I am ass deep in an exciting new endeavor that has the ass-kicking potential of the toughest OCR out there. A new sport? A new workout regimen? No, Firefighter Academy. So far, none of the tasks are physically impossible, or even particularly brutal, when approached individually. It is the repetition, and duration that begins to wear. Lifting, unrolling and rolling. Lifting, unrolling and rolling a 50 foot section of hose over and over until the movements are burned into muscle memory. Properly pulling a Minuteman load; carry 100', drag 50', then shed the carried load flake by flake, uncoupling, and restoring the load. Over and over. Deploying 500' of heavy hose, shouldering and carrying 25' the entire distance is a great cardio workout. For more fun, wrestling a charged hose. It is like wrestling an anaconda, keeping it pinned and controlled as it tries to push you around and escape. Crawling through a darkened building, up and over obstacles, staying in physical contact with your squad. And all of this in heavy turnouts and SCBA, about 60 pounds of gear, including heavy boots, for 7 to 8 hours. This is an amazing endurance workout. I have quickly adapted to the restricted movements and weight, and now can easily ignore my gear.
I am proud of myself for having spent so much time preparing my body to withstand this adventure. I am holding my own with 20-something men, and am often called "the fittest person here." I am ending each day pleasantly tired, but not achingly so. I am recovering quickly with only mild muscle stiffness in the days after. I have enough energy to get in a run after I get home from academy. Tonight I will swim my usual 2 miles and drills, which will loosen my muscles wonderfully. Just 2 months and I will be signed off to go on calls. This week I will be fitted for a uniform. Only 3 months until graduation, followed by 8 more months as a probie before attaining my Firefighter One certification. This is a loftier goal than a race, an event, a tourney. It has added an urgency and importance to my physical fitness that no hobby could have ever managed. The sense of achievement is heady brew.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Step Out Of The Comfort Zone
I love to swim. I know I may have mentioned that a time or two. I am regularly swimming 2+ miles several times a week, and feeling great. I may also have mentioned that I do not float very well, and my kick, politely described as "weak" is actually so pathetic that I actually move backwards when I use the kick board. This has led me to the use of a Pull Buoy held between my knees so that I can basically forget my lack of buoyancy and "weak" kick. It lets me swim using just my arms, keeps me streamlined, and prevents me from sinking to the bottom. The upside of this: my upper body strength and stamina are amazing, and I have been able to focus intensely on my stroke technique. The downside: you cannot swim a triathlon with a pull buoy. True, my wetsuit adds buoyancy, eliminating the fear of sinking to the bottom of the river, but it is mostly in the torso. I have been giving myself a ration of shit for being too damned dependent on the pull buoy, and its security blanket comfort. I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone. Yes, I was pushing myself by adding distance and drills, but not truly pushing myself mentally. It was time to leave the comfort zone.
That all being said, last night as I stripped out of street clothes and slipped into my Speedo I decided that I was going to conquer my dependency even if it killed me. Gathering up the toys of the trade I thought through what I needed to do. Plain and simple: I need to be able to swim without drowning, or expending an unreasonable amount of energy just trying to keep my legs from pulling me into the deep. I slid into the water, and warmed up with a few laps of breast stroke and back stroke, neither of which make me feel like I am going to drown. Then I did a lap with the kick board, just to see if maybe I had magically developed the ability to move forward. No, I hadn't. My scissor kick is strong, and has been my default kick all my life. I practiced the flip kick used in Total Immersion Swimming, that was a tad better than my standard kick, but only a tad. I followed this with 5 laps using flippers, focusing on streamlining my body, and trying different arm and head positions to minimize drag. This was fun, flippers really work the ankles and calves.
Now, the moment of truth: Crawl with no pull buoy. Yikes. Okay, I cheated a bit, doing the first 3 laps with the hand paddles, mostly because they force me to use good stroke technique. As for my kick? I did only enough to keep my legs from sinking, focusing on trying to remain streamlined and near the surface of the water. I was amazed, I did not drown, or even feel like I was going to die. Yes, I struggled a bit. Okay, more than a bit. But it felt okay, not panic inducing as it used to. Then the real test: No Toys whatsoever, just me, my Speedo, cap and goggles. I did 2 laps, then flipped over onto my back to ponder just how it all felt, and I was not unhappy with the results. It was a little slower because I was not as fluid, and had struggled to keep my form, but it wasn't too bad. Time for more. All in all, with drills and flippers included, I ended up swimming a full mile with no pull buoy, maybe 20 laps Crawl. I was damned pleased with myself, though I must say it was the toughest mile I have swam in quite a while, but it felt like a milestone for me.
I finished with a mile with the pull buoy swimming about every 8th lap backstroke to loosen my shoulders, and bringing into use the opposing muscles muscles. Funny thing about this, it made me have the epiphany that the Crawl is now my favorite stroke, my Go To stroke. This was actually a stunning realization, as it was a major goal for me, something I have worked very hard to achieve. The last third of my second mile I tossed in 7 sets of sprints, just to spice up the workout. I was feeling the burn across my shoulders by the time I finished. It was fabulous.
The bottom line? I had a fantastic swim. I pushed myself hard, made some great strides both physically and mentally, had the epiphany of a goal attained, and my body felt great after, tired but great. The best part is the sense of pride I feel for reaching a hard earned goal, and the pride of forcing myself out of my comfort zone with good results. Damn, it was a fantastic swim.
That all being said, last night as I stripped out of street clothes and slipped into my Speedo I decided that I was going to conquer my dependency even if it killed me. Gathering up the toys of the trade I thought through what I needed to do. Plain and simple: I need to be able to swim without drowning, or expending an unreasonable amount of energy just trying to keep my legs from pulling me into the deep. I slid into the water, and warmed up with a few laps of breast stroke and back stroke, neither of which make me feel like I am going to drown. Then I did a lap with the kick board, just to see if maybe I had magically developed the ability to move forward. No, I hadn't. My scissor kick is strong, and has been my default kick all my life. I practiced the flip kick used in Total Immersion Swimming, that was a tad better than my standard kick, but only a tad. I followed this with 5 laps using flippers, focusing on streamlining my body, and trying different arm and head positions to minimize drag. This was fun, flippers really work the ankles and calves.
Now, the moment of truth: Crawl with no pull buoy. Yikes. Okay, I cheated a bit, doing the first 3 laps with the hand paddles, mostly because they force me to use good stroke technique. As for my kick? I did only enough to keep my legs from sinking, focusing on trying to remain streamlined and near the surface of the water. I was amazed, I did not drown, or even feel like I was going to die. Yes, I struggled a bit. Okay, more than a bit. But it felt okay, not panic inducing as it used to. Then the real test: No Toys whatsoever, just me, my Speedo, cap and goggles. I did 2 laps, then flipped over onto my back to ponder just how it all felt, and I was not unhappy with the results. It was a little slower because I was not as fluid, and had struggled to keep my form, but it wasn't too bad. Time for more. All in all, with drills and flippers included, I ended up swimming a full mile with no pull buoy, maybe 20 laps Crawl. I was damned pleased with myself, though I must say it was the toughest mile I have swam in quite a while, but it felt like a milestone for me.
I finished with a mile with the pull buoy swimming about every 8th lap backstroke to loosen my shoulders, and bringing into use the opposing muscles muscles. Funny thing about this, it made me have the epiphany that the Crawl is now my favorite stroke, my Go To stroke. This was actually a stunning realization, as it was a major goal for me, something I have worked very hard to achieve. The last third of my second mile I tossed in 7 sets of sprints, just to spice up the workout. I was feeling the burn across my shoulders by the time I finished. It was fabulous.
The bottom line? I had a fantastic swim. I pushed myself hard, made some great strides both physically and mentally, had the epiphany of a goal attained, and my body felt great after, tired but great. The best part is the sense of pride I feel for reaching a hard earned goal, and the pride of forcing myself out of my comfort zone with good results. Damn, it was a fantastic swim.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I Am Ready
I am really beginning to see, acknowledge, and accept some of the changes that I have wrought within my own Body. The vehicle that transports Brain and Spirit has become stronger, longer, leaner, faster, lithe, nimble even. I feel it at odd moments. Not so much when I am working out, although I do notice how much more I am able to push myself, and how much easier some things have become. But I notice it most at banal moments like effortlessly running up a staircase two steps at a time, or sprinting across the street to beat traffic, or during the Food Drive when I was running from door to door easily and lightly. I notice it when I walk and my legs feel strong and supple, and my thighs don't rub. I notice it when I carry a load of firewood into the house. I notice it when I balance on one foot and lean out to reach a distant electrical outlet. It is my day to day existence that seems strong, supple, graceful. I know that I will continue to train hard, if for no other reason than the fact that it makes Body move through life with an ease I did not know was possible. This realization, this epiphany, has the feel of waking on a summer morning, hearing birdsong outside my bedroom window, knowing I have a beautiful day stretching before me with no agenda other than fun and adventure. I am ready for my adventures. 2013, bring it on.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Swim and Gym
Despite sore muscles and assorted bruises I opted to swim last night. It was exactly what my aching body needed to loosen up. I did not swim as hard as I am wont to do, instead focusing the first half of my swim on drills and technique. I swam some laps with flippers, letting my arms float relaxed at my sides, to strengthen feet, ankles and legs for later this year when I will get dive certified. Flippers put a lot of strain from the knees down, and I don't want to be caught unprepared when I finally get to Scuba dive. For the second half I decided to do an easy mile, letting Body relax and muscle move in rhythm. At one point, for about a half a length, I felt like I had hit the point of perfect technique, sliding through the water with perfect streamlining, no resistance, barely making a ripple. Of course as soon as I acknowledged what was happening, the moment was gone, and I spent the next ten laps trying to recapture that moment of perfection. Of course I couldn't because I was trying too hard. But it was a good swim, and I felt great in the water.
I do some of my best thinking when I am swimming. Body moves through the cool water while Brain is on fire. I am rolling around ideas for additional workout gear for my Gym, to work muscles that will come into play in firefighting, search and rescue, and even the occasional obstacle course race and adventure race. I just put together a 10' climbing rope with a 1000lb test rated clip spliced into one end so I can attach it to a ceiling mounted ring. I decided to add a mounted ring to the top of a wall so I can practice wall climbs. Both rope climb and wall climb will be great additions to my arm and back workouts.
I also made a great 15lb medicine ball from a rubber basketball and unscented, clay cat litter. I cut a 2" hole in the ball and carefully filled the ball with cat litter. Then I placed a large patch to the inside of the ball skin with silicone and replaced the piece I had cut out. It makes a great add to the gear. This got me thinking, with 25lbs of cheap litter costing a mere $2.15, it is a great filler to add weight. I have a 4' section of the 3" ABS pipe that I was going to make into a shorter version of my big slosh tube, but the caps are $7 each. I have two non-sealing caps already, and they were only about $2 each. Being cheap... er, I mean budget minded, I have been trying to figure out how to utilize that pipe. Now, I am thinking if I fill it with cat litter it is likely to be as heavy or heavier than my 6' slosh tube, and although it won't give quite the same effect as the slosh tube, I think adding handles for exercises like a clean jerk or deadlift would work great. I am also going to get a bag-o-litter to put into a backpack for weighted workouts, simulating the weight of the SCBAs we have to wear as firefighters. Amazing the things that can be done with an innocuous bag of cheap, clay cat litter.
Tallying up the gear I have (and use regularly) or will shortly have for my Gym: treadmill, bike rollers, slosh tubes, climbing rope, free weights, resistance bands, weight bench, traverse wall (to be built), weighted pack, box jump, 5# and 15# medicine balls, 15# kettlebell, Indian Clubs, mini-trampline. I also plan on putting monkey bars across the ceiling, once I figure out the mechanics of it (food for thought during tonight's swim). Most of this gear is in use almost daily, especially treadmill, weights, bands, and slosh tubes, but in my living room. My free time is so limited right now that the traverse wall may still be a few weeks out, but I have the plans firmly entrenched in my brain. My gym is going to be great fun once it is fully up and running.
I do some of my best thinking when I am swimming. Body moves through the cool water while Brain is on fire. I am rolling around ideas for additional workout gear for my Gym, to work muscles that will come into play in firefighting, search and rescue, and even the occasional obstacle course race and adventure race. I just put together a 10' climbing rope with a 1000lb test rated clip spliced into one end so I can attach it to a ceiling mounted ring. I decided to add a mounted ring to the top of a wall so I can practice wall climbs. Both rope climb and wall climb will be great additions to my arm and back workouts.
I also made a great 15lb medicine ball from a rubber basketball and unscented, clay cat litter. I cut a 2" hole in the ball and carefully filled the ball with cat litter. Then I placed a large patch to the inside of the ball skin with silicone and replaced the piece I had cut out. It makes a great add to the gear. This got me thinking, with 25lbs of cheap litter costing a mere $2.15, it is a great filler to add weight. I have a 4' section of the 3" ABS pipe that I was going to make into a shorter version of my big slosh tube, but the caps are $7 each. I have two non-sealing caps already, and they were only about $2 each. Being cheap... er, I mean budget minded, I have been trying to figure out how to utilize that pipe. Now, I am thinking if I fill it with cat litter it is likely to be as heavy or heavier than my 6' slosh tube, and although it won't give quite the same effect as the slosh tube, I think adding handles for exercises like a clean jerk or deadlift would work great. I am also going to get a bag-o-litter to put into a backpack for weighted workouts, simulating the weight of the SCBAs we have to wear as firefighters. Amazing the things that can be done with an innocuous bag of cheap, clay cat litter.
Tallying up the gear I have (and use regularly) or will shortly have for my Gym: treadmill, bike rollers, slosh tubes, climbing rope, free weights, resistance bands, weight bench, traverse wall (to be built), weighted pack, box jump, 5# and 15# medicine balls, 15# kettlebell, Indian Clubs, mini-trampline. I also plan on putting monkey bars across the ceiling, once I figure out the mechanics of it (food for thought during tonight's swim). Most of this gear is in use almost daily, especially treadmill, weights, bands, and slosh tubes, but in my living room. My free time is so limited right now that the traverse wall may still be a few weeks out, but I have the plans firmly entrenched in my brain. My gym is going to be great fun once it is fully up and running.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Electrifying, Energizing, Invigorating, Amazing.
Time to catch up a bit with my postings. It has been an amazingly busy few weeks, especially the last few days. I did keep up my training and nutrition throughout the holiday season and did not add any end of the year poundage. Yeah, I did have a few days of slightly reckless eating, but even so, I was careful to a degree. Granted, I did feel like I had a food hangover the day after Christmas, but I am pretty sure it was from wheat and processed sugars... but damn, it was delicious, and worth every bite.
I pushed myself through a number of pretty brutal workouts during my long weekends away from the coal mine. I am running nearly every day. Not high miles, but between 2.5 and 4 miles, doing interval training (1 minute slow, 1 minute sprint). This style of speedplay seems to be a lot easier on my knees than slower speed/higher miles. After my run I do strength training, either legs/abs or upper body/core. Two hours per workout seems to be my standard these days. Swimming has been a bit spotty since the pool was closed between Christmas and New Year's, but this week I will be back at it, hoping to get in 3 swims to make up for lost time.
This past weekend I started Firefighter Academy, it is going to wreak havoc on my training schedule to a degree, so I am having to wedge in a workout whenever I can. Friday I got in a 3.25 mile run before grabbing a protein bar and heading out the door for 3 hours of classroom and testing. Saturday we did some practical work in 60+ pounds of PPE (personal protective equipment which is protective clothing and breathing apparatus, aka Turnouts and SCBA). I was home by 5:30 so decided to get in a workout. I ran 3.5 miles and walked 1/2 a mile then did an hour of upper body and core with resistance bands, hand weights, kettlebell, and slosh tubes. I didn't push myself too hard because I knew sunday was going to be more physical, and I was not dissapointed. Sunday we spent most of the day doing practicals in full PPE. We started with 2 sessions of "Work Rate Testing," getting put through a series of physical tasks while on the SCBA to test how long the air cylinder will last each of us. The tasks included carrying two 40lb containers, the 125lb rope drag, climbing stairs, belly crawling through a tunnel, smashing a car with a sledge hammer, lifting ladders, and quick walks as recovery between tasks. I lasted about 25 minutes on each air tank, and felt great after the test. The afternoon was "Limited Visibility" practice. Exactly what it sounds like: belly crawling through a blacked out building, with our face masks covered, staying linked in a squad of 4, until our low air warnings started to ring. It was awesome. I admit, despite the bruises (and there are many) and the muscle strain, it was a great training exercise. The gear is heavy and somewhat restrictive, and you sweat bullets inside the insulated turnouts, but it was exciting, stimulating, and fun in a slightly masochistic way. I admit, my muscles are sore today despite the heavy training schedule I have been maintaining.
Today I am debating if I should take a rest day. Part of Brains says, "Hell Yes!! Go soak in the hot tub!" But the other part of Brain is telling me, "A nice moderate swim would help loosen everything up." The debate rages on. Hot Tub? Swim? Hot Tub? Swim? I am sure the debate will go down to the wire. Knowing me, Swim will probably win out.
So my New Year is starting with an epic weekend, and more great weekends to come as I work my way through the Academy over the next 3-1/2 months. True, there will not be much rest for me until after graduation, especially after I am released to go on calls in March. But this is one endeavor that gives my workouts far more verve and purpose. It is one thing to train for endurance events, it is another to train for a life changing pursuit. And I do train. I love to train. I love pushing myself, reaching previously unthinkable levels, feeling my body respond and grow ever stronger. I am feeling empowered beyond belief today, on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, personal. I am feeling a rising confidence and self esteem that is electrifying. I feel as if there is nothing I cannot do.
I pushed myself through a number of pretty brutal workouts during my long weekends away from the coal mine. I am running nearly every day. Not high miles, but between 2.5 and 4 miles, doing interval training (1 minute slow, 1 minute sprint). This style of speedplay seems to be a lot easier on my knees than slower speed/higher miles. After my run I do strength training, either legs/abs or upper body/core. Two hours per workout seems to be my standard these days. Swimming has been a bit spotty since the pool was closed between Christmas and New Year's, but this week I will be back at it, hoping to get in 3 swims to make up for lost time.
This past weekend I started Firefighter Academy, it is going to wreak havoc on my training schedule to a degree, so I am having to wedge in a workout whenever I can. Friday I got in a 3.25 mile run before grabbing a protein bar and heading out the door for 3 hours of classroom and testing. Saturday we did some practical work in 60+ pounds of PPE (personal protective equipment which is protective clothing and breathing apparatus, aka Turnouts and SCBA). I was home by 5:30 so decided to get in a workout. I ran 3.5 miles and walked 1/2 a mile then did an hour of upper body and core with resistance bands, hand weights, kettlebell, and slosh tubes. I didn't push myself too hard because I knew sunday was going to be more physical, and I was not dissapointed. Sunday we spent most of the day doing practicals in full PPE. We started with 2 sessions of "Work Rate Testing," getting put through a series of physical tasks while on the SCBA to test how long the air cylinder will last each of us. The tasks included carrying two 40lb containers, the 125lb rope drag, climbing stairs, belly crawling through a tunnel, smashing a car with a sledge hammer, lifting ladders, and quick walks as recovery between tasks. I lasted about 25 minutes on each air tank, and felt great after the test. The afternoon was "Limited Visibility" practice. Exactly what it sounds like: belly crawling through a blacked out building, with our face masks covered, staying linked in a squad of 4, until our low air warnings started to ring. It was awesome. I admit, despite the bruises (and there are many) and the muscle strain, it was a great training exercise. The gear is heavy and somewhat restrictive, and you sweat bullets inside the insulated turnouts, but it was exciting, stimulating, and fun in a slightly masochistic way. I admit, my muscles are sore today despite the heavy training schedule I have been maintaining.
Today I am debating if I should take a rest day. Part of Brains says, "Hell Yes!! Go soak in the hot tub!" But the other part of Brain is telling me, "A nice moderate swim would help loosen everything up." The debate rages on. Hot Tub? Swim? Hot Tub? Swim? I am sure the debate will go down to the wire. Knowing me, Swim will probably win out.
So my New Year is starting with an epic weekend, and more great weekends to come as I work my way through the Academy over the next 3-1/2 months. True, there will not be much rest for me until after graduation, especially after I am released to go on calls in March. But this is one endeavor that gives my workouts far more verve and purpose. It is one thing to train for endurance events, it is another to train for a life changing pursuit. And I do train. I love to train. I love pushing myself, reaching previously unthinkable levels, feeling my body respond and grow ever stronger. I am feeling empowered beyond belief today, on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, personal. I am feeling a rising confidence and self esteem that is electrifying. I feel as if there is nothing I cannot do.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
2013 To Do List
For those who wonder why I train hard, am disinclined to give myself a break, and am always searching and researching ways to improve myself, it is because my To Do List is mighty. I have posted this before, but am reposting, more for myself than for the benefit of others. My life is packed full of Grand Adventures just waiting to ignite. 2013 is The Year of Grand Adventures, and I have willing compadres to accompany me, support me, and enable me to do glorious things.
As I look ahead my 2013 To Do List is starting to fill in:
Attend and graduate Fire Fighter Academy
Get Passport, get stamp in Passport
Get SCUBA certified, dive in foreign Country
Learn Rappelling through the Fire District
Compete in Olympic Distance Triathlons
Complete a Half-Ironman
Run a Half Marathon
Do the Portland Tri and Firefighter's Stairclimb on the same day (again) and totally Kick Ass
Climb a Mountain (there are so many nearby to chose from)
Learn to Rock Climb
Flying Lessons
And of course continue to work on my awesome little house, which was a catalyst for so many changes, and for filling me with a solid sense of accomplishment.
** and of course, this list is just the beginning... as adventures present themselves I will surely tackle them.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
"Rest When I'm Dead"
I continued with my self-asskickings throughout the holidays, and happily survived without any weight gain, or even any food hangovers. This week is broken up a bit as I get myself ready to begin Firefighter Academy in just over 48 hours. I am nervous, excited, and more than a little terrified of this new venture. Shit's about to get real.
My running is increasing bit by bit as I try to push myself harder every time. Last night was an exception. I worked hard all day trying to finally get my garage cleaned (i.e. finally finish unpacking everything from my move a year ago) so that I can set up a CrossFit style workout area, and when I finally hit the treadmill it was 8pm and I was tired. I opted for an hour long, strenuous leg workout instead of running any great distance. But December 30th I inflicted a serious self-asskicking: walked 1/2 mile, ran 2-1/2 miles, walked 1 mile; then brutal, muscle quiveringly awesome leg workout that had me flirting with nausea; finally 30 minutes of brutal ab work. It was my "normal" leg and ab routine with extra miles added. I was kind of making up for having to do an abbreviated workout the day before, as I was preparing for a houseful of company.
New Year's Eve I started the day with a grand swim. I swam the first mile mostly crawl, but I added breast stroke and back stroke to work additional muscles. I also did several laps of drills like sculling and closed-fist swimming. Then I did a solid 20 minutes with the belt "cycling" hard in the water. The second mile I swam at a solid, distance race pace swim. I kept my strokes strong and long, focused on good form, and kept my stroke speed going at a good clip. The last five laps I pushed myself harder, for a strong finish. I was feeling the burn across my shoulders, and it felt great. I finished with another 20 minutes "cycling" with the belt.
I look back at what I have accomplished in just under one year. Last New Year's I was at about the heaviest and unhappiest that I had been in over a decade. I stopped weighing myself after 230, and was a snug size 16 (leaning towards size 18). I am now staying steady at 162 to 165 and am comfortable in my size 10 Levi's. I was relatively healthy even at my heaviest, I worked out hard and walked my dogs daily, ate reasonably healthy, and was told I looked great. Now I still workout hard daily, but am running, swimming, cycling, strength training, and pushing myself further and faster all the time, and "hard" is a whole new level. I eat wholesome, healthy foods, very little refined sugar or simple carbs, lean proteins, and no candy or junk food. Now I say I look great. I can see the muscle definition in my arms and legs, my stomach is flat, and my ass is fabulous. But the most important accomplishments have been my races. I entered 13 races/competitons/events in 6 months: 3 Sprint Triathlons, a Firefighter Stairclimb, a 6 mile Obstacle Course Race, 4 trail runs of 5 or more miles each, 3 5ks and a 10k. I've logged countless miles in the pool, on the road, and on the treadmill. And will continue to log miles, lift weights, and push myself harder and harder.
I look ahead to what 2013 holds in store. I have my list of Trail Runs printed out and highlighted, with my first race in May. I am eyeing a half-Ironman at the end of June, and the only reason I haven't registered yet is I have to save up my pennies for the entry fee. I plan on doing Olympic distance Triathlons this year as time and money allow. I will do the Portland Triathlon as a sprint, because it is the same day as the Firefighter Stairclimb, and once again I plan on doing both in one day, but this time I will kick ass in both. Also on the agenda is becoming SCUBA certified, with the hope of diving in at least one foreign country this year.
With Firefighter Academy about to take up much of what little spare time I have, I am going to have to be a bit creative with my workouts for the next 4 months. I will run before work a few days a week, continue strength training as often as possible, and hit the pool twice a week. it will be brutal, but it is only for a few months. And as they say, "I can rest when I'm dead."
My running is increasing bit by bit as I try to push myself harder every time. Last night was an exception. I worked hard all day trying to finally get my garage cleaned (i.e. finally finish unpacking everything from my move a year ago) so that I can set up a CrossFit style workout area, and when I finally hit the treadmill it was 8pm and I was tired. I opted for an hour long, strenuous leg workout instead of running any great distance. But December 30th I inflicted a serious self-asskicking: walked 1/2 mile, ran 2-1/2 miles, walked 1 mile; then brutal, muscle quiveringly awesome leg workout that had me flirting with nausea; finally 30 minutes of brutal ab work. It was my "normal" leg and ab routine with extra miles added. I was kind of making up for having to do an abbreviated workout the day before, as I was preparing for a houseful of company.
New Year's Eve I started the day with a grand swim. I swam the first mile mostly crawl, but I added breast stroke and back stroke to work additional muscles. I also did several laps of drills like sculling and closed-fist swimming. Then I did a solid 20 minutes with the belt "cycling" hard in the water. The second mile I swam at a solid, distance race pace swim. I kept my strokes strong and long, focused on good form, and kept my stroke speed going at a good clip. The last five laps I pushed myself harder, for a strong finish. I was feeling the burn across my shoulders, and it felt great. I finished with another 20 minutes "cycling" with the belt.
I look back at what I have accomplished in just under one year. Last New Year's I was at about the heaviest and unhappiest that I had been in over a decade. I stopped weighing myself after 230, and was a snug size 16 (leaning towards size 18). I am now staying steady at 162 to 165 and am comfortable in my size 10 Levi's. I was relatively healthy even at my heaviest, I worked out hard and walked my dogs daily, ate reasonably healthy, and was told I looked great. Now I still workout hard daily, but am running, swimming, cycling, strength training, and pushing myself further and faster all the time, and "hard" is a whole new level. I eat wholesome, healthy foods, very little refined sugar or simple carbs, lean proteins, and no candy or junk food. Now I say I look great. I can see the muscle definition in my arms and legs, my stomach is flat, and my ass is fabulous. But the most important accomplishments have been my races. I entered 13 races/competitons/events in 6 months: 3 Sprint Triathlons, a Firefighter Stairclimb, a 6 mile Obstacle Course Race, 4 trail runs of 5 or more miles each, 3 5ks and a 10k. I've logged countless miles in the pool, on the road, and on the treadmill. And will continue to log miles, lift weights, and push myself harder and harder.
I look ahead to what 2013 holds in store. I have my list of Trail Runs printed out and highlighted, with my first race in May. I am eyeing a half-Ironman at the end of June, and the only reason I haven't registered yet is I have to save up my pennies for the entry fee. I plan on doing Olympic distance Triathlons this year as time and money allow. I will do the Portland Triathlon as a sprint, because it is the same day as the Firefighter Stairclimb, and once again I plan on doing both in one day, but this time I will kick ass in both. Also on the agenda is becoming SCUBA certified, with the hope of diving in at least one foreign country this year.
With Firefighter Academy about to take up much of what little spare time I have, I am going to have to be a bit creative with my workouts for the next 4 months. I will run before work a few days a week, continue strength training as often as possible, and hit the pool twice a week. it will be brutal, but it is only for a few months. And as they say, "I can rest when I'm dead."
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