Do you guys do this? Go through your day and periodically think, "should I blog about this?" Sometimes I'm scripting posts in my head as I'm going through my life. Anyway, nothing merited its very own post so here's my hodge-podge of semi-note-worthy (to me, anyway) events of the week:
I got a lousy bike fit. It was with our tri club bike partner so I figured they'd know what they were doing, but I ended up educating the guy on how to install my aero bars. My first trainer ride after that was awful (partly because I'd burned my legs up, more on that in a sec) but also probably due to the fit. I futzed around with the seat and aero pad position today and now it's much better. My wish list includes a tri bike, but since I have a very nice and functional road bike, this should be servicable for this season.
I burned my legs up last weekend. I've never known how many calories to consume on rides... so last weekend I did back-to-back rides with nothing more than water for the first, and a gel + half a sports drink for the second. It took me days to recover from that! So after some tips from coach I'm a bit more prepared nutrition-wise for my longer rides this season. I could totally wing it last year just doing sprints and Olympics in my half-assed training approach, but I'm definitely learning that I have to be much more organized and diligent about all the little details -- nutrition, hydration, strength -- now that I'm training "for real." Speaking of strength training...
I did my first TRX class today and my arms/shoulders are jell-o. Awesome full-body training! Seems like all the gyms (mine included) are charging extra for TRX classes; this is a series of 4, and if you miss one, you're SOL. I'd love to buy my own TRX for home use after the class but I have no idea where I'd hang it. If you have one, do you have ideas? Drilling a fixture into my ceiling is unfortunately not an option.
Tomorrow's a HR benchmark run. I'm so excited to be running again, and I get to run on a track for 3 whole miles without stopping, whoo hoo! Funny how your idea of successful training gets completely reframed when you're coming back from an injury. And running is now the only part of my training where I'm not stressed out by looking for improvements. I've been pretty zen about it... just enjoying the action of running... in the moment, totally unconcerned about pace. Just very concerned about creating the perfect HR graph :-) My goal tomorrow is to see what my pace is within my aerobic training zone. It's just setting a benchmark, unlike my swim test next week...
Next week is my swim test. Just checked out Training Peaks and there it was. Eeek! Yes, I'm more concerned about this one. Well, "concerned" is not the right word, but I've been swimming a lot this month (relative to last year) and I know I'll be bummed if I don't see much progress from my baseline over the holidays. I also know I'm being a little irrational, and it's good to have that self awareness... my rational self knows that I know I'm stronger and have more stamina now. I might not be much faster, but I just need to relax and trust the process. It will come.
I made Blog of the Day on the Endurance Athlete Project's Facebook page.. thanks Patrick!
Lastly, thanks to those of you who commented on my Loneliness post... it's good to hear your stories and perspectives.
happy training!
I write blog posts in my head ALL THE TIME. Most of them do not get published. But the one I'll likely write tomorrow has so many titles I don't even know what I'll call it. Lol.
You're doing great. Learning a lot is what this lifelong sport is all about! And btw, I'll be bummed (shocked actually!) too if we don't see an improvement in your swim test next week. I'm *sure* some improvement is there... :)
Posted by: Michelle Simmons | 01/28/2011 at 12:58 AM
Came over via the EAP post - great lokking blog!
Posted by: Kovas | 01/28/2011 at 05:34 AM
I write them in my head during workouts and often jot down notes on topics I want to hit at some point.
I have the door hanger attachment for my TRX so I can use it on any doorway. I've used it in hotel rooms and everything!
I hear you on the calories on rides thing. We know from my Powertap roughly the # of calories I burn riding so I take in 300 cals/hour.
Woohoo on the upcoming tests! I am sure you will do great on them.
Posted by: Molly | 01/28/2011 at 08:36 AM