Refreshing!

After taking the past two weeks off and not doing a thing, I felt lethargic and decided that I better do something even though I am technically not training.  Last night, I decided to go for a 4 mile run, nothing fast, really just wanted it to be a slow jog where I didn't get my heart rate above 130. I set out on the run and the weather was cooler which always makes it easier to go.  I felt like I was running about an 8:30 pace.   I looked at my watch at the halfway point and realized I had ran the first two miles at a 7:30 pace, but didn't feel winded nor was I breathing heavy.  I ran the two miles back at a little slower pace (8:00) and finished with a 7:45 pace and never pushed myself.  Made me think... did I just get faster, was the weather a contributing factor or was it the fact that I had taken the previous two weeks off and my legs were rested.  I chalked it up to a combination of the three.  Either way, I had a good run and the best part was I was not worried about how fast I was going.

Today, I decided to jump back into the pool.  For a while now, I have been dreading going to the pool.  Not once I am there, just finding the motivation to actually make it there.  It is probably the fact that now it is colder in FL, I have to drive 35 minutes to get to the pool.  Once I get in and start swimming I can go.  Today I made the trek to the pool and told myself I would swim 70 lengths.  nothing too crazy, just trying to get back in rhythm.  Swimming endurance is always the first thing to leave me if I don't do it, so I try never too take too long between my pool visits.  The pool was in rare form today, there were about 35 senior citizens doing some sort of pool class, splashing around leaving only 2 lanes for swimmers.  Luckily, one lane had only one other person in it.  I jumped in, strapped on my aqua sphere goggles and I was off.  I typically swim 250 yards in about 3:50 and today, to my surprise was about 5-10 seconds faster per 250 and held that pace through the first 1500 (Olympic distance) and then I swam my last 10 as a cool down. 

In addition to hitting the pool again, I decided to re-acquaint myself with the weights.  I have not lifted weights in quite some time so I was interested to see how I would do and how sore I would be.  I did a full body workout (more sets with legs) and just did some light resistance since it was my first day back.  I want to strengthen my legs so that I can climb hills better with IMCDA in mind.  It was mentally relaxing to not have a real agenda at the gym today, ease myself back into the flow of things.  My body didn't forget that I should be sore, I am walking around like an old man.

I think as triathletes, we forget how fun it can be to do a workout with no attention to the clock or watch.  To go naturally and not push.  We are so consumed with power meters, and heart rates and splits  that we forget that it CAN be fun without those things.  If you aren't training for a running race I would recommend taking some time off, recharge and do workouts that are fun.  Mix it up, try cross training, go for a trail run or jog, take a spin class or try cyclocross etc.  Shock your muscles as I shocked mine today.  I am enjoying my time before I start back sometime in December.  Your body endures grueling hours throughout the spring and summer training and competing.  Let them know you are appreciative of how they performed this year with some rest,  they will reward you later. 

Then.. begin looking at your next year- Remember to write those goals down. 

For those of you who are interested in the NYC Triathlon (one of the most popular venues in the country) you have until November 6 at 11:59 pm EST to enter the lottery. Here is the link. (http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1988020&CHECKSSO=0)

Good luck if you enter the lottery.     

Julie's First Tri: Lake Meridian, WA

Ok, Dan you were right: I'm already thinking about the next race. Is it too early to say I am addicted? I am sitting here, anxiously waiting results of my race...

While I outwardly spoke out that my goal for my first triathlon (sprint at Lake Meridian, WA) was to finish the race. Quietly I knew this wasn't enough I wanted a good showing; its the competitor in me. So I was thrilled when things went smoothly...like not getting a flat tire and no digestive issues. Thanks for getting me prepared for this. Also a big thanks to my friends Schuyler and Tara for showing me the ropes and doing the race with me.

I was a little concerned about how I was going to perform after only an hour's nights rest. The night before a race I can never seem to sleep...we will need to cover this as a topic later on! Luckily the previous night I had slept well. Breakfast consisted of a pb&j, banana, and a Gatorade Prime. Everything stayed down (as opposed to the day of my first half marathon.)

I definitely was pretty intimidated when we arrived at the race and started to set up transition. People have some fancy bikes and some pretty techy gear. I didn't let it get to me thought, I mean my goal was to just finish, right?

This tri started with a deep water start, and with the temperature of the water at 74 degrees (warmer than the air) it was a pretty comfortable and calming pre-start. Of course once everyone started, I definitely felt the "washing machine" effect and at one point just stopped cause there was no where to go. One swimming for about 5 minutes I was able to find my own space and get in the groove. Reviewing the race, the swimming was actually my favorite leg! I think I definitely entered "the zone."

I was definitely worried last night about not being fully prepared for the bike. I had really only been on that particular bike twice! Also, I was doing this race without the proper equipment to change a tire. I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to stop racing if a tire went flat. Phew! Another thing I learned was to take the bike for a little spin after taking it out of the car. When I first jumped on the bike, my gears were not catching and I almost thought I was going to have to get off the bike. I think I should have just double checked everything before I put it on the rack! Another topic we will have to discuss in the future is rules of drafting and passing. While this triathlon was not super strict, for future races it would be nice to know to avoid penalty.

The run was definitely the worst leg. Although going in I was thinking that this would be my strong part, I was not prepared for the tightness and jelly feeling (how contradictory) that I was going to feel. The first mile was definitely the worst as it felt like I was running on new legs. As I continued to run I could feel my legs loosening up a little more which allowed me to increase my stride. I think in my continued training I want to practice more bike/run bricks to help tackle this feeling.

Overall, this was an awesome experience! The weather was ideal and French toast was served for athletes...uh, awesome! I will post my times when they are made available. Really stoked to see how I did...especially when I had no expectations for how fast I would be going in. Will keep you posted.

Welcome to Water, Rubber & Road

Hello readers!
This is me and my brother. This photo was taken the day my brother ran his fourth 70.3 Ironman. This is also the day that I decided I would not be a spectator anymore.

Welcome to our blog. Our mission is to make getting into triathlons less intimidating by covering the topics and many questions that arise surrounding this sport. We aim to provide a reference covering topics ranging from gear to training to race day, everything to get started in triathlons. We will train hard but also laugh at ourselves and share our stories.

Between the two of us, we will be able to cover perspectives from the beginner to experienced, both male and female, and from the northwest to southeast.

This is a sibling blog about a beginner triathlete trying to keep up with an Ironman.