A Wolfpack of One

I'm starting to embrace my inner lone wolf. Not in a scary way, like the uni-bomber or anything, but more like an eccentric who can't be bothered with really fast bike-riders. I rode alone today and it was a real delight. Please note, I enjoy ever single person I'm training with. They are all fabulous, funny, kind-hearted people. But they're all faster than me, and today, I needed some solitary exercise to actually feel capable.

And it worked. I made it around the lake in 30 minutes, and for me, that was a huge accomplishment. I even did some hills! Feeling like a real badass, I decided to run two miles after I loaded Blue Steel back up into the Jetta! AND I got those 2miles in just under 20 minutes.

Fun sidenote: When I started to trot off from my car, there were several bikers around me pumping their tires and getting ready for a ride. When I got back from my two miles, the same bikers were still there- they were like "hey, you ok? Why'd you come back so quick?" To which I responded, "Oh, I just did a quick two miles"... they were very impressed!

Clearly, I run better in a pack of one. I realize I'll have to get over this since I'll be running and biking and swimming with, like, 1,000 people soon, but for today, I liked my me time.

Claire

If You Can't Say Anything Nice...

I think I'll take my Mother's greatest life advice: Since I can't say anything nice about my bike, or biking, I'm not going to say anything at all.

Instead, I'll say, I had a great swim last night: 1500 meters! So yesterday was a great day workout-wise- I completed the event distances for run and swim- boo-ya!

This morning's ride was approximately 13 miles. That is the only info you get.

Happy Tuesday,
Claire

Double Days

I am very proud to report that I ran 6miles this morning! This is the distance I'll run in the actual event so that feels really, really good. Got it in in 63 minutes- only walked 3 times. First walk at 3.2 miles, second at 4.5, third at 5.75 (I know, kinda whimped out, but finished running nevertheless). Not too shabby, in my opinion.

Tonight, we swim. I must admit. I really like days where I swim AND run. I don't know why, except, it makes me feel alot cooler than I am. And that's nice. We don't get many opportunities in life to feel that way, so I savor those doubled-up days.

Challenge for the week is to figure out how to incorporate some additional bike rides. My un-official coach has recommended I bump up to four rides a week... and frankly, I couldn't agree more. After riding with Coach last week, and getting some strengthening tips, working on turns and practicing drinking from my water bottle while peddling, I felt SO much better. The more I can do that, the better off I'll be in the ways of biking anxiety.

Stay tuned...
Claire

Mark This Day On Your Calendar

July 24, 2010: Blue Steel and I began to bond today. I'm not going to go out on a limb here and say I "like" biking, but I will tell you, this morning's group ride was semi-miraculous. I don't know if it was the nutrition lecture I received earlier this week or the Tylenol simply-sleep I took last night, but something clicked this morning and I had a really strong ride. Or I should say, my strongest yet.

120min set aside for a ride is an intimidating chunk --Especially when you start thinking "oh God, please don't let me take 120 minutes to finish my ride during the actual event." However, the time spun by pretty quickly. We started with a simple ride around the lake. A nice breeze helped keep sweating to a minimum (excellent since I can only carry one water bottle with me presently) and there were fewer bikers out this morning (though, there were a FREAKISH amount of runners out... seriously, they were in packs).

After the first time around the lake we plodded through Lakewood taking on some pretty serious hills. Many a curse word was uttered. Then it was back around the lake and one more time up the hill, aptly attached with the street Loving.

Finished with approximately 21 miles at 120 minutes, including a break to help a teammate with a flat- so really, we made some good time! This was also my third time this week to watch a flat tire be repaired, so I'm feeing very prepared, mechanically speaking.

Truly, my attitude about biking is shifting... I think it's going to be fine. AND, possibly the best side-effect: biking has removed me from kankle-warning-zone. It's good to be out of danger.

Claire

Third Times a Charm

I finally rode today. After two ill-fated tries, I got to White Rock at 7, hopped on board Blue Steel and got around the lake in under an hour. Which was a good ego boost and a slight improvement. So, hurrah for trying one more time today!

Still feeling slow, but truly getting more and more comfortable on teh bike. I don't know that this will be my favorite segment of the event, but I am starting to feel like it might not be a total disaster!

Happy Trails,
Claire

Do-Over Please

It's been an ill-fated workout day so far! Tuesday is a bike day, so per usual, I set my alarm for 4:45am this morning to be ready to roll by 5:45am with my teammates. Unfortunately I had a health related issue this morning and had to turn around and come home before even unloading my bike.

Feeling much better by 8am, I put my workout clothes back on and went to unload the bike. Nothing wrong with a nice, flat ride around my neighborhood for a change. And then I broke my tire. I tried using the little hand pump my bike came with and I took off the gauge on the tire that holds the air in, so I flatted myself. Awesome.

Then while I was walking my bike in, I cut my ankle on it's peddle.

Seriously. I WANT TO LIKE MY BIKE. I REALLY DO. But we're in a fight right now. We'll be going to counseling later today, aka, Richardson Bike Mart for a new tire, good pump and a little give and take.

Claire

Monday Swim

So, I'm either completely broken down or I'm growing. Whichever it is, I was a good team player tonight and actually allowed myself to be coached for once. Now, I was a little bit snarky at first, but after taking a deep breath and listening to our TNT coach, I was able to improve my swimming tonight.

I've made some real progress for sure, but still, I've been having difficulty really being buoyant in the water. My legs tend to drag and my bottom sinks. The problem is I'm not looking down enough when I put my head in the water. I've been so hyper-focused on my breathing and getting my arms to really propel me, I've kinda forgotten about my bottom half.

But tonight I really listened and tried what the coach said. When you put your face in the water, over-exaggerate a little as if you were looking at your feet. And voila! You float! Who knew?

I think after almost 30 years, my inner-only child is finally being beaten into submission. Thank goodness!

Claire