On The Road Again

The new year has definitely started out with a bang - in my converging worlds of work, training, and travel. Currently I am training/vacationing in Spokane, WA, while the boy in my life takes a few doctoral seminars at Gonzaga U. Last week I was in Santa Rosa/Napa/Petaluma for work, which is always a great overall destination.

I managed to get in a good swim last week at the Airport Club in Santa Rosa, and have mustered the motivation to continue my swims and runs here in WA. The pool at Gonzaga is a convenient place to splash around, and the Centennial Trail is a great place for a scenic run. One thing I am missing though (other than my teammates) is the bike! I am thinking about renting one on Wednesday and heading toward Idaho. Hopefully this all works out, and that the weather is cooperative.

This trip, albeit in the winter this time, makes me think of how far I've come since last summer. I don't think I am any fitter, per se; perhaps a bit more well-rounded due to the cross-training, but certainly a bit more mature in my approach to fitness. I mean this mainly in terms of giving myself a break! I now realize how important recovery is, and I take those "days off" very seriously. Right now we have Fridays off, since the Ironman training needs to occur 6 days per week. If I feel burned out though, I take it easy on Mondays as well.

I think the two most difficult things about IRONtraining right now are 1) balancing the schedule with the rest of my life and 2) making it through two-a-day workouts. Right now Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays tend to be both running and swimming days - or at least that's how the schedule is developing. My motivation around running still tends to be low, so I really have to push myself (especially after a good swim). The new running shoes certainly help, and I feel I am well on my way...

Overall, I can see and feel the improvement in my swimming, and with a strenuous/hilly 30 mile ride under my belt, I know I will continue to improve in my cycling. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the time I have away, while looking forward to getting back on my bike with the team.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2010! I know this is going to be a great year in the world of training, racing, and beyond.

One of my resolutions is to maintain my blog a bit more consistently, so in the meantime, here are some "mini updates" from my TNT website. More to come soon!

1/3/10: Happy New Year friends! It's been a great couple of weeks - getting deeper into training and working in some early morning sessions. I am beginning to experience some aches and pains, but I know this comes with the territory as the schedule gets more intense. I am not quite used to the days that include two sessions, but I'll get there.

We had a hilly team ride through Pacific Palisades yesterday, which definitely tested my nerves. I feel much more comfortable on the bike, but going downhill on Sunset Blvd with cars flying by has a way of challenging that comfort :)

12/20: It was a beautiful morning yesterday for a good team ride at the Rose Bowl. I'm feeling much more comfortable with the bike (especially the dreaded clips). Swimming and biking are a blast, but I need to get some running in!

12/17: Training is definitely getting more intense, and I am quickly realizing I need to make some sacrifices if I am going to be successful. This morning I was up at 4:30 am and off for a bike ride. Last night I swam for about an hour at the LMU pool. Today = sore legs! Looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. Thankfully, I am still feeling excited and optimistic about this adventure :)

12/05: First fundraising event was very successful! Thanks to all the Murrieta community members who supported LLS at the garage sale today. A special thanks to my parents for their help/use of the driveway!

12/02: First bike practice took place last Saturday. It was great to be on the road. I see how people easily become addicted to this sport! Last night we took the swimming up a notch at the group practice. I need to concentrate on drills and form this week in my individual practice time. A long road to go!

11/21: I bought my first road bike yesterday! It's a Trek 1.5 2009. I can't wait to get on it more and learn the ropes. One of the best things about triathlon training is learning two new sports. The swimming continues to go well, but I have a long way to go! Thanks for all the support, friends.

11/10: First swim practice in Culver City. It was great to train with the group for the first time, and I really enjoyed being in the pool. I can tell this is going to be tough, but COMPLETELY worth it!