I can do it, but my mind balks. It is a fearful endeavor, double the distance of a Sprint: 1 mile Swim, 25 mile Bike, 10K Run. But I want to do it. I want one Olympic on the books before the short season is over.
Coach told me that everyone has one of two reactions to competing in their first race: "I sucked, I need to train harder" or "I did great, I need to train harder." He cautioned me about over training, and I am trying very hard to heed his advice. But it is a monumental struggle for me. I WANT to train harder, to be more effective in my next event, to be a little faster, and a lot stronger. I feel like now, seriously, this shit is getting real. I want to explore just how much my body can achieve, how far, how fast, how strong. I want to know. need to know. I want to push myself, because no one else will. I want to challenge myself. I need to Challenge myself at every opportunity. Life is too short to dawdle, to waste time.
So, though I won't be adding much in the way of hours spent training, I am upping the ante. I am looking towards more specific training goals to strengthen my weaknesses, to increase my stamina, to improve my overall readiness for whatever life throws at me.
Triathlon: The Day, Part Three
The breakneck pace of life has kept me away from finishing my recap of my very first Triathlon. I left off with the bike mount, the beginning of my favorite leg.
I know I have waxed poetic about Joshua, my beautiful bike gifted to me by Coach and his business partner Nick, but it truly is a great bicycle. He may not have the appearance of the "glorious" high tech, polycarbon, featherweight racing bikes, but he has a trustworthy durability, high tech upgrades, and old school cool. Yes, there are a few tweaks I would like to make, but they are oh so very minor as to be nearly inconsequential. I love Joshua, and he did me right on the cycling leg of my first Tri.
I was fatigued from my swim, and still had the 5K to run, so I did not push myself nearly as hard as I might have on Joshua. Still, I passed about 10 other riders, making me feel better about my bad swim time. Mostly I wanted to enjoy the ride, and I did. I am pretty sure I had a goofy shit-eating grin on my face the entire 16 miles. It was perfect weather; cool and overcast, but comfortable. The road followed the Columbia River, so the view was epic. I found my stride quickly and easily, and just kept up my pace. I was shouting out greetings, flipping peace signs, and peddling. It was a great balm for my spirit.
All too soon we were at the cycling dismount. I felt great, and jogged with Joshua back to the transition area. Carefully racking him, I planted a soft kiss on his seat, then quickly switched into my minimalist running shoes. I was off on the 5K, still grinning.
I ran the first quarter mile, feeling a little tight in my calves, so stopped and stretched for a brief moment once I was out of sight of the transition area. Then I was off, slow and steady. True, I was a little fatigued, but felt far better than I thought I would. It took me a while to find a comfortable pace, as my muscles were trying to remind me that I had just swam the longest half mile ever, and cycled 16 miles at a decent pace. I chose to ignore the whining muscles as best I could. I did slow to a walk a few times, but just for a few paces, then back to my penguin jog. With about a mile left I matched strides with a woman who I had been leap-frogging with for the last mile. I could tell she was struggling, and did not look like she was enjoying herself. I engaged her in conversation, to get us both through the last mile. I confessed to my horrible swim, my lovely cycling, and the fact that this was my first race of any kind. We commiserated over bad knees, and how much different it is to take these disciplines out of the pool and off the treadmill, and out into the real world. I told her, "now, when we get to the finish line we have to finish strong. Coach says to cross the line, hands in the air, chin up, and smiling for the camera. You can collapse later. He coached me on this. Three times." We both laughed. We both felt less tired. Yes, the last quarter mile was tough, hilly, and seemed longer than a quarter mile.
Finally, we knew we were close, I reminded her to finish strong, reminding myself in the process. Then, eyes forward, pulling energy from somewhere to stoke tired legs, we both pounded for the finish line. Crossing the line, head held high, hands held high, grinning like an idiot.
I don't really remember the last hundred feet of the race, just that moment of crossing the line, getting my medal, handing in my timing chip, and then the pride on Coach's face, and being wrapped in a strong, congratulatory hug. I felt the triumph of my achievement. The deep, satisfying sense of victory. Joy. Delirium. Exultation. The Elixir of success. In a matter of moments, even fatigue was forgotten and all I could think of was when I would be doing this again. And it will be soon. I am on the countdown to Tri number Two and Three, have run another 5K, and am doing my first 10K in 16 days. It is an addiction.
I was fatigued from my swim, and still had the 5K to run, so I did not push myself nearly as hard as I might have on Joshua. Still, I passed about 10 other riders, making me feel better about my bad swim time. Mostly I wanted to enjoy the ride, and I did. I am pretty sure I had a goofy shit-eating grin on my face the entire 16 miles. It was perfect weather; cool and overcast, but comfortable. The road followed the Columbia River, so the view was epic. I found my stride quickly and easily, and just kept up my pace. I was shouting out greetings, flipping peace signs, and peddling. It was a great balm for my spirit.
All too soon we were at the cycling dismount. I felt great, and jogged with Joshua back to the transition area. Carefully racking him, I planted a soft kiss on his seat, then quickly switched into my minimalist running shoes. I was off on the 5K, still grinning.
Finally, we knew we were close, I reminded her to finish strong, reminding myself in the process. Then, eyes forward, pulling energy from somewhere to stoke tired legs, we both pounded for the finish line. Crossing the line, head held high, hands held high, grinning like an idiot.
I don't really remember the last hundred feet of the race, just that moment of crossing the line, getting my medal, handing in my timing chip, and then the pride on Coach's face, and being wrapped in a strong, congratulatory hug. I felt the triumph of my achievement. The deep, satisfying sense of victory. Joy. Delirium. Exultation. The Elixir of success. In a matter of moments, even fatigue was forgotten and all I could think of was when I would be doing this again. And it will be soon. I am on the countdown to Tri number Two and Three, have run another 5K, and am doing my first 10K in 16 days. It is an addiction.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Bonk
I am going to jump ahead of myself a bit, or actually revisit an aspect of my first Tri. The revisit? My Bonk. My Swim. That arduous, torturous struggle between me and my own body that might have derailed my entire race. I have rolled it around in Brain as best I can. Oddly, I do not remember it as well as I wish I could. My pleasure and joy with Joshua, and my conquering the run seem to have partially wiped any negative aspects from my memory banks. But I know it happened. I remember feeling exhausted and nearly defeated. I remember fearing my ability to actually finish the swim. I remember thinking how easy it would be to grab hold of one of the chase boats and let them pull me in to rest, breathe and just go home. I do remember all that. I remember the chase boat behind me, hearing the guy radio back, "I'm with the last swimmer, she's a ways out." I could not help but stop swimming, look at him and say, "I heard that! I am right here, you know."
I have tried to analyze the weirdness of the Bonk. I can find no one explanation. I started the race excited but not anxious, or so I thought. I was decently rested and fed, or so I thought. I had trained as much as I could in the few short weeks beforehand, or so I thought. But I know that these are all potential factors. Top of the list, no doubt, is Anxiety. At the feet of anxiety I lay the blame for my inability to breathe comfortably, which then robbed my body of much needed oxygen. I know I could have gotten more sleep, but I do not think that played much of a role, truly. Nutrition? I don't know that it was a factor either. Training? Yes, here again, I find some of the reason. I swam as often as possible beforehand, but that was only about 8 sessions of lap swimming, no coaching, no critiquing, just me trying my best to suddenly become a distance swimmer.
So, where does this leave me as I prepare for my next great adventure? I did go back to the pool 2 days after the Tri, because I knew I had to. I had to get into the water and prove to myself that I can indeed swim decently. I focused on my breathing. I did not count laps, I did not worry about stopping to ponder what exactly i was doing. Both for my Tuesday and Thursday swim I worked on changing my breathing from only on the right at every right hand stroke, to right left right left every stroke and a half. Do you have any idea how difficult and exhausting it is to break a habit of a lifetime? I thought I was going to drown myself in the deep end. But I am getting the hang of it, and feeling better oxygenated, and less hyperventilated. And now, I am signed up for private, individual lessons with a woman who has done distance swimming. Hopefully together we can prevent future Bonkage.
As usual, my tendency to analyze, over-analyze and the analyze again has helped me work through a potentially crippling situation. I hope. As I staggered out of the water, cap and goggles in hand, I did have that fleeting thought, "Will this make me even more prone to anxiety in the water the next time?" It is that fear of falling, failing, drowning, that does pop into Brain every once in a while, but I am doing all I can to squelch the thought. So I will continue to hit the pool, get lessons, and try to do an open water swim once a week. I know my next time in the water will be better. I will not be the last out of the water ever again.
I have tried to analyze the weirdness of the Bonk. I can find no one explanation. I started the race excited but not anxious, or so I thought. I was decently rested and fed, or so I thought. I had trained as much as I could in the few short weeks beforehand, or so I thought. But I know that these are all potential factors. Top of the list, no doubt, is Anxiety. At the feet of anxiety I lay the blame for my inability to breathe comfortably, which then robbed my body of much needed oxygen. I know I could have gotten more sleep, but I do not think that played much of a role, truly. Nutrition? I don't know that it was a factor either. Training? Yes, here again, I find some of the reason. I swam as often as possible beforehand, but that was only about 8 sessions of lap swimming, no coaching, no critiquing, just me trying my best to suddenly become a distance swimmer.
So, where does this leave me as I prepare for my next great adventure? I did go back to the pool 2 days after the Tri, because I knew I had to. I had to get into the water and prove to myself that I can indeed swim decently. I focused on my breathing. I did not count laps, I did not worry about stopping to ponder what exactly i was doing. Both for my Tuesday and Thursday swim I worked on changing my breathing from only on the right at every right hand stroke, to right left right left every stroke and a half. Do you have any idea how difficult and exhausting it is to break a habit of a lifetime? I thought I was going to drown myself in the deep end. But I am getting the hang of it, and feeling better oxygenated, and less hyperventilated. And now, I am signed up for private, individual lessons with a woman who has done distance swimming. Hopefully together we can prevent future Bonkage.
As usual, my tendency to analyze, over-analyze and the analyze again has helped me work through a potentially crippling situation. I hope. As I staggered out of the water, cap and goggles in hand, I did have that fleeting thought, "Will this make me even more prone to anxiety in the water the next time?" It is that fear of falling, failing, drowning, that does pop into Brain every once in a while, but I am doing all I can to squelch the thought. So I will continue to hit the pool, get lessons, and try to do an open water swim once a week. I know my next time in the water will be better. I will not be the last out of the water ever again.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Triathlon: The Day, Part Two
Standing knee deep in cool lake water, a press of bodies surrounding me, heart playing a staccato beat against my ribs, I feel excited but not anxious.
The countdown booms through loudspeakers, and is chanted by the crowd, "three, two, one, go!" And the blast of an air horn. Without hesitation I plunge into the cool, murky water. I am not afraid. I get kicked, bumped, and one guy actually swam over top of me. Still, I am not afraid. A few strokes out though, and I can sense something is not right. Brain is calm, but Body is not. Body is tired, winded, weak. I think I just need fifty yards or so to start warming up. Instead, every stroke seems to take too much from me. The water is my Kryptonite. I cannot catch my stride, I cannot find my stroke, this is not my game, not my race. My goggles fog, making it near to impossible to see the distant buoys, and I can barely differentiate between my orange buoys, or the red ones for the Olympic distance.
I keep thinking I will settle down. But I could not. Brain seemed to be functioning fine. I was not stressed, not having what I could identify as an anxiety attack, but g'damn I was so tired. Soon I was the last swimmer in the pack. Others were finishing before I had even reached the halfway point. My arms and legs felt like lead. I was exhausted before I had even begun. It was the longest half mile of my life, and undoubtedly the worst swim of my life.
But, I did not give up. I did not capitulate to the treachery of Body. I kept stroking forward at a snail's pace, seeming to be motionless, the finish never seeming closer. But, I did not give up. I knew I could not give in to this weird, inexplicable lethargy. I could not let a momentary weakness decide the outcome of my day.
Finally, my feet found solid footing. I stood, and my rubbery legs dropped me to my knees. I took a moment, on my knees, to remove my cap and goggles, stare at the water, and gather my wits. On wobbly legs I floundered to shore. I heard Coach, "you know how to keep your head in the game, now get to your bike." I knew it too. I knew that getting to Joshua, and getting on the road would erase my weakness in the water from my mind. The closer I got to Joshua, the stronger I felt, as though I neared my restorative power source. Joshua stood alone on the rack, the debris of frantic racers scattered about like fallen leaves. Proud and ready, my steed awaited. I toweled off quickly, opted out of the struggle of worming into the compression shirt, slipped on shoes, buckled helmet and I was off.
The quarter mile trot to the bike mount felt good with Joshua at my side. Have I mentioned where the name came from? Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Union hero at Gettysburg, teacher of languages and philosophy, eloquent writer, and he of the glorious mustaches. As I hit the asphalt with my trusted Joshua beneath me I had several fragments of Chamberlain's quotes ringing in my head, "Stand firm ye boys from Maine, for not once in a century are men permitted to bear such responsibilities..." and of his men when charging up Little Roundtop under withering enemy fire, " They were as cool and calculated as if forming lines on the parade ground." These thoughts went through my head, to be cool under fire, to be eloquent, to not let past defeats or current hardship effect my actions in the Now. Brain, Body and Spirit came together and worked as the smooth triad I know they can be, no admonishments for the recent faltering, just being in The Now with the wind in my face and the asphalt beneath us.
To Be Continued
The countdown booms through loudspeakers, and is chanted by the crowd, "three, two, one, go!" And the blast of an air horn. Without hesitation I plunge into the cool, murky water. I am not afraid. I get kicked, bumped, and one guy actually swam over top of me. Still, I am not afraid. A few strokes out though, and I can sense something is not right. Brain is calm, but Body is not. Body is tired, winded, weak. I think I just need fifty yards or so to start warming up. Instead, every stroke seems to take too much from me. The water is my Kryptonite. I cannot catch my stride, I cannot find my stroke, this is not my game, not my race. My goggles fog, making it near to impossible to see the distant buoys, and I can barely differentiate between my orange buoys, or the red ones for the Olympic distance.
I keep thinking I will settle down. But I could not. Brain seemed to be functioning fine. I was not stressed, not having what I could identify as an anxiety attack, but g'damn I was so tired. Soon I was the last swimmer in the pack. Others were finishing before I had even reached the halfway point. My arms and legs felt like lead. I was exhausted before I had even begun. It was the longest half mile of my life, and undoubtedly the worst swim of my life.
But, I did not give up. I did not capitulate to the treachery of Body. I kept stroking forward at a snail's pace, seeming to be motionless, the finish never seeming closer. But, I did not give up. I knew I could not give in to this weird, inexplicable lethargy. I could not let a momentary weakness decide the outcome of my day.
Finally, my feet found solid footing. I stood, and my rubbery legs dropped me to my knees. I took a moment, on my knees, to remove my cap and goggles, stare at the water, and gather my wits. On wobbly legs I floundered to shore. I heard Coach, "you know how to keep your head in the game, now get to your bike." I knew it too. I knew that getting to Joshua, and getting on the road would erase my weakness in the water from my mind. The closer I got to Joshua, the stronger I felt, as though I neared my restorative power source. Joshua stood alone on the rack, the debris of frantic racers scattered about like fallen leaves. Proud and ready, my steed awaited. I toweled off quickly, opted out of the struggle of worming into the compression shirt, slipped on shoes, buckled helmet and I was off.
The quarter mile trot to the bike mount felt good with Joshua at my side. Have I mentioned where the name came from? Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Union hero at Gettysburg, teacher of languages and philosophy, eloquent writer, and he of the glorious mustaches. As I hit the asphalt with my trusted Joshua beneath me I had several fragments of Chamberlain's quotes ringing in my head, "Stand firm ye boys from Maine, for not once in a century are men permitted to bear such responsibilities..." and of his men when charging up Little Roundtop under withering enemy fire, " They were as cool and calculated as if forming lines on the parade ground." These thoughts went through my head, to be cool under fire, to be eloquent, to not let past defeats or current hardship effect my actions in the Now. Brain, Body and Spirit came together and worked as the smooth triad I know they can be, no admonishments for the recent faltering, just being in The Now with the wind in my face and the asphalt beneath us.
To Be Continued
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