It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster week on the training front… I had a couple late nights on the weekend (which is fairly rare for me) and the interruption in my sleep pattern has definitely not helped my mental state. That said, I’ve probably had more good workouts than bad workouts, it’s just that the bad always seem to stick out in one’s memory. Why is that?
The weekend was pretty solid. I had another mini-tri of sorts on the Saturday. I started at the pool, with a lane almost entirely to myself (heaven!) and just had a really strong swim. It wasn’t anything spectacular or record breaking, but I felt loose and relaxed and while I was putting out a decent effort, it felt almost effortless at times. Since the weather was atrocious, I opted to do my 90min bike on the trainer, and as such, my transition time was probably about 45min or so by the time I got changed and drove home.
What can you say about a 90min trainer ride really? It was steady. It was strong. It was a tad boring. I pedaled and watched a show about overweight teenagers. Good times.
My transition from bike to run was much quicker, and before I knew it, Rusty and I were absolutely drenched. I would guess it took less than 2 minutes to be soaked through to the bone. I could not believe how hard the rain and wind were pounding… So, while it wasn’t necessarily a fun run, it got done.
Sunday’s long run was a nice outing around the Lakes. I’d kind of been itching to run there for a while so Kirsten and I met up and headed out. I will say, I’m glad it wasn’t a solo mission for me, and that Kristen was there to keep me going, as I was feeling a little drained and sluggish as the run wore on. All in all, it was good though and definitely falls in the positive column. It was mucky, but the sun was shining and our legs were moving…
Monday was a day off, which was nice, because my ankle decided to rebel. I’m not sure what happened, but it just started aching on Sunday night and by Monday morning I was walking with a noticeable limp. I could feel the swelling gradually increase in my boot throughout the day. I gave it a pretty good self-massage treatment when I got home that night, which helped relieve the pain a bit, but on Tuesday morning when I got up, it was still aching (and I was still limping).
I headed to the pool in the morning and actually had a good swim. My ankle felt much better in the water, and kicking didn’t hurt it (go figure). As soon as I got out though, it was “locked” back up and swollen again. Of course, what do you do when it hurts to walk – well, you run of course!
I had planned to do my Tuesday fartlek workout at lunch and figured that the run might help loosen up my aching joint (and it actually did, but that was about the best thing to come from that run). Plain and simple, this run sucked. It was possibly one of the worst run workouts I have had in a very very long time. My ankle loosened up about 15-20mins in (and hasn’t hurt as badly since thankfully) but I must have been carrying myself funny and my calf was absolutely screaming at me. On top of that, the wind was so spectacularly fierce that at one point during a 2min RP effort (going uphill no less) I think I may have actually moved backwards! Elements and aches aside, I think the worst part was that I just couldn't shake the negative thoughts. So yeah, the wind won.
I had to put that bad run behind me though, as this week is Time Trial 2.0 week. [I’m going out of town this weekend, so my TTs have been moved up from Friday (swim) and Saturday (run) to Wednesday (swim) and Thursday (run)]. The anxious TT tummy is slightly less, but still not gone.
So, Wednesday morning rolls around and it’s swim TT time! It was decent. Not spectacular, but not horrifying either. I definitely didn't feel as smooth as I had last time and unfortunately, felt like I was working a fair bit harder, but when I hit the stop button on my watch, it wasn’t any slower. Exactly 6:51 yet again. So apparently I’m owning that 6:51 pace at the moment. Next time I’m hoping that if I stay a little more relaxed my time will improve.
Wednesday night, bike trainer class with Kelly. Fun. Great. Good effort. Not much to say really. It was another on the “YAY HAPPY” list for the week.
Then comes today, Thursday…
I decided to get up early to do my run TT as I know I will be rushed after work and well, I just prefer morning workouts. It was icy, but manageable and I seemed to be finding my footing well enough. I had a really good warm up, did some drills and strides and was ready to run! At the 3 minute mark of the actual “time trial” part, I was flying – although not in a good way. In the dusky shadows of the morning, I didn’t see a curb and went half flying, half skidding across the pavement, full on Superman style. My hands now full of gravel and my knees throbbing, I popped back up, walked a few feet, realized I was a bit stunned, allowed myself a few tears and contemplated what to do next. In hindsight, I should have just kept running, but I knew my time was shot and well, I was completely frazzled at this point. So, I turned around, tears in my eyes and did a slow “cool down” run home. So yeah, the curb won.
So now, here I sit, frustrated that I got up early and didn’t actually get my TT done, and now have to try and fit it in to my schedule on a weekend with other priorities (it is Shane and my 5 year anniversary + one of my best friend’s stagette in Whistler). Perhaps I will be able to squeeze it in after work today or tomorrow morning before I head off to Whistler, or maybe even Monday???? (Can you hear my brain churning?)
Or, maybe I just need to stop being so neurotic and remember that I do this for fun. *sigh*
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Lucky
When I last wrote, I was having “pre-race jitters” over my upcoming weekend of time trialing. Ok, so my nerves were not totally the same as pre-race jitters, but I was a bit anxious about finding out what sort of times I could put down.
The time trials I had to do were a 400m swim and a 5k run. Overall, I was pretty happy and I’d say that both TTs went fairly well. I think I laid down some decent times (for me that is – 6:51 for the swim, 23:54 for the run – both efforts were PBs) and gave myself solid markers to try and beat as the season wears on.
I know I will be doing time trials quite often as this season progresses, so now that the first set is out of the way, I’m hoping the next ones will be a little less butterfly inducing.
Since the TTs, I’ve had a week full of short hard workouts - lots of those “14minutes of hurt” workouts. Wednesday night, however, was a break from the training action, as Shane, Kirsten, Tyler and I made the pilgrimage to Silver City to check out Chasing Legends. Anyone who knows me knows I could sit in front of the tv for the entire month of July and watch nothing but the Tour de France. So, needless to say, I really enjoyed the movie. It definitely made the idea going to France and following the Tour rise up the old bucket list, which got me thinking about all the other fun stuff I would love to do before I kick it.
So, here are a few tidbits in no particular order:
- Follow the Tour de France – live and in person.
- Cycle across Canada
- Volunteer at Ironman Hawaii
(while I’d really love to race in Kona, qualifying would be a hell of a long shot, and I don’t seem overly lucky with lotteries, so volunteering seems the next best option)
- Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Spend some time backpacking around Europe and Central America
- Learn to speak Spanish
On a different note, I’ve read two different blog posts that I quite enjoyed recently. (I’m just now noticing they were both written by Adams).
The first can be found here. It is totally non-tri related, but well, it really stuck with me. Since reading it, I’ve been trying to make a more concerted effort not to avert my eyes and ignore strangers. I find this particularly satisfying while out running as a little smile from a fellow runner passing in the opposite direction can be quite a positive little boost.
The second can be found here. This one hit me for a bit of a different reason, as I had a similar "I feel lucky to live where I live" moment the other day while out on a walk during my lunch break from work. I wandered down Government Street to the inner harbour and was amazed by the quiet calm that surrounded me. There was no road construction, there was no wind or rain, and there were barely even any other people. The harbour was all mine and it was perfect. I think sometimes when I am running, I forget to look around and take it all in, but that walk, on that day, did everything to remind me how beautiful Victoria is. The weather was crisp, the sun was shining, and the day just felt incredibly peaceful. While I may want to travel a little and explore other parts of the world, Victoria will always be home, and this walk just reminded me how very lucky I am to live here.
The time trials I had to do were a 400m swim and a 5k run. Overall, I was pretty happy and I’d say that both TTs went fairly well. I think I laid down some decent times (for me that is – 6:51 for the swim, 23:54 for the run – both efforts were PBs) and gave myself solid markers to try and beat as the season wears on.
I know I will be doing time trials quite often as this season progresses, so now that the first set is out of the way, I’m hoping the next ones will be a little less butterfly inducing.
Since the TTs, I’ve had a week full of short hard workouts - lots of those “14minutes of hurt” workouts. Wednesday night, however, was a break from the training action, as Shane, Kirsten, Tyler and I made the pilgrimage to Silver City to check out Chasing Legends. Anyone who knows me knows I could sit in front of the tv for the entire month of July and watch nothing but the Tour de France. So, needless to say, I really enjoyed the movie. It definitely made the idea going to France and following the Tour rise up the old bucket list, which got me thinking about all the other fun stuff I would love to do before I kick it.
So, here are a few tidbits in no particular order:
- Follow the Tour de France – live and in person.
- Cycle across Canada
- Volunteer at Ironman Hawaii
(while I’d really love to race in Kona, qualifying would be a hell of a long shot, and I don’t seem overly lucky with lotteries, so volunteering seems the next best option)
- Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Spend some time backpacking around Europe and Central America
- Learn to speak Spanish
On a different note, I’ve read two different blog posts that I quite enjoyed recently. (I’m just now noticing they were both written by Adams).
The first can be found here. It is totally non-tri related, but well, it really stuck with me. Since reading it, I’ve been trying to make a more concerted effort not to avert my eyes and ignore strangers. I find this particularly satisfying while out running as a little smile from a fellow runner passing in the opposite direction can be quite a positive little boost.
The second can be found here. This one hit me for a bit of a different reason, as I had a similar "I feel lucky to live where I live" moment the other day while out on a walk during my lunch break from work. I wandered down Government Street to the inner harbour and was amazed by the quiet calm that surrounded me. There was no road construction, there was no wind or rain, and there were barely even any other people. The harbour was all mine and it was perfect. I think sometimes when I am running, I forget to look around and take it all in, but that walk, on that day, did everything to remind me how beautiful Victoria is. The weather was crisp, the sun was shining, and the day just felt incredibly peaceful. While I may want to travel a little and explore other parts of the world, Victoria will always be home, and this walk just reminded me how very lucky I am to live here.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I WON!
I won my first triathlon of 2011 on the weekend!
Ok, so in actuality, it may have only been a training day that happened to consist of a swim, a bike and a run, and I may have been the only one ‘competing’ but I like to think of it as a win ;)
So yeah, I had a pretty solid outing on Saturday. I’m not sure if Kelly intended I do all of my workouts back to back to back, but I had a meeting with a physic in the afternoon (umm, yeah, really), so time was limited.
I started the day with a pretty decent swim workout. It was only about 2100m, but was a nice mix of drills, hypoxic breathing exercises and some steady state efforts. From there I transitioned to the bike (had it actually been a race, my transition times would have been, oh, just a touch slow) for a 90minute aerobic effort.
I decided a bit of an out and back on the Goose (with a few loops on each end) was in order. Not long into the ride, I spotted a roadie up ahead and noticed he wasn’t really pulling away from me, but that I was in fact gaining on him (ever so slightly). My effort level intensified to a little more than aerobic and just when I thought I might be able to actually get within striking distance and catch him, he noticed me and dropped the hammer. Before I knew it, he was gone from my sight. So, after being dropped, I took my effort back to a more level and sustainable pace and carried on. The day was gorgeous and the ride seemed to fly by. It was definitely nice to be out on the road and not sitting on the trainer.
T2 was a little quicker than the first (since I didn’t have quite as many clothes to change this time around) so I answered a few texts, put my bike in the car, and then was on my way for an easy 30minute “+” run. (The “+” stands for 6 hill repeats at the end of the 30minutes).
In typical brick fashion, my legs did take a little bit to loosen up and find their place in the world. My calves cramped and I must have looked really bad in those first 10minutes or so, as a mountain biker who passed me told me I was “doing great”. Ahhh, words of encouragement from complete strangers – you know you look bad when…. Once I found a decent rhythm the run quickly passed and before I knew it, I was sprinting up (and walking down) a giant hill. Finally, with the repeats complete, I jogged back to the car in cool down mode, happy to have put in such a solid day of effort.
Otherwise, training really has been coming along pretty well. I’m working more on speed, which at times feels a bit weird compared to the long slow blocks of training that came with Ironman, but I am enjoying the change and the new challenge all the same. I have also learned that a 14minute workout can be sheer hell! You think 14minutes will be easy, but, oh no, you can definitely make yourself hurt - and hurt good - in that short period.
This coming weekend I’ve got a couple time trials on the agenda. I know it’s just me versus the clock, but I am feeling a little nervous about it. So please, anyone who is reading this, send me speedy thoughts over the next few days!
Anyway, until next time…. Thanks for reading :)
Ok, so in actuality, it may have only been a training day that happened to consist of a swim, a bike and a run, and I may have been the only one ‘competing’ but I like to think of it as a win ;)
So yeah, I had a pretty solid outing on Saturday. I’m not sure if Kelly intended I do all of my workouts back to back to back, but I had a meeting with a physic in the afternoon (umm, yeah, really), so time was limited.
I started the day with a pretty decent swim workout. It was only about 2100m, but was a nice mix of drills, hypoxic breathing exercises and some steady state efforts. From there I transitioned to the bike (had it actually been a race, my transition times would have been, oh, just a touch slow) for a 90minute aerobic effort.
I decided a bit of an out and back on the Goose (with a few loops on each end) was in order. Not long into the ride, I spotted a roadie up ahead and noticed he wasn’t really pulling away from me, but that I was in fact gaining on him (ever so slightly). My effort level intensified to a little more than aerobic and just when I thought I might be able to actually get within striking distance and catch him, he noticed me and dropped the hammer. Before I knew it, he was gone from my sight. So, after being dropped, I took my effort back to a more level and sustainable pace and carried on. The day was gorgeous and the ride seemed to fly by. It was definitely nice to be out on the road and not sitting on the trainer.
T2 was a little quicker than the first (since I didn’t have quite as many clothes to change this time around) so I answered a few texts, put my bike in the car, and then was on my way for an easy 30minute “+” run. (The “+” stands for 6 hill repeats at the end of the 30minutes).
In typical brick fashion, my legs did take a little bit to loosen up and find their place in the world. My calves cramped and I must have looked really bad in those first 10minutes or so, as a mountain biker who passed me told me I was “doing great”. Ahhh, words of encouragement from complete strangers – you know you look bad when…. Once I found a decent rhythm the run quickly passed and before I knew it, I was sprinting up (and walking down) a giant hill. Finally, with the repeats complete, I jogged back to the car in cool down mode, happy to have put in such a solid day of effort.
Otherwise, training really has been coming along pretty well. I’m working more on speed, which at times feels a bit weird compared to the long slow blocks of training that came with Ironman, but I am enjoying the change and the new challenge all the same. I have also learned that a 14minute workout can be sheer hell! You think 14minutes will be easy, but, oh no, you can definitely make yourself hurt - and hurt good - in that short period.
This coming weekend I’ve got a couple time trials on the agenda. I know it’s just me versus the clock, but I am feeling a little nervous about it. So please, anyone who is reading this, send me speedy thoughts over the next few days!
Anyway, until next time…. Thanks for reading :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Prairie Inn Pioneer 8K - Race Report
This past Sunday I took on the first race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series – the Prairie Inn Pioneer 8K. I’d never done this race before and didn’t really know what to expect coming out of the holiday season – what with being all plumped up and lazy after two weeks of active recovery.
That said, there wasn’t a whole lot of expectation. The note on my calendar from Kelly went a little something like this: “Run this as an even steady-strong effort, but I would like to have you say at the end that you could have run faster.”
This was the perfect thing for me to hear. Essentially, run it hard, but don’t kill myself. There was no pressure and in the end, I was pretty happy with the race and had a lot of fun.
My calf has been bothering me a bit again lately (I’m sure it’s because I've been slacking on the massage and stretching routine that kept it loose and functioning through Ironman last summer), so when Kirsten and I did a bit of a warm up and it felt super tight and unhappy I was a little concerned for what lay ahead. I stretched the ol’ calf out as best I could before the race and it seemed to help.
I didn't really go out very fast – more because I hate weaving through the crowd then anything – but by 1km in, I had managed to find some open space and was getting into a good pace. The downhill slope of Wallace Drive was definitely helpful for finding and settling into a nice rhythm.
This rhythm carried through the 3km mark, and even as we turned onto West Saanich Road and the little bit of uphill, I felt good. I felt relaxed. Around the 4km mark I noticed I was starting to pass more and more people and that I was pulling away from people I had been around from the start. There was definitely something about this that was encouraging, as I was still feeling pretty strong.
I continued to feel this way – strong, but like I could be going harder – up until about 1km to go, when it turned into an all out effort. At this moment, a girl who looked very much like she would be in my age group passed me. She went by fairly easily, but stayed only about 10-15 feet ahead of me. I got a tad competitive and just couldn’t let her go. (I think Kirsten’s competitive nature has rubbed off on me a little).
As we turned the corner into the Saanich Fairgrounds and up towards the finish line, I surged. I passed her, feeling strong and like I had left her in my dust. Then she came back! I think I actually began to laugh as I kicked again. We jockeyed back and forth like this right to the finish line, where I think I may have edged her out by about half a step (although, I think she got me on the chip timing by about 6 seconds and, it turns out she wasn’t even in my age group, haha). Regardless, it was really a fun way to finish the race! (I just hope my competitor felt the same way and didn’t think I was a jerk for trying to out sprint her for like 311th place).
In the end my chip time was 38:57. I believe this was the first time I’ve run 8k under 40:00 and had an average pace of less than 5:00/km over this distance. So the fact that I did feel so relaxed through the race was a definite bonus and was really encouraging.
Otherwise, I've just realized this is my first post of the new year... HAPPY 2011 everyone!
That said, there wasn’t a whole lot of expectation. The note on my calendar from Kelly went a little something like this: “Run this as an even steady-strong effort, but I would like to have you say at the end that you could have run faster.”
This was the perfect thing for me to hear. Essentially, run it hard, but don’t kill myself. There was no pressure and in the end, I was pretty happy with the race and had a lot of fun.
My calf has been bothering me a bit again lately (I’m sure it’s because I've been slacking on the massage and stretching routine that kept it loose and functioning through Ironman last summer), so when Kirsten and I did a bit of a warm up and it felt super tight and unhappy I was a little concerned for what lay ahead. I stretched the ol’ calf out as best I could before the race and it seemed to help.
I didn't really go out very fast – more because I hate weaving through the crowd then anything – but by 1km in, I had managed to find some open space and was getting into a good pace. The downhill slope of Wallace Drive was definitely helpful for finding and settling into a nice rhythm.
This rhythm carried through the 3km mark, and even as we turned onto West Saanich Road and the little bit of uphill, I felt good. I felt relaxed. Around the 4km mark I noticed I was starting to pass more and more people and that I was pulling away from people I had been around from the start. There was definitely something about this that was encouraging, as I was still feeling pretty strong.
I continued to feel this way – strong, but like I could be going harder – up until about 1km to go, when it turned into an all out effort. At this moment, a girl who looked very much like she would be in my age group passed me. She went by fairly easily, but stayed only about 10-15 feet ahead of me. I got a tad competitive and just couldn’t let her go. (I think Kirsten’s competitive nature has rubbed off on me a little).
As we turned the corner into the Saanich Fairgrounds and up towards the finish line, I surged. I passed her, feeling strong and like I had left her in my dust. Then she came back! I think I actually began to laugh as I kicked again. We jockeyed back and forth like this right to the finish line, where I think I may have edged her out by about half a step (although, I think she got me on the chip timing by about 6 seconds and, it turns out she wasn’t even in my age group, haha). Regardless, it was really a fun way to finish the race! (I just hope my competitor felt the same way and didn’t think I was a jerk for trying to out sprint her for like 311th place).
In the end my chip time was 38:57. I believe this was the first time I’ve run 8k under 40:00 and had an average pace of less than 5:00/km over this distance. So the fact that I did feel so relaxed through the race was a definite bonus and was really encouraging.
Otherwise, I've just realized this is my first post of the new year... HAPPY 2011 everyone!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Scotty welcomes Blue Steel
As 2010 comes to a close I can’t help but feel lucky for the year I’ve had. 2010 has been somewhat of a defining year for me I think. In fact, I’d say the past 2 years have really shaped the person that I am today. I’ve had some struggles, but feel like I’ve come out on top, stronger and more confident than ever before. I became an Ironman. I formed a new bond with my sister (who I can now say is my best friend) that will be forever stronger due to our journey together. I’ve recently entered my 4th decade of life, and well, I’ve swam, I’ve biked, and I’ve run (A LOT!).
I was especially spoiled this Christmas and birthday and have welcomed a new member to my quiver of bikes. I’ve decided to call my shiny new Marinoni cross bike ‘Blue Steel’. While it’s not quite as flashy as Scotty (my road bike) it’s a great solid bike for winter training that will allow me to get out on the road without worrying about the winter dirt and muck. After a great (and chilly) ride yesterday with my Dad, I’m feeling really excited about training this winter (at least the bike portion anyway, haha).
Other than that, I’ve spent the last two weeks in active recovery mode. Training has been extremely low key and flexible and while I’ve enjoyed it (and needed it); I also know I’ve been eating way too much junk and have been feeling a bit sluggish for it. I’m looking forward to getting back into a more structured routine as we roll into the New Year. I will have new challenges ahead, first in my own training, as I attempt to gain some speed and see what I can accomplish over shorter distances. As well, I will be taking on the roll of run leader for the first time with Frontrunners Westshore, as I attempt to lead their Oak Bay 'Kool' Half-Marathon Clinic in the spring.
I’m looking forward to finding out what the New Year will bring, but for now, I shall sign off and enjoy the dwindling hours of 2010.
Until 2011...
I was especially spoiled this Christmas and birthday and have welcomed a new member to my quiver of bikes. I’ve decided to call my shiny new Marinoni cross bike ‘Blue Steel’. While it’s not quite as flashy as Scotty (my road bike) it’s a great solid bike for winter training that will allow me to get out on the road without worrying about the winter dirt and muck. After a great (and chilly) ride yesterday with my Dad, I’m feeling really excited about training this winter (at least the bike portion anyway, haha).
Other than that, I’ve spent the last two weeks in active recovery mode. Training has been extremely low key and flexible and while I’ve enjoyed it (and needed it); I also know I’ve been eating way too much junk and have been feeling a bit sluggish for it. I’m looking forward to getting back into a more structured routine as we roll into the New Year. I will have new challenges ahead, first in my own training, as I attempt to gain some speed and see what I can accomplish over shorter distances. As well, I will be taking on the roll of run leader for the first time with Frontrunners Westshore, as I attempt to lead their Oak Bay 'Kool' Half-Marathon Clinic in the spring.
I’m looking forward to finding out what the New Year will bring, but for now, I shall sign off and enjoy the dwindling hours of 2010.
Until 2011...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I ♥ Swimming
I didn’t really expect to make another post before Christmas, but well, I couldn’t resist, because...
I had one of the best swims ever this morning!
Juan de Fuca is open again. I’m loving the fresh new lines on the bottom, the crystal clear water (that surely won’t last), as well as the fact that they haven’t got the temperature back up to normal lately so it’s more like Commonwealth’s competition pool than a kiddie pool. While it’s a little chilly when you first get in, it’s nice not to be sweating profusely from the lukewarm water within 50m.
But it wasn’t just the pool conditions that made this swim so great; it was the fact that I had one of those days where everything clicked – like really clicked.
I’ve been doing a lot of drills lately, and I actually think they are starting to pay off. Today was no different, I did drills, drills, drills, along with some “strong effort” 200m sets and, you know, I think I may have had some of my fastest times ever for 200m (and it was just a “strong effort” not even an all-out effort!).
It is truly amazing how having such a great workout can put you in such a wonderful mood for the rest of the day… :)
I had one of the best swims ever this morning!
Juan de Fuca is open again. I’m loving the fresh new lines on the bottom, the crystal clear water (that surely won’t last), as well as the fact that they haven’t got the temperature back up to normal lately so it’s more like Commonwealth’s competition pool than a kiddie pool. While it’s a little chilly when you first get in, it’s nice not to be sweating profusely from the lukewarm water within 50m.
But it wasn’t just the pool conditions that made this swim so great; it was the fact that I had one of those days where everything clicked – like really clicked.
I’ve been doing a lot of drills lately, and I actually think they are starting to pay off. Today was no different, I did drills, drills, drills, along with some “strong effort” 200m sets and, you know, I think I may have had some of my fastest times ever for 200m (and it was just a “strong effort” not even an all-out effort!).
It is truly amazing how having such a great workout can put you in such a wonderful mood for the rest of the day… :)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Really?
Wow…
2 weeks into December.
11 days until Christmas.
13 days until I turn 30.
18 days until 2011.
Really?
Wow… Where has the time gone?
Well, I suppose it’s gone to a good year of training and racing. To goals both set and accomplished. To a new job that I actually don’t mind going to every day. To vacations and fun times… and of course, to the regular old day-to-day that makes up life.
Overall, I think 2010 has been a pretty good year.
Anyway, onto the here and now…
This past weekend the LiveFit Crew had a nice little social evening and year end wrap up at Straight Up Cycles. Smart of the guys at the store to have us, as it made me realize a few things I had left off my Christmas list, which I (or Santa) will hopefully be back for soon. (Cross bike, new helmet, etc. etc.).
Other than the typical holiday build up (which I love) and the over consumption of treats (which I also love), there really isn’t anything too out of the ordinary to report on the training front. My motivation has faltered a few times over the last couple weeks, as I’ve opted to sleep in rather than head out in the rain and cold to run in the dark. (It was much easier last year to make myself do the workouts with the thought of Ironman looming). This December, however, I’m finding I’m being a little more lenient on myself, which I actually think is a good thing. On the whole, when I look at my training calendar, I guess aside from the odd missed run, I have still been managing to get most workouts in. It really has become habit at this point.
Otherwise, I’ve been especially enjoying swimming lately and have been feeling fairly strong in the pool. With Juan de Fuca closed, I've moved over to Crystal Pool for the month and am enjoying the 50m lanes. The only downside was waking up yesterday morning with yet another ear infection! Let’s hope Santa puts some earplugs in my stocking.
All that said, I am definitely looking forward to a couple weeks of easier, active recovery over the Christmas break and then really getting going in the New Year.
There are new goals to be set, new challenges to be had.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
2 weeks into December.
11 days until Christmas.
13 days until I turn 30.
18 days until 2011.
Really?
Wow… Where has the time gone?
Well, I suppose it’s gone to a good year of training and racing. To goals both set and accomplished. To a new job that I actually don’t mind going to every day. To vacations and fun times… and of course, to the regular old day-to-day that makes up life.
Overall, I think 2010 has been a pretty good year.
Anyway, onto the here and now…
This past weekend the LiveFit Crew had a nice little social evening and year end wrap up at Straight Up Cycles. Smart of the guys at the store to have us, as it made me realize a few things I had left off my Christmas list, which I (or Santa) will hopefully be back for soon. (Cross bike, new helmet, etc. etc.).
Other than the typical holiday build up (which I love) and the over consumption of treats (which I also love), there really isn’t anything too out of the ordinary to report on the training front. My motivation has faltered a few times over the last couple weeks, as I’ve opted to sleep in rather than head out in the rain and cold to run in the dark. (It was much easier last year to make myself do the workouts with the thought of Ironman looming). This December, however, I’m finding I’m being a little more lenient on myself, which I actually think is a good thing. On the whole, when I look at my training calendar, I guess aside from the odd missed run, I have still been managing to get most workouts in. It really has become habit at this point.
Otherwise, I’ve been especially enjoying swimming lately and have been feeling fairly strong in the pool. With Juan de Fuca closed, I've moved over to Crystal Pool for the month and am enjoying the 50m lanes. The only downside was waking up yesterday morning with yet another ear infection! Let’s hope Santa puts some earplugs in my stocking.
All that said, I am definitely looking forward to a couple weeks of easier, active recovery over the Christmas break and then really getting going in the New Year.
There are new goals to be set, new challenges to be had.
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