Beautiful Sun morning

Sun morning brought back the sunshine as we gathered at Sports Basement for a group OYO ride. We were only supposed to do 50 min to an hour, so we headed across GG bridge and through Sausalito. Since it was due to be an easy ride, we stopped off for an ice cream, then did the climb out of Sausalito and back across the bridge. It was a lovely morning and a fun ride. We had such a great time, it was a great way to start out a sunny day! Now time to enjoy the rest of the day!










Bike = 18 miles

Swim and Run

Cloudy Sat morning brought us back to Aquatic Park for an easy swim and run workout. As we struggled to squeeze into our wetsuits we started the morning with homemade coffee cake from Mark as well as hearing about his battle and recovery from hairy cell leukemia. As always, he was very inspiring, and it made getting into that cold water a bit easier. This morning it was 30-40 min swim depending on Elite or Pro. While I usually do Elite, I was feeling good this morning and wanting to erase the “calf cramp” swim from my mind, I went for the 40 min. I didn’t quite finish 3 laps, but more than 2 ½, so that was good. Then it was a quick dry and off for a run. We were to do an easy 50 min. So we took off for the marina on our run. I ran with Geoffrey, and we had a great time chatting and running along the bay. Though it was cloudy, it was not windy for once so it was a great run. Then because we had worked so hard (not really, it felt pretty easy), we were off for breakfast at Lori’s, Yummy!!!!

Swim = 1300 meters
Run = 5.5 miles

Swim and Nick's tacos

Tonight brought us back to Aquatic Park for an evening open water swim. The water seemed a little warmer than last week, but maybe it was wishful thinking. The group set off determined to do the full three laps. The good news is we all completed it, the tough part was we had a few challenges along the way. There was another large group out there that was directionally challenged. While they were supposed to be swimming on the right of the buoys, they kept crossing over so were heading right towards us. I almost got head butted, and did get several good pokes. Then on the last lap my calf cramped up. OUCH!!! It was so tight I couldn’t even flex my foot to try to work it out. So I rolled onto my back and tried to relax for a bit. After what seemed like forever it loosened up enough I could finish, but I couldn’t kick. When I finally reached the shore and could stand and stretch it, I felt a bit better. But it stayed sore throughout the whole night. After such valiant efforts by the group we rewarded our selves with some tasty Tacos from Nicks. They were soooooo good it made all the rest worthwhile. Now I am going to put icy hot on my calf and see if I can get it back to normal.

Swim = 1 mile

Wed Brick

Tonight we headed to SB again for a brick of bike hill repeats, 5 this time, followed by the warming hut run. I was trying to push it on the hill repeats and was doing well until I slipped my chain going up the fourth loop. I struggled to get it back in then was in the back of the pack. But I pushed on as much as I could and finished my 5th loop. Then I headed off on the run, determined to push myself. I can't remember how long that loop is but I finished in 19 min. All in all a solid workout. Then I went out to dinner with some of the team and had my last Guinness (I swear) until after the race!

Bike = 11 miles
Run = 2.5 miles (?)

I am feeling much stronger and very prepared for the race this year. But as we are in the final weeks I am trying to fine tune a few things before taper. So as swim is my weakest and I am trying to get "fast" on the bike, that is my focus. So I thought I would start the week off right with a split brick. Mon night's Staff get together was great, but meant I took another day off of training. So here we are at Tues making up for lost time. I went swimming this morning (back in the dreadful pool with its evil wall). I was a bit limited on time so I didn't do the whole Elite workout (gasp), but tried to stay consistent and focused and swam as much as I could in 50 minutes. Then it was time for a quick shower and into work. Another day in the office wishing I were somewhere else finally came to an end and it was off to spin class. I know it is not as good as a real ride, but since taking these I definitely feel stronger, so spin away!

Oh my so busy, I am falling behind again on my journals. And since I know "everyone" reads these, I must make amends. So where was I...? Ah yes Thurs April 20, big Party/Fundraiser after work so I did my swim in the morning. Nothing exciting to report, but it took me forever!!! I don’t know why I am swimming 2600 meters when the race is only 1600. It is just too far in the pool that darn wall keeps getting in my way. Oh well, I then felt like I had earned those several beers at Kell’s that evening as we laughed and caught up with friends from season’s past. We should have more alumni events! Fri we headed out to Aquatic Park for an OW practice. While the weatherman had said rain, luckily it was clear and actually pretty warm. But the wind was up and the water was very choppy. I have never seen it like that before; the waves were actually going over my head. Then there was the mater of my stupid goggles leaking the whole first lap. I finally poked and rearranged them enough to stay and did the 2nd and 3rd laps without stopping. I have to get new goggles! Then it was off to yet another fundraiser and more drinking. With the impending big workout the next day though I only managed to stay out until 10:30 (pathetic).

That brings us to Sat. I was looking forward to a tough workout and gauging progress as we did this ride last year. We started with a very intense hour of swimming. Lots of short fast sets with just a little rest. It was tough, but warmed us up nicely for the ride. After the quick shower and change we headed out to Fairfax through the windy bike route of San Anselmo. I was sweeping Elite so I hung out in the back. Once we got to Fairfax we headed up, up, and up the road to Alpine Dam. I felt very strong throughout the whole ride. I tried to push myself on the hills, but then I would have to wait at the top so I could stay at the back of the group. I have concluded then that this ride was a lot easier this time around and I am a lot stronger (I am hopeful that is the case and it is not just because I kept stopping as sweeper). The rest of the day is boring and not worth writing about until we get to my birthday party!!!! After such a tough workout I was worried that many people would not be able to come out for the festivities, but we had a great group of TNTers as well as my other friends who came out for some laughs, some dancing, and far too many shots. As midnight came and it was my actual birthday, we toasted with more shots and I felt very lucky indeed to have such wonderful friends hell bent on inebriating me for my birthday. Given that I got home after 3:00am, I took Sun off from working out, slept the first half of the day, and was very lazy the rest of it. The perfect way to spend a birthday!!!

Swim = 2600 + 1600 + 1400 = 5600 meters!!!
Bike = 25 miles

Wed's Brick

The sun finally shines on our workouts and it is definitely reflected by everyone’s mood. I have never see a group of people so excited to climb some hills, work up a sweat, and then run! But away we went for 3 hill repeats on the bike followed by a 3 mile or so run (to the warming hut and back). While it was a good workout, powering up the hills, it seemed short to me. I felt pretty good throughout, so that is good news. My quads and gluts were pretty sore at the start from spin class, but this round of climbing seemed to loosen then up and I felt better at the end. I had a lovely run with Nick as we watched people flying kites, enjoying the sun, and even swimming in the bay (didn’t know you could swim on this side). What a great Wed!!

Bike = 8 miles
Run = 3 miles

Given that Sun was Easter and the weather was still crap, it seemed a good day to take as my "workout day off". So Mon I went to the gym and did a quick 20 min run and then my 1-hour weight circuit. I hate to gloat, but I am getting very strong. Things that used to feel tough are getting easier and I am really enjoying punishing my body. I must be crazy! Then Tues night I headed to my spin class. With the nice weather I wished I had planned ahead and gone for a real ride, but the class was good. I was working up a serious sweat. I finished with 15 min of core (trying to get rid of the last of my love handles). This morning I "feel" how good my workout was (no more gloating). My quads and gluts are pretty sore. Great condition for heading into this evenings brick. Oh well, as they say, "no pain, no gain!"

Run = 2.5 miles
Bike = 12 miles

Luke and I at brunch after our Practice Tri 

Practice Tri (aka rain, rain go away!)

A gloomy, rainy, windy, Sat morning greeted the group of resilient triathletes on bleak Treasure Island. This is a tough place for a workout on the best of days, but with the latest bout of bad weather still upon us, it was particularly daunting. But that didn’t stop this team! We still set up our transitions (under a plastic bag of course), put on our wetsuits, and headed into the frigid bay. Before I tell about my day, I want to send a giant high five or hug or some encouragement to the whole team. They have endured such terrible conditions this season with few complaints and lots of triumph. We are set to kick ass on race day!

So into the water I jogged, middle to back of the pack since I know I am not a strong swimmer and don’t need to make people crawl over me. Stayed focused and didn’t let the crowd bug me but my goggles starting leaking on the left side. Very concerned about keeping my contacts in, I rolled over to my back to try to adjust. I had to do this 3 times before they finally worked. That brought me out to the kayak and time to head back in. Needless to say my swim in was much faster than on the way out. I headed up the stairs to the transition somewhere in the middle of the group (about 16:30), not bad for poky old me. The “quick” transition to the bike was not so hot. I was trying to dry off and it was just not working. I could hardly get my shirt on and decided to forego leg warmers. My feet were freezing and going numb and I just kept thinking, at least this isn’t too long. So down the hill to try to get the bike over with. I don’t like the bike course on Treasure Island. The road surfaces are terrible, there are tons of turns, and every time you head toward the water you are blasted by the wind. It is discouraging to have to downshift for the wind and I never felt like I was going fast though I was putting in a lot of effort. But it gave me a good chance to practice my mental focus and eating on the bike, so I did that and struggled though to the run transition. I tried to check time and discovered that my stopwatch had stopped (my glove caught it), so no idea how long the bike was. Did a quick transition here though, just changed shoes, exchanged helmet for hat, and took off my jacket (no sitting, very important for my legs). And off on the run, I restarted my watch to time this part. As usual I had terrible jello legs, and the frozen feet did not help either. They were both cold and asleep so all together I wasn’t feeling great. But the course was short and I just tried to hang in there. The second lap my legs felt better but my stomach was cramping a bit. I felt like I was going too slowly but wasn’t sure I had anymore to give. I picked it up a bit into the finish (always helps to have people cheering you on) and stopped my watch. I was shocked when I saw 22:10! I felt like I was crawling and I was actually going faster than my 10K pace. Those darn jello legs were working pretty well after all. Maybe I am ready for race day!

I was very proud of everyone and especially my mentees. This was a tough first Tri and they all hung in there and did great.

Swim = 600 meters
Bike = 12 miles
Run = 3 miles

Catching up, a new commitment to training

Fri April 14:
A full week has gone by since my last journal entry. Anyone who stays up on these knows that is unusual. I don’t know if anyone out there in cyberspace cares, but I feel bad about this sad event. So now it is time for my own recommitment to my training, my positive attitude, and my journal writing (just for you Mom).

So mostly I have still been working hard. I went swimming last Thurs morning, took Fri off, did the bike course and kayaked in a broken kayak the swim course on Sat, ran on Sun, took Mon off, spin class Tues, hill repeat run on Wed, swim Thurs morning, and today I will do weight training after work. So I haven’t been slacking off too much, but except for training weekend, my heart wasn’t in it. So training weekend I got my spark back. Work has been sapping me dry, but today I have decided not to let it. Training is providing a great outlet to de-stress and I need to take advantage of it. So look for more happy, positive messages about how great training has been in the future!

One note on practice weekend, I don’t know about everyone else, but I thought it was just great. While the course certainly was not easy, it was definitely doable. I feel ready (well confident I will be ready in a few weeks)! I especially enjoyed the "tailgating" in the parking lot after our swim and bike before we headed to the campground. I think we were all so excited to see the sun again we didn't want to move for fear it would leave us. Now I am really looking forward to event weekend, I think this is going to be such a fun race!



Slacking on posting my totals as well, here is my running tally for the season so far:
Swim = 14 miles
Bike = 220 miles
Run = 125 miles

Wed April 5:
So after 2 days off from working out (not out of laziness, I was in FL for work), I was glad to head out on our run tonight. While the hill was no slouch, it was work to push up, I must say I was a bit disappointed it was only 20 min. I am a bit worried about the run at Wildflower. I am usually a very strong runner, but we haven't done a lot of hills. I am interested to see how I feel on Sun. May have to start running by my house again, Noe Valley is great prep for a hilly course. Well I am really looking forward to training weekend!!!! See you all there!

Sun April 2:
While the clouds came back we were still able to have a great ride and run. The Elite trek was 38 miles with lots of rolling hills. It wasn't impossible, but definitely challenging. Even though there was a little rain, the countryside was beautiful and it was quiet and nice during most of the ride. Still I was more than ready to get off that bike by the time we got back to the parking lot. Then it was off for the run. Of course I started with the usual jello legs, and the uphill out didn't help, but after about 8 min I got my second wind. I picked it up a bit and pushed up the hill until it was time to turn around. Then a few minutes into the downhill my runner's high kicked in. I love that feeling, invincible, strong, happy to be alive. It made for a great finish to a great workout. I was still pumped up for a little while, but after 20 min fatigue and hunger set in. Time for brunch, then off to home for shower and nap!!!

Sat April 1:
Ahh a rainy morning at the bay as we prepare for our next open water swim. We had a speaker today who gave a few tips on how to survive and thrive in the open water. Then it was off in our groups. Today I went out to do the Elite swim, but ended up doing Pro (40 min). I was able to finish 2 1/2 laps, not too bad. The sun had come out by then and it turned out to be a great swim. Then it was off for the rest of a lovely Sat. First brunch and shopping with a friend and then off to the Beer and Oyster festival at Fort Mason with some of the TNTers. It was a great time!