Exercise update: Well I made it:) For the first time in 4 years, I was able to complete a sprint distance triathlon. Only triathletes would describe something that takes most people at least 80+ minutes as a "sprint". My sister and I got up early this morning and went to Castle Rock Park to swim 1/4 mile, bike 16 miles, and run 3 very hilly miles.
We both made it. I had done this same triathlon in 2007, but I was at a different point then with fitness and particularly with weight. I can't remember exactly but I was at least 10 pounds lighter than I am today. This has not been lost on me in planning the next event this fall...
My 2011 time was 1:37:39, which compares to a 2007 time of 1:32:13, so I'm 5 minutes and 26 seconds slower four years and 10+ pounds later. I'll take it as a great place to relaunch. My additional time was spread across all phases really, although I took bigger hits on the swim and run than on the bike. I might have gone a little faster if I'd run with more determination, but I reminded myself this was supposed to be part of my training, not the end result, and took a few walking breaks when I was tired.
I'm pretty confident I could get under a 90 minute sprint with some more training, some weight loss etc.
I relearned a lot today, here are a few highlights
- You have to protect your nipples. Like the rookie I seem to have become again, I did not and there is a chafing issue:)
- I needed more swim prep. I did all my work in a pool and it just isn't like open water. I wasted a lot of time swimming way off course and floating on my side in panic, even though I had the endurance to do the swim. Choppy waters were a challenge.
- Prep your equipment better. I lost the computer on my bike because I had dislodged it bringing the bike over and it flew off during the race. Not only does this mean I have to buy a new one, but I rode without knowing my speed or distance all day. I also didn't wear my heart rate monitor, which would have been nice too...
- I'm a good biker, but I could get a lot better, average looking folks passed me regularly
- Most important, I love spending Saturday mornings at this sort of thing and definitely want to do more, although that may be next year since I need to focus on the Urbanathlon now.
That can wait until tomorrow though:)
Nutrition update: I'm eating whatever I want today, and a lot of it...
I will get back to working on weight loss tomorrow. I'll weigh in on Monday and work down 10 pounds from there for the Urbanathlon. It's going to be important for my joints and to do monkey bars, climb walls etc.
Diet will be a renewed and necessary focus.
Random Musings: Not only did today make me feel really good, it was extra good because I got to bring my sister Jessica through her first tri. She did great and learned many of the same lessons I had to relearn. I hope we'll do more together in the future, it's much more fun to go to these things with someone. Historically I've been a bit of a lone wolf.
I'm going to work hard to remember what a good day today was when my spinning mind starts trying to figure out how I want to spend my time on the planet again. Interestingly, I think that's one of the things I like about triathlon and other events; my mind is focused and relatively quiet for almost 2 hours. It's one of the same things I used to like about coaching basketball games. You get to be in the moment, which is always hard for me.
Anyway, it was pretty great day, I'm tired and if my brother-in-law got some good pics, I'll share them soon.
We both made it. I had done this same triathlon in 2007, but I was at a different point then with fitness and particularly with weight. I can't remember exactly but I was at least 10 pounds lighter than I am today. This has not been lost on me in planning the next event this fall...
My 2011 time was 1:37:39, which compares to a 2007 time of 1:32:13, so I'm 5 minutes and 26 seconds slower four years and 10+ pounds later. I'll take it as a great place to relaunch. My additional time was spread across all phases really, although I took bigger hits on the swim and run than on the bike. I might have gone a little faster if I'd run with more determination, but I reminded myself this was supposed to be part of my training, not the end result, and took a few walking breaks when I was tired.
I'm pretty confident I could get under a 90 minute sprint with some more training, some weight loss etc.
I relearned a lot today, here are a few highlights
- You have to protect your nipples. Like the rookie I seem to have become again, I did not and there is a chafing issue:)
- I needed more swim prep. I did all my work in a pool and it just isn't like open water. I wasted a lot of time swimming way off course and floating on my side in panic, even though I had the endurance to do the swim. Choppy waters were a challenge.
- Prep your equipment better. I lost the computer on my bike because I had dislodged it bringing the bike over and it flew off during the race. Not only does this mean I have to buy a new one, but I rode without knowing my speed or distance all day. I also didn't wear my heart rate monitor, which would have been nice too...
- I'm a good biker, but I could get a lot better, average looking folks passed me regularly
- Most important, I love spending Saturday mornings at this sort of thing and definitely want to do more, although that may be next year since I need to focus on the Urbanathlon now.
That can wait until tomorrow though:)
Nutrition update: I'm eating whatever I want today, and a lot of it...
I will get back to working on weight loss tomorrow. I'll weigh in on Monday and work down 10 pounds from there for the Urbanathlon. It's going to be important for my joints and to do monkey bars, climb walls etc.
Diet will be a renewed and necessary focus.
Random Musings: Not only did today make me feel really good, it was extra good because I got to bring my sister Jessica through her first tri. She did great and learned many of the same lessons I had to relearn. I hope we'll do more together in the future, it's much more fun to go to these things with someone. Historically I've been a bit of a lone wolf.
I'm going to work hard to remember what a good day today was when my spinning mind starts trying to figure out how I want to spend my time on the planet again. Interestingly, I think that's one of the things I like about triathlon and other events; my mind is focused and relatively quiet for almost 2 hours. It's one of the same things I used to like about coaching basketball games. You get to be in the moment, which is always hard for me.
Anyway, it was pretty great day, I'm tired and if my brother-in-law got some good pics, I'll share them soon.
That is So Fantastic... congratulations Chad :)
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