Double duty day!
It was actually really nice out today, sunny albeit a bit cold, so I did decide to ride downtown. I took the slightly longer route - 7 miles. Shortly after leaving, I realized I was really thirsty. I need to remember to BRING LIQUIDS with me on rides! I ended up stopping off at a convenience store to get some gatorade. Overall, I felt pretty good on the ride - not too tired. Temperature control worked well - I wore jeans which I folded to the knee to keep away from the gears, a long sleeve shirt, and a fleece. Temperature was about 50 degrees Farenheit.
I did end up at the pool. My swim workouts so far have been fairly light - my goal was to get in the water and MOVE. Today, I wanted to push it further to see what I could do.
I did a couple of timed laps at the beginning of the workout - I am swimming 50 meters in approximately 1:30, give or take about 5 seconds. The rest of the workout, I made it a point to swim fairly hard. Sixteen laps in total, half-mile, booya. :D Overall, I was happy with how I felt during the swim, albeit a bit tired by the end.
My wrist is pretty sore tonight. Not sure if I overstressed it with the bike/swim. I iced for 20 minutes, and will brace it overnight. Hopefully it'll feel better in the morning.
Happy with today's work!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Inspiration
My city's marathon was today, and I went downtown to cheer the runners on.
I am in awe. Each and every one of those runners is an inspiration to me.
I was there for three hours and saw everyone from the winners to regular Jane and Joe runners. Each has my utmost respect for making it to both the start and finish line.
AWW-SOME inspiration. Amazing! :D
Also, I saw a documentary on the 2007 Kona Ironman tonight. This is after seeing a similar program on the 2008 race last week. Also found much inspiration from this! I honestly can't fathom what these people have accomplished. What an insane and amazing feat just to get to the finish, not even mentioning doing it as quickly as these guys do. Kona 2009 is next weekend, and I'll be keeping my eye out for race news.
I am in awe. Each and every one of those runners is an inspiration to me.
I was there for three hours and saw everyone from the winners to regular Jane and Joe runners. Each has my utmost respect for making it to both the start and finish line.
AWW-SOME inspiration. Amazing! :D
Also, I saw a documentary on the 2007 Kona Ironman tonight. This is after seeing a similar program on the 2008 race last week. Also found much inspiration from this! I honestly can't fathom what these people have accomplished. What an insane and amazing feat just to get to the finish, not even mentioning doing it as quickly as these guys do. Kona 2009 is next weekend, and I'll be keeping my eye out for race news.
10/04/09
I had intended to take just Friday off and run on Saturday. Things got away from me, and I ended up taking Saturday off as well, at least from anything too strenuous. I did go on a three mile walk, which was really nice.
Today, I really needed to hit the pavement. 20 more days! OH MY GOODness.
I decided to treadmill. 24 minutes, 2.05 miles. I definitely did not feel as good as I felt the other day, but I felt capable of making it the distance. I wanted to run for a minimum of 20 minutes, and I exceeded that, so I'm happy. My speed never dropped below 5 miles per hour, and hovered at 5.2 most of the time. I did feel some knee pain in my left knee, especially towards the end of the run, so I'm going to have to be careful. I may start an icing regimen, we'll see. Overall, I feel it was a decent effort.
Tomorrow, I have a hankering to do a really good, thorough swim workout, and I have open time while the pool is open. Depending on how I feel when I get up, I may also ride my bike in, we'll see. But I think the priority is the swim.
Today, I really needed to hit the pavement. 20 more days! OH MY GOODness.
I decided to treadmill. 24 minutes, 2.05 miles. I definitely did not feel as good as I felt the other day, but I felt capable of making it the distance. I wanted to run for a minimum of 20 minutes, and I exceeded that, so I'm happy. My speed never dropped below 5 miles per hour, and hovered at 5.2 most of the time. I did feel some knee pain in my left knee, especially towards the end of the run, so I'm going to have to be careful. I may start an icing regimen, we'll see. Overall, I feel it was a decent effort.
Tomorrow, I have a hankering to do a really good, thorough swim workout, and I have open time while the pool is open. Depending on how I feel when I get up, I may also ride my bike in, we'll see. But I think the priority is the swim.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
10/01/09
Today, I had a good debate with myself about what training to do.
Should I run? Bike? Swim?
It was nice out, so I decided riding into work would be a good way to go.
I took a slightly longer route in today and ended up crossing the river via a bridge farther down than usual. 7 miles total, and I was beat by the end. Good days work overall, though.
I feel really good about my training this week. I had two double days (one run-bike, one run-swim), bike into work four times this week, and had probably *the* best run I've had since starting to run again. That, combined with how tired I felt today told me that I should let myself take tomorrow off. I have a busy day at work, so it works well as a recoup day.
The plan will be to get a good run in on Saturday. :) We'll see how it goes.
Should I run? Bike? Swim?
It was nice out, so I decided riding into work would be a good way to go.
I took a slightly longer route in today and ended up crossing the river via a bridge farther down than usual. 7 miles total, and I was beat by the end. Good days work overall, though.
I feel really good about my training this week. I had two double days (one run-bike, one run-swim), bike into work four times this week, and had probably *the* best run I've had since starting to run again. That, combined with how tired I felt today told me that I should let myself take tomorrow off. I have a busy day at work, so it works well as a recoup day.
The plan will be to get a good run in on Saturday. :) We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
9/30/09
WHOOT!
Where did today come from?
When I thought about my schedule today, and how to fit training in, I noticed that (at a time I had available) the treadmills that I can use were available to me, followed directly by the pool opening for open swim right after.
I decided to be ambitious. I wanted to do a good, long, solid run, and then go swimming.
Before I left to go, I had a bit of a headache, and a bit of a scratchy throat. I attribute this to mild allergies that I have flare up from time to time. I took some meds about 20 minutes before I left, and went over there with my determined face on.
On the treadmill, I had one of the BEST runs I have had since starting to run again. I ran for approximately 22 minutes and for approximately 2 miles. Yes, as far as I figured from the numbers, those are right. I had the speedometer up past 5.2 the entire time, and had it up to 5.7 towards the end. My knee was sore for a little bit right at the beginning, but once I got into my groove, it felt a lot better. SOOO SO happy with this run!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. :D Then followed it up with 100 crunches, just to be badass.
I got in the water about 20-30 minutes later. Did 8 laps (a quarter mile), of mixed breast stroke and freestyle. I felt pretty good, was somewhat tired at the end, but totally endorphiney and overall feeling aw-some.
Very very happy with today's training.
Where did today come from?
When I thought about my schedule today, and how to fit training in, I noticed that (at a time I had available) the treadmills that I can use were available to me, followed directly by the pool opening for open swim right after.
I decided to be ambitious. I wanted to do a good, long, solid run, and then go swimming.
Before I left to go, I had a bit of a headache, and a bit of a scratchy throat. I attribute this to mild allergies that I have flare up from time to time. I took some meds about 20 minutes before I left, and went over there with my determined face on.
On the treadmill, I had one of the BEST runs I have had since starting to run again. I ran for approximately 22 minutes and for approximately 2 miles. Yes, as far as I figured from the numbers, those are right. I had the speedometer up past 5.2 the entire time, and had it up to 5.7 towards the end. My knee was sore for a little bit right at the beginning, but once I got into my groove, it felt a lot better. SOOO SO happy with this run!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. :D Then followed it up with 100 crunches, just to be badass.
I got in the water about 20-30 minutes later. Did 8 laps (a quarter mile), of mixed breast stroke and freestyle. I felt pretty good, was somewhat tired at the end, but totally endorphiney and overall feeling aw-some.
Very very happy with today's training.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
9/29/09
I rode into work today - was somewhat slow, but felt pretty good overall.
I have been having insomnia problems this week, which is not good for training. I was way too tired (and feeling hypoglycemic from lack of lunch) to swim during the chunk of time I could go.
I found out this morning my parents are coming to the 5k I'm signed up for at the end of next month. EEEK!
Tomorrow, I plan a treadmill run, then swim. I need sleep first!
I have been having insomnia problems this week, which is not good for training. I was way too tired (and feeling hypoglycemic from lack of lunch) to swim during the chunk of time I could go.
I found out this morning my parents are coming to the 5k I'm signed up for at the end of next month. EEEK!
Tomorrow, I plan a treadmill run, then swim. I need sleep first!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Strategy
Today, I wanted to try to run as soon as I got up.
This, traditionally, has been tough for me. I have a hard time keeping things quick (even the "get ready" and "get cleaned up" portion of the workout), and my muscles tend to feel pretty tight in the morning. The way my schedule is right now, though, it's MUCH better for me to do things that way, so I'm working on it.
Today, I did run first thing, and it went well. Some things to consider:
- Make sure warmup is decent. Stretching this morning really, really helped me loosen up from getting out of bed.
- Stack stuff - (brace, shoes, clothes) - the night before, so I don't have to walk around looking for them in the morning.
- Keep small pieces of fruit and protein bars around for a small snack if I need some pre-workout fuel when I don't want a full stomach.
Okay, GO.
N.B. - The cool running gadget I got (the MP3 player) has proven a bust so far. :/ I have yet to figure out how to get music on it. (Yes, I'm following directions, no, it's not working right. Yet). Must figure something out, as it would be much easier to carry than the one I currently listen to on runs.
P.S. I was thinking on my bike ride today how sad it is that MP3 players don't mix well with water, and aren't safe on bikes. Music tends to make everything better when working out. :)
This, traditionally, has been tough for me. I have a hard time keeping things quick (even the "get ready" and "get cleaned up" portion of the workout), and my muscles tend to feel pretty tight in the morning. The way my schedule is right now, though, it's MUCH better for me to do things that way, so I'm working on it.
Today, I did run first thing, and it went well. Some things to consider:
- Make sure warmup is decent. Stretching this morning really, really helped me loosen up from getting out of bed.
- Stack stuff - (brace, shoes, clothes) - the night before, so I don't have to walk around looking for them in the morning.
- Keep small pieces of fruit and protein bars around for a small snack if I need some pre-workout fuel when I don't want a full stomach.
Okay, GO.
N.B. - The cool running gadget I got (the MP3 player) has proven a bust so far. :/ I have yet to figure out how to get music on it. (Yes, I'm following directions, no, it's not working right. Yet). Must figure something out, as it would be much easier to carry than the one I currently listen to on runs.
P.S. I was thinking on my bike ride today how sad it is that MP3 players don't mix well with water, and aren't safe on bikes. Music tends to make everything better when working out. :)
9/28/09
This blog has been quiet over the last week because my training has been going very slowly, unfortunately. Last week, work spit up on me, and I was drafted into doing massive amounts of cleaning. I guess that in and of itself was a physical activity, but nothing I specifically saw as training, unfortunately. Then I realized. Halloween 5K is in 4 weeks. Oh boy.
So, the things I have done -
Saturday - Went canoeing, actually! Hey, I figured at *least* it was a good upper body workout (and it definitely was that, considering how my arms have felt the last couple of days!), and maybe even had some cardio value. Three hours. Not bad.
Sunday - Rode my bike the 6ish miles into work. This ride is mostly downhill. I was extremely sleep deprived and sore, so I figured it was okay not to be *too* hard on myself. The ride took 40ish minutes, not too bad.
Today - I am feeling somewhat badass and focused today. I got up and ran for 16 minutes. (HA HA! I know, 16 minutes, but I'm happy with it!) 1.3 miles. Ok! I felt extremely sluggish at first, and my left (bad) knee in particular felt pretty sore. I was wearing the brace, and it didn't feel too unsound, just sore. So I kept going, and after a few minutes felt like I had a much better stride going. 26 training days left. AY!
I also rode my bike the 6ish miles into work again today. I was pretty tired by the time I was done, but I feel like I put in a good days work.
Constant Vigilance.
So, the things I have done -
Saturday - Went canoeing, actually! Hey, I figured at *least* it was a good upper body workout (and it definitely was that, considering how my arms have felt the last couple of days!), and maybe even had some cardio value. Three hours. Not bad.
Sunday - Rode my bike the 6ish miles into work. This ride is mostly downhill. I was extremely sleep deprived and sore, so I figured it was okay not to be *too* hard on myself. The ride took 40ish minutes, not too bad.
Today - I am feeling somewhat badass and focused today. I got up and ran for 16 minutes. (HA HA! I know, 16 minutes, but I'm happy with it!) 1.3 miles. Ok! I felt extremely sluggish at first, and my left (bad) knee in particular felt pretty sore. I was wearing the brace, and it didn't feel too unsound, just sore. So I kept going, and after a few minutes felt like I had a much better stride going. 26 training days left. AY!
I also rode my bike the 6ish miles into work again today. I was pretty tired by the time I was done, but I feel like I put in a good days work.
Constant Vigilance.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
9/22/09
I haven't ridden my bike in awhile, so today was a bike day. I didn't go far - just about 6 miles. But it was a tough six miles. A lot of it is uphill, and I was dehydrated and *tired*. I just tried to keep moving.
Lesson learned - DRINK MORE WATER.
Goal - Kick the CRAP out of this hill near my house. Every time I ride up it, it feels horrible. It's way harder than it should be. I will continue to work, and that hill is mine.
I did get my speedometer, lights, and basket connected to my bike. I also got a small MP3 player today that will be great for running since it's really tiny.
I'm thinking about a run for tomorrow....
Lesson learned - DRINK MORE WATER.
Goal - Kick the CRAP out of this hill near my house. Every time I ride up it, it feels horrible. It's way harder than it should be. I will continue to work, and that hill is mine.
I did get my speedometer, lights, and basket connected to my bike. I also got a small MP3 player today that will be great for running since it's really tiny.
I'm thinking about a run for tomorrow....
Monday, September 21, 2009
9/21/09
Yesterday -
I walked the Susan G. Komen for the Cure race, a 5k. It took about an hour and twenty minutes, which is slow, but considering how many people walked, not bad.
By the end, I was very sore and tired overall. I didn't sleep a lot Saturday night, and between that, running (on Saturday night), and walking Sunday morning, I was beat. I came home, rested for the rest of the day, and felt a lot better.
Today -
I wanted to keep it low impact, since I was so tired and sore yesterday. I decided to swim. I swam 24 lengths, 12 laps. I *think* the pool is 25 meters, which makes for a total of 600 meters. I felt like that was a pretty good start, and I felt pretty good during it. If I was timing correctly, I swam for approximately 25 minutes.
Swimming workouts are going to be interesting. The hard part is going to be swimming in a small space for long periods of time - I wonder if the lack of change in scenery is going to make swimming boring. Especially towards the end, I also felt like I was in an odd space mentally, just because of how weird it is to be underwater for long periods of time - it's a different world. :) I'll have to play with ways to keep engaged during swim workouts. I don't want to get bored since exercise - wise, swimming feels awesome, and is the best kind of workout for my upper body. It's too bad things that play music are not conducive to getting really wet. :D I also shall be doing research as to proper swim form, since that will keep me healthier and faster.
It's been awhile since I've biked, so that's the plan for tomorrow.
I walked the Susan G. Komen for the Cure race, a 5k. It took about an hour and twenty minutes, which is slow, but considering how many people walked, not bad.
By the end, I was very sore and tired overall. I didn't sleep a lot Saturday night, and between that, running (on Saturday night), and walking Sunday morning, I was beat. I came home, rested for the rest of the day, and felt a lot better.
Today -
I wanted to keep it low impact, since I was so tired and sore yesterday. I decided to swim. I swam 24 lengths, 12 laps. I *think* the pool is 25 meters, which makes for a total of 600 meters. I felt like that was a pretty good start, and I felt pretty good during it. If I was timing correctly, I swam for approximately 25 minutes.
Swimming workouts are going to be interesting. The hard part is going to be swimming in a small space for long periods of time - I wonder if the lack of change in scenery is going to make swimming boring. Especially towards the end, I also felt like I was in an odd space mentally, just because of how weird it is to be underwater for long periods of time - it's a different world. :) I'll have to play with ways to keep engaged during swim workouts. I don't want to get bored since exercise - wise, swimming feels awesome, and is the best kind of workout for my upper body. It's too bad things that play music are not conducive to getting really wet. :D I also shall be doing research as to proper swim form, since that will keep me healthier and faster.
It's been awhile since I've biked, so that's the plan for tomorrow.
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