AND LET'S BEGIN.... (again)

Well, I survived the cold/sinus crap that was almost a "man cold". Back to my regular training schedule of triclub classes and work on my own.

I've really noticed my body responding well to recovery rides/runs and just the right amount of intensity. That was a hard lesson learned last spring with way too much intensity.

Had a little chat with Jon in regard to running. He suggested getting more, shorter runs in and not struggling to get in a long run on Sundays as much as just getting time on my feet. I'm going to take his advice and make my longest run 50 - 60 minutes, then keep the other 2 or 3 ~30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Need to get my Garmin heart rate monitor sorted as I replaced the battery, but couldn't get it to work - apparently it has to be resynched with the computer. Why are electronics such a challenge for me? Honestly, all companies should idiot proof their stuff through me first! So that will be my next little project.....

Settling into the 3 hour Sat bike class slowly. Managed not to die and complete a time trial this morning. Said yes to it, with great trepidation, as Grant went around the room to see who was in and who was out. I was so excited with my results from Dec, that I didn't want to spoil that feeling. Thought ok, maybe 5 watts more, and not count it at all if it was worse than Dec. I surprised myself and had another personal best!! 3 watts up (not quite 5W), but still the right direction. So happy with that.

All that after a nice evening out for the Triclub Social at Speed Theory Friday night. Good turn out and nice to meet some new members. Can't wait for the floatables in Feb!

Ciao, Cindy

PS: Almost died laughing watching the video link on Grant's blog this week - I had a very serious conversation about "carbon bells" with Cam and Darcy at Speed Theory when I bought my Argon 18... until they clued me in. They are so patient with me, thanks guys....

SCREEECCCHHH!!!!

Oh man, it might be bad enough to be called a "man cold".....

OK, let's not get carried away, but I haven't left the house since Sunday, when I didn't get my hot tub after the track workout b/c I forgot my bathing suit.

Some observations:

• 3 days without work isn't too stressful, but having to get up to call in sick disturbs my rest and recovery.
• The weather hasn't enticed me to go out, so it's been a "drug free" cold. Maybe that's the issue. I'm definitely a druggie when it comes to the sniffles. The more the better and in combination. (hmmm, should I be admitting to that and putting it in writing - obviously I'm delusional b/c I've had no drugs!)
• Amazing how often the phone rings with stupid telemarketers when you're home during the day.
• You can never underestimate the power of a nap or even 2!
• Being home to allow the guy in to fix my lack of heat wasn't part of the plan, but having heat when it's been -30'C many days in a row has been helpful.

May have to leave the house tomorrow as I'm almost out of kleenex.

Needless to say, no gym workouts this week. Hope to get back at it on Sat. Not doing a time trial though, I'll still be recovering.... (glad I have good numbers from Dec.)

Happy training,

Ciao, Cindy

ALL SYSTEMS GO

Wow, it's mid-January.... and I've been back at it for 2 weeks now. I seem to be carrying the same enthusiasm as I started the fall with. That's a good sign that I'm not overdoing it in regard to Tri Club and ETS classes. Had a strong finish to my swimming and biking in December. Jury is still out on the running ;)

I'm signed up for the same classes this term with a few minor changes. ETS bike on Tues night with Paul, Thurs swim/run with Jon, and Sat 3 hour bike/brick with Grant. I was thrilled to hear that Jon was coming back along with the added bonus of new Tri Club coaches - Heather and Ed. I'll get to know Heather on Thurs with Jon. I'll have to wait and see where Ed and I cross paths. I'm sure it'll be in the spring sometime as Jon and Grant ramp up for their respective race seasons.

Trying to get in a brick, 2 swims, and a longer run on my own. Since I haven't signed up for a comprehensive coaching package in a couple of years I'll have to pick the coaches brain on a regular basis to keep myself focused.

I'm even signed up for my races - Wasa (sprint) and Victoria Half Ironman. Chose to do the sprint at Wasa since Victoria is the weekend after. Excited to travel to do a race. Not sure if I'll fly or drive. I hate driving long distances unless I'm the passenger with my pillow in the back seat. Still considering a later summer race out east, we'll see what the finances dictate.

All that's missing now is some cross training on Sundays in the form of snow shoeing. Felix, Tushar and I did get out Dec 28, but the conditions were not great. Just not enough snow - we went to Upper Kananaskis Lk. The only thing to come out of that trip was a little "gift" in the mail from Calgary Police.... I'm sure our current, lovely weather will help remedy this..... at least we're getting some snow with the wicked cold.

Survived Grant's crazy, hard 3 hour bike class on Sat. Man, was that really necessary? I hope he didn't scare off any of the new people. Maybe they were lulled into an illusion of it not being too bad since a lot of them probably didn't have any training zones yet? Crap, I did - and I was able to hold them and they were my "new and improved" zones from Dec. Take that Grant!

OK, just to frustrate me, I have come down with a stupid cold. Walked on the track for 90 minutes on Sunday and had to miss my hot tub since I forgot my bathing suit. My head was still muddled after Sat bike....

So good to see everyone after the break. Happy training.

Ciao, CIndy