Tuesday, August 23, 2011

A Solid Week of Training....

Here I go again.....
I love training. I do better when I have something to train for, with minimal distractions, but life does go on.
I've had a 2 week stretch of "return to training" - the first week, getting back into things. The second week -> solid effort with 2 swims, a brick, a couple of runs and a nice ride on Sat with Gerald, Cathy and Jon - who are all competing in Ironman Canada this weekend. Thank goodness they're all tapering and I had the illusion I could still keep up to some degree ;0! They were very nice to me and let me tag along.....

So happy to be enjoying our great summer weather and I can never get enough of biking.
Feel like I'm starting from square one again with running, but I will persevere! Back to shorter runs of ~30 min, but incorporating run school, some hill intervals, so at least it's coming along. I'll gradually keep increasing my distance. Injury free is where I want to be! I need to start pushing things in the pool again, maybe next week? I even did some core work after running - but crap, I can't do a freakin' push-up to save my life.

I looked anxiously for the results of the ITU Pan Am Triathlon on Aug 21 as both Grant and Jon were competing. Unfortunately, neither had a great race, but in reading their blogs, both seem to have come to terms with their season/results. Glad to hear they are still going to stay focused and move forward. I feel for them both as I know how hard they both train. Keep the focus and continue on is a good way to live life. Learn from mistakes to make the next race better!
I'm in no way, shape or form in their league, but they set a good example to follow for "wannabe's" (like me) to follow and are generous in sharing their wisdom - which I appreciate and have certainly benefited from immensely in my own little world of triathlon.

I'll be watching Ironman Canada from Penticton at home on the computer/tracking thingy....
Good luck to all of you!! Some I know have done multiple Ironman races and lots are doing Ironman for the 1st time. My hat is off to all of you and have a great day - Cathy, Gerald, Jon, Colleen, Kevin, Christine, Ang, Ari, Mike, Faizal, Andrea, Ted, Laren, Dan, David, Rick and James.

Ciao, Cindy
see you all in the fall....

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

How could this happen......

Well, it happened pretty easily, didn't take much effort at all, and hopefully won't be repeated.

I completed the Olympic distance triathlon at Lake Chaparral on Sunday, Aug. 7 - perfect weather, the lake was warm, no significant wind. I, however, was not in "peak" form! I have a million excuses, but the only thing that would have changed the outcome was training. Admittedly, I've taken it pretty easy this summer. I did OK at Wasa, had a personal best, but expected more from myself. Chaparral - not so pretty. Three weeks of vacation prior, without any significant training showed - and made me say "My worst race ever, and I hate f*%$#ing running!" But I still love my very fast red bike, just the motor needs work!

I like to think every race provides opportunities to learn.....
My nutrition continues to improve: I don't have post race muscle spasms in my legs much anymore since I switched 1 bottle from water to electrolytes (minimal calories) on the bike and just electrolytes on the run. I still have my 2nd bike bottle with Gatorade (mmmm, sugar).
Consistency must be maintained to perform. I'm always amazed how quickly fitness/endurance slides if you don't train consistently.
Biking is still my favourite part of triathlons. I want more bikes - a cross bike, a road bike, a bike box for travel. This list could go on forever.
I also saw the 70.3 in Calgary from the other side this year - as a volunteer. It was so cool to see all the pros finish. But I think it was even better to see the people I know and also train with perform successfully. Congratulations to all who finished - you're all superstars in my eyes. Inspires me to get back on the horse and commit myself again.

I did have other summer highlights with my friend visiting from Sweden for 3 weeks. She is very well travelled and I was quite proud when she told me just before heading home that she had many "firsts" on this trip - Stampede (parade, rodeo, grandstand show), Tyrell Museum and Drumheller Valley, Banff & Lake Louise for hiking, biking, bears and photos, and decent weather!

So the fall will see me back at the Talisman with the Triclub. I will not give up on running.

Can't wait to see how my training buddies do at Ironman Canada!! Good luck to all of you - I'll be watching with anticipation and excitement. You're all going to do amazingly well b/c I've witnessed your commitment, consistency and hard work.....

Ciao, Cindy