Coaches regularly advise athletes to keep workout journals, but I don't think I've ever done it for more than a few days at a time. This blog, however, has played a huge role in motivating me. The idea that a handful of people might be reading it has been enough to hold me accountable to doing the workouts just so that I have something to write about. So, to those of you who are reading, thank you. And if no one is reading, well, I just hope they don't tell me that!
In the last 31 days, I've done 25 workouts - not counting surfing ;-) I faltered a little here and there (grr...Venice), but more often than not, I've been consistent and really grown in self-discipline. I'm proud of my commitment. The more workouts I do that I don't feel like doing, the easier it will get. That said, there's still a long way to go (I haven't even started dropping any weight yet).
My goal for the month of February is to continue with consistency and add "the extras" at least 3 times a week: sit ups, push ups, running drills, etc. In the last month I've built a good base of swimming, biking, and running, but I need to work on my core strength more to really be prepared to start training in March for the half Ironman.
Here's to the next month of training!
1.31.2009
On the track again
45 minute workout this morning: warm-up, 4 400s on the track (86,83,82,82) with 400 active recovery between them and then a cool down. Fun to do some speedwork. Didn't get to the pool today though...
1.30.2009
Plus 3 more equals 5
Rode for 45 minutes on Thursday morning using the trainer. So great to be able to ride despite the dark early morning. Did a 10 minute warm up, pushed it for 25 minutes, and then a 10 minute cool down.
Last night I met Kyle at the pool but I was completely exhausted after a long day at work. We decided to put off a hard swim until Saturday and instead just did an easy 1050 to stretch out. And I worked late so we had a time crunch to get a swim in at all before the last bus home from campus. I felt like a leaky tugboat taking on water so I think it was a good decision to save the longer workout for when it could be a quality workout.
This morning, a 3-mile jog, for the 5th workout in the last 4 days. In the past I haven't been able to get much biking in during the week, and this week with the lean green machine, I biked twice. I think that's why my legs went into jog mode this morning instead of run mode.
Looking forward to 3 workouts this weekend: a swim, a ride, and a run. And hosting a Super Bowl party.
Last night I met Kyle at the pool but I was completely exhausted after a long day at work. We decided to put off a hard swim until Saturday and instead just did an easy 1050 to stretch out. And I worked late so we had a time crunch to get a swim in at all before the last bus home from campus. I felt like a leaky tugboat taking on water so I think it was a good decision to save the longer workout for when it could be a quality workout.
This morning, a 3-mile jog, for the 5th workout in the last 4 days. In the past I haven't been able to get much biking in during the week, and this week with the lean green machine, I biked twice. I think that's why my legs went into jog mode this morning instead of run mode.
Looking forward to 3 workouts this weekend: a swim, a ride, and a run. And hosting a Super Bowl party.
1.28.2009
The lean, green, biking machine
The trainer arrived and it is AWESOME.
Having never tried an indoor resistance trainer, I was skeptical that I was going to be able to get a good workout from it. I decided to bike for 30-35 minutes last night to give it a try. We set the trainer up on our deck which is great because it's outside, but covered (in case of rain), and you can either have the beautiful view of the Bay and some music or watch the TV that's in the bedroom.
So I turned on some Rachael Ray and planned to bike a moderate level during the segments and hard during the commercials. That turned out to be a killer workout. Even though I had on shorts and a tank top and I was outside and it was pretty cold by California standards (40s), I was drenched in sweat by the end of the 30-minute meal.
Skepticism gone. I am very pleased.
This morning, 3-mile run. And good news: the 3-miler is getting too easy.
Having never tried an indoor resistance trainer, I was skeptical that I was going to be able to get a good workout from it. I decided to bike for 30-35 minutes last night to give it a try. We set the trainer up on our deck which is great because it's outside, but covered (in case of rain), and you can either have the beautiful view of the Bay and some music or watch the TV that's in the bedroom.
So I turned on some Rachael Ray and planned to bike a moderate level during the segments and hard during the commercials. That turned out to be a killer workout. Even though I had on shorts and a tank top and I was outside and it was pretty cold by California standards (40s), I was drenched in sweat by the end of the 30-minute meal.
Skepticism gone. I am very pleased.
This morning, 3-mile run. And good news: the 3-miler is getting too easy.
1.27.2009
Nothing special but good enough
Got some good stuff in over the weekend. On Saturday, Kyle and I swam 1500. I'm starting to have Kyle edit my workouts a bit to make them a little more interesting. I like the structure of the training book I'm using but I think it tends to favor simplicity over creativity, so it's nice to have a swimmer husband to give some of the workouts a makeover.
On Sunday, we biked 22 miles, and I followed it up with the dreadful 10-minute transition run. Seemed to be a little easier than 2 weeks ago, but still not fun. It doesn't help that when we bike by the Bay, the last 3 miles of the ride are uphill, which means my legs are anything but fresh for a run.
Taking Monday off due to a busy schedule and then going for 5 workouts Tuesday-Friday.
On Sunday, we biked 22 miles, and I followed it up with the dreadful 10-minute transition run. Seemed to be a little easier than 2 weeks ago, but still not fun. It doesn't help that when we bike by the Bay, the last 3 miles of the ride are uphill, which means my legs are anything but fresh for a run.
Taking Monday off due to a busy schedule and then going for 5 workouts Tuesday-Friday.
1.23.2009
Rain, rain, go away
Obviously as payback for my failure to get enough workouts done in the past few days, Mother Nature has decided it should rain here when I need to be outside running. And the power of my Catholic guilt about my Irish drinking has made me run despite the rain.
So, yesterday, a 3-miler in pouring rain. This morning, a 5-miler in misty rain. Hopefully the rain will break up enough this weekend to get in a good ride on Saturday and a good run on Sunday. I should probably add a swim in, too, to get back on track.
So, yesterday, a 3-miler in pouring rain. This morning, a 5-miler in misty rain. Hopefully the rain will break up enough this weekend to get in a good ride on Saturday and a good run on Sunday. I should probably add a swim in, too, to get back on track.
1.22.2009
The Venice Beach Effect
We’ve been in SoCal for the last 5 days, soaking up the sun and gorgeous weather. We left early on Saturday and spent the whole day driving there. It’s only a 6 hour drive, but we stopped at a couple outlet malls and hit a bit of traffic getting into LA so we didn’t get to Venice until evening and there was no energy left for a workout.
Sunday morning was awesome. We biked about 32 miles from Venice up into Malibu and back. The first and last 5 miles were laid back because we were navigating crowds of people walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. along the beach boardwalk. The middle 20 however we cruised 20-22 mph. There were lots of cyclists out and a couple crazy packs of super-cyclists that blew by our pace like we were crawling but it was a good workout. Kyle doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal, but I think that biking on the PCH with no shoulder means we are officially cyclists.
On Monday morning, we went surfing with Brad and Caitlin. Surfing is a great workout and it’s just good to get in the ocean from time to time since many triathlons out here include ocean swims. Surfing is really swimming, push ups, and bosu ball combined – so at least the swimming/paddling part is applicable to triathlon training. And the surf was rough, so we got pummeled quite a bit, adding to the workout.
And then the Venice Beach Effect kicked in. After a good morning of surfing, it was necessary to indulge in brunch, mimosas, and bloody marys. And on a gorgeous day, we had to follow that up with beer and white wine while relaxing poolside. On a roll, we headed to a wine bar around sunset and consumed an unknown number of bottles of wine (which is where the evening should have ended). Next it was off to a Mexican restaurant, where we enjoyed pitchers of margaritas and shots of Patron (where did those come from?). At that point, we capped off the night with a couple more beers at another bar. Feeling ill yet? Yeah, that’s why there was no workout on Tuesday.
Wednesday morning, I intended to run and even put my running clothes on when I took the dogs outside, but when I got back to the room, there was just no time. An early conference call, followed by a presentation in the LA office and another presentation offsite, and then we had to hit the road to make it back home before 10pm.
So what do I have to show for the last 5 days? An awesome bike ride, a good surfing session, and a lot of work on my liver.
Sunday morning was awesome. We biked about 32 miles from Venice up into Malibu and back. The first and last 5 miles were laid back because we were navigating crowds of people walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. along the beach boardwalk. The middle 20 however we cruised 20-22 mph. There were lots of cyclists out and a couple crazy packs of super-cyclists that blew by our pace like we were crawling but it was a good workout. Kyle doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal, but I think that biking on the PCH with no shoulder means we are officially cyclists.
On Monday morning, we went surfing with Brad and Caitlin. Surfing is a great workout and it’s just good to get in the ocean from time to time since many triathlons out here include ocean swims. Surfing is really swimming, push ups, and bosu ball combined – so at least the swimming/paddling part is applicable to triathlon training. And the surf was rough, so we got pummeled quite a bit, adding to the workout.
And then the Venice Beach Effect kicked in. After a good morning of surfing, it was necessary to indulge in brunch, mimosas, and bloody marys. And on a gorgeous day, we had to follow that up with beer and white wine while relaxing poolside. On a roll, we headed to a wine bar around sunset and consumed an unknown number of bottles of wine (which is where the evening should have ended). Next it was off to a Mexican restaurant, where we enjoyed pitchers of margaritas and shots of Patron (where did those come from?). At that point, we capped off the night with a couple more beers at another bar. Feeling ill yet? Yeah, that’s why there was no workout on Tuesday.
Wednesday morning, I intended to run and even put my running clothes on when I took the dogs outside, but when I got back to the room, there was just no time. An early conference call, followed by a presentation in the LA office and another presentation offsite, and then we had to hit the road to make it back home before 10pm.
So what do I have to show for the last 5 days? An awesome bike ride, a good surfing session, and a lot of work on my liver.
1.15.2009
Thank God for the Hubby
Yesterday I planned to do two workouts: run in the morning and swim in the evening. Since the half ironman training plan will require 10 workouts a week, I'm trying to get in the habit of two-a-days.
The run in the morning went well, just under 5 miles, which is longer than I can usually fit in before work. The evening swim however faced some resistance.
After work I met Kyle at the RSF to swim. Since the new semester is beginning we had to renew our rec club memberships. They had one cashier working and a line of about 20 people. The types of membership and eligibility for membership are apparently very confusing though since it was taking at least 5 minutes for each person in line to complete their transaction. After standing in line for what was seeming like hours, I started getting antsy. It had been a long day and I was hungry and I just wanted to go home. I did not want to swim. So I started trying to renegotiate my workout schedule in my head and make empty promises to Kyle about swimming the next day so we could just go home. I knew that putting off the swim would likely derail my attempt to get 5 workouts in Mon-Fri since I had already taken Tuesday off and had dinner plans for Thursday. Still, I was ready to go home. Screw the 5 workouts.
That's where Kyle saved the day. He was tired and hungry too but insisted that we were already there so we had to swim. If he hadn't been there, I guarantee you I would have skipped the workout.
And, per usual, once I was in the pool, I was glad I was there, and it turned out to be a good 1300 workout. I think it was the first workout where I didn't feel like I was fighting the water, which I hope means I'm getting stronger. Kyle continued to be a hero and took some time to watch me swim and give me tips on my form and technique. So, that was a close one, but got my two workouts in.
Today, I ran an easy 3 miles before work. One more workout this week, which will probably be a run tomorrow morning. Sadly, that means I didn't get any biking in Mon-Fri, but we're headed to SoCal for the long weekend, so hopefully we'll get at least two solid rides in down there.
The run in the morning went well, just under 5 miles, which is longer than I can usually fit in before work. The evening swim however faced some resistance.
After work I met Kyle at the RSF to swim. Since the new semester is beginning we had to renew our rec club memberships. They had one cashier working and a line of about 20 people. The types of membership and eligibility for membership are apparently very confusing though since it was taking at least 5 minutes for each person in line to complete their transaction. After standing in line for what was seeming like hours, I started getting antsy. It had been a long day and I was hungry and I just wanted to go home. I did not want to swim. So I started trying to renegotiate my workout schedule in my head and make empty promises to Kyle about swimming the next day so we could just go home. I knew that putting off the swim would likely derail my attempt to get 5 workouts in Mon-Fri since I had already taken Tuesday off and had dinner plans for Thursday. Still, I was ready to go home. Screw the 5 workouts.
That's where Kyle saved the day. He was tired and hungry too but insisted that we were already there so we had to swim. If he hadn't been there, I guarantee you I would have skipped the workout.
And, per usual, once I was in the pool, I was glad I was there, and it turned out to be a good 1300 workout. I think it was the first workout where I didn't feel like I was fighting the water, which I hope means I'm getting stronger. Kyle continued to be a hero and took some time to watch me swim and give me tips on my form and technique. So, that was a close one, but got my two workouts in.
Today, I ran an easy 3 miles before work. One more workout this week, which will probably be a run tomorrow morning. Sadly, that means I didn't get any biking in Mon-Fri, but we're headed to SoCal for the long weekend, so hopefully we'll get at least two solid rides in down there.
1.13.2009
Your order #2409 has been completed
After my failed attempt at the spinning class and not wanting to bike on the roads in the dark, we've taken the plunge and ordered a indoor trainer to use with our own bikes.
Hoping it's a worthwhile purchase. If it's awesome, we'll have to get another one so we don't fight over it.
Yesterday's workout was a good early morning 3-miler (you guessed it, twice around the figure-8) with my cousin Joe. Taking today off and tomorrow will be a double -- running in the morning, swimming in the evening.
Hoping it's a worthwhile purchase. If it's awesome, we'll have to get another one so we don't fight over it.
Yesterday's workout was a good early morning 3-miler (you guessed it, twice around the figure-8) with my cousin Joe. Taking today off and tomorrow will be a double -- running in the morning, swimming in the evening.
1.12.2009
A good weekend
2 workouts this weekend. On Saturday, I rode for an hour and followed it up with a 10minute transition run. The ride was hilly at the beginning and the end with some good flat riding along the Bay in the middle. See the downhill before the flat? That was a nice 8% grade. I thought I was going to fly over my handlebars and DIE.
There was a killer headwind though so even though I think I was exerting the power if at least 20-22 mph, my bike computer said I was going 16-17 mph. After the long gradual uphill finish to our house, I immediately went into the run, which is probably the most painful and beneficial exercise in my training. It took me 7 minutes of fighting with my body before I felt like I had an efficient stride going. Tough, quality workout.
On Sunday, Kyle, my cousin Joe and I did a 45 minute run down by the Bay. We pushed it to 8 min mile pace for the middle 20 minutes. Felt great to run in a group and push each other to do more than just a casual jog.
This week I'm going to focus on consistency and try to get 5 workouts in Mon-Fri again.
There was a killer headwind though so even though I think I was exerting the power if at least 20-22 mph, my bike computer said I was going 16-17 mph. After the long gradual uphill finish to our house, I immediately went into the run, which is probably the most painful and beneficial exercise in my training. It took me 7 minutes of fighting with my body before I felt like I had an efficient stride going. Tough, quality workout.
On Sunday, Kyle, my cousin Joe and I did a 45 minute run down by the Bay. We pushed it to 8 min mile pace for the middle 20 minutes. Felt great to run in a group and push each other to do more than just a casual jog.
This week I'm going to focus on consistency and try to get 5 workouts in Mon-Fri again.
1.09.2009
Beer can be a good motivator
Faced temptation this morning in the form of a warm cozy bed and a promise to swim after work instead of this morning. Temptation has nothing on my love for beer though, and since I wanted to be able to have a Friday afternoon beer, I knew I had to suck it up and swim or fail at my goal of 5 workouts Mon-Fri this week. Kyle, on the other hand, is on break from school, so he was free to put off the workout until later in the day and enjoy sleeping in.
Once I got to the pool, I was happy to be there. Swam 1100. The workout called for some 100s in the form of 25 build, 25 descend, 25 build, 25 descend. Sounds easy enough but I had a hard time making it a smooth build-descend. It was more like: easy... la la la hard... oh whoops didn't speed up soon enough, flip turn, hard... la la la easy... crap slowed down too soon, etc. At least it kept me focused since I was missing having my swimming partner in the pool. I think I swim much harder with Kyle because I have to try to hold him off from lapping me.
So, ta-da! Met my goal of 5 workouts. It's all about habit-forming right now, and I think it's going pretty well. This afternoon, I'll enjoy a beer (or beers) and this weekend, I'm planning to get in 2 workouts: a good ride on Saturday and a good run on Sunday.
Once I got to the pool, I was happy to be there. Swam 1100. The workout called for some 100s in the form of 25 build, 25 descend, 25 build, 25 descend. Sounds easy enough but I had a hard time making it a smooth build-descend. It was more like: easy... la la la hard... oh whoops didn't speed up soon enough, flip turn, hard... la la la easy... crap slowed down too soon, etc. At least it kept me focused since I was missing having my swimming partner in the pool. I think I swim much harder with Kyle because I have to try to hold him off from lapping me.
So, ta-da! Met my goal of 5 workouts. It's all about habit-forming right now, and I think it's going pretty well. This afternoon, I'll enjoy a beer (or beers) and this weekend, I'm planning to get in 2 workouts: a good ride on Saturday and a good run on Sunday.
1.08.2009
Think about how strong you are now, and how strong you want to be
Last night I took a spinning class at the RSF. I haven't taken a spinning class in years and haven't been to one since actually taking up cycling. I got a great workout and I'm sure I burned a ton of calories and lost a couple pounds in sweat, but I'm not sure how applicable spinning actually is to cycling.
I should preface this analysis with the disclaimer that I know next to nothing about cycling and am not very good at it. A year and a half ago, I hadn't even ridden a good road bike and in the two triathlons I've done, biking has been my weakest link:
Strawberry Fields: 170th/329 (swim 95th, bike 249th, run 120th) 7th/22 AG
Carpinteria: 148th/429 (swim 102nd, bike 221st, run 100th) 6th/42 AG
So here are the things that bothered me about the spinning class:
I wasn't used to "spinning" so fast, and it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. If I could pedal that fast, I'd be in a lower gear, and in my lowest gear, there's no way I could pedal as fast as the teacher wanted us to. I was doing my darnedest to keep pace with her, feeling like a failure, until I looked around and saw that others in the class weren't even attempting.
I felt like there was a lot of emphasis on pushing, rather than having a good, fluid oval-shaped pedaling stroke that I try to get when I'm on my bike.
I didn't like that we were supposed to be out of the saddle frequently. I need to be working on my aero position, strengthening my back and abs, not standing up. And I rarely stand up on my bike, and when I do it's because it's a tough hill, so it felt wrong to be out of the saddle without an incline, and it didn't feel like it would be good for my knees.
It wasn't my bike. In addition to spending at a least a full five minutes fiddling with the bike prior to class, I jumped off it 3 or 4 times during the workout to try to get the seat in the right position. No matter what, it just didn't feel right.
On a more positive note, I DID like the music and trying to keep up with the beat (I rarely work out with music) and having a coach/teacher pushing me. The most motivating line of the evening, "Think about how strong you are now, and how strong you want to be!" I like the aspirational angle.
All in all, I'm not sure I'll spin again... I'd love to hear others' experiences or thoughts on spinning!
3-mile run this morning. I was worried that I would be sore from spinning, but didn't have any problems. Tomorrow morning = swimming before work!
I should preface this analysis with the disclaimer that I know next to nothing about cycling and am not very good at it. A year and a half ago, I hadn't even ridden a good road bike and in the two triathlons I've done, biking has been my weakest link:
Strawberry Fields: 170th/329 (swim 95th, bike 249th, run 120th) 7th/22 AG
Carpinteria: 148th/429 (swim 102nd, bike 221st, run 100th) 6th/42 AG
So here are the things that bothered me about the spinning class:
On a more positive note, I DID like the music and trying to keep up with the beat (I rarely work out with music) and having a coach/teacher pushing me. The most motivating line of the evening, "Think about how strong you are now, and how strong you want to be!" I like the aspirational angle.
All in all, I'm not sure I'll spin again... I'd love to hear others' experiences or thoughts on spinning!
3-mile run this morning. I was worried that I would be sore from spinning, but didn't have any problems. Tomorrow morning = swimming before work!
1.06.2009
Night swimming
Kyle and I swam a 1200 workout last night. We never take for granted that we have an awesome pool at Cal and that we can swim outside year round. Last night it was pretty chilly (probably 40) so the water was warmer than the air. The only thing better than swimming outside when it's dark and chilly is when it's raining too. Seriously, it's awesome.
Felt great to get in the pool after being away 2 weeks, but I also felt like I was fighting the water for most of the workout. I think it may have been the glass of wine I had 2 hours earlier at a work function -- not a recommended pre-workout beverage. Even so, I just love swimming. As much as I love running in the morning, I love swimming at night; it's such a refreshing way to end a long work day.
Taking today as a recovery day, want to get at a least 3 more workouts in before the weekend.
Felt great to get in the pool after being away 2 weeks, but I also felt like I was fighting the water for most of the workout. I think it may have been the glass of wine I had 2 hours earlier at a work function -- not a recommended pre-workout beverage. Even so, I just love swimming. As much as I love running in the morning, I love swimming at night; it's such a refreshing way to end a long work day.
Taking today as a recovery day, want to get at a least 3 more workouts in before the weekend.
1.05.2009
No more justifying indolence
I read this article in Running Times a few weeks ago and it struck a chord.
The Runner's Witness: Find Your Saddle
Making a commitment to get race-fit again by Tamara Rice Lave
Some excerpts:
"I didn't cease training hard because I no longer enjoyed it. I stopped because my life changed, and I didn't have the same group I had trained with for 10 years. I was adrift without the San Diego running community -- my friends who had carried me through week after week of gut-wrenching Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions. And toughest of all, I didn't have my beloved coach, Kevin McCarey, a man who has the remarkable ability to make even the hardest workouts fun. So instead of taking advantage of the new community that was available to me in the San Francisco Bay Area, I lamented my loss and spent more and more time running alone."
"I bet that many of you are just like me. You were good once, but now you're just OK. Maybe you used to log 16 miles on your long runs, but you've cut back to 10. Or perhaps you frequented the track on Tuesday nights, but you switched jobs, and so you stopped going. You promised yourself that you would do workouts in the morning, but the bed was warm and you ended up sleeping in. Or maybe you just had a baby, or your mother is sick, or you've taken up tap dancing. Some of these are valid excuses, but others are just half-hearted attempts to justify indolence."
I've never heard a runner be so honest about falling off the horse and it's exactly what I've let happen to me. I hope that soon Running Times adds the online bulletin board she mentions because I'd love to know there are more people out there like me who know they can be fast but have just failed to use their talents.
Maybe I'll see Tamara at a race someday and be able to thank her for her honesty.
The Runner's Witness: Find Your Saddle
Making a commitment to get race-fit again by Tamara Rice Lave
Some excerpts:
"I didn't cease training hard because I no longer enjoyed it. I stopped because my life changed, and I didn't have the same group I had trained with for 10 years. I was adrift without the San Diego running community -- my friends who had carried me through week after week of gut-wrenching Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions. And toughest of all, I didn't have my beloved coach, Kevin McCarey, a man who has the remarkable ability to make even the hardest workouts fun. So instead of taking advantage of the new community that was available to me in the San Francisco Bay Area, I lamented my loss and spent more and more time running alone."
"I bet that many of you are just like me. You were good once, but now you're just OK. Maybe you used to log 16 miles on your long runs, but you've cut back to 10. Or perhaps you frequented the track on Tuesday nights, but you switched jobs, and so you stopped going. You promised yourself that you would do workouts in the morning, but the bed was warm and you ended up sleeping in. Or maybe you just had a baby, or your mother is sick, or you've taken up tap dancing. Some of these are valid excuses, but others are just half-hearted attempts to justify indolence."
I've never heard a runner be so honest about falling off the horse and it's exactly what I've let happen to me. I hope that soon Running Times adds the online bulletin board she mentions because I'd love to know there are more people out there like me who know they can be fast but have just failed to use their talents.
Maybe I'll see Tamara at a race someday and be able to thank her for her honesty.
Mornings
I'm a morning person and definitely a morning runner. Even so, it's not easy to get up when it's dark out and get a run in before an hour commute to the city and still make it to the office at a respectable time.
I did it today though and that's a good start to the week. I did a 3-mile run (twice around the figure-8) and managed to catch the 7:24 bus! What I really need to work on is getting out of the house faster once I'm up. Today I was up at 5:40 but still didn't manage to start running until 6:00 -- if I could carve off 10 minutes from that, that would be 10 minutes more I could add to my morning run.
Packed my swim stuff and hoping to meet Kyle for a swim after work...
I did it today though and that's a good start to the week. I did a 3-mile run (twice around the figure-8) and managed to catch the 7:24 bus! What I really need to work on is getting out of the house faster once I'm up. Today I was up at 5:40 but still didn't manage to start running until 6:00 -- if I could carve off 10 minutes from that, that would be 10 minutes more I could add to my morning run.
Packed my swim stuff and hoping to meet Kyle for a swim after work...
1.04.2009
Back in the saddle
This weekend, I got two workouts in. Neither was hardcore, but right now it's just important for me to get in the habit of making the workouts happen at all.
On Saturday afternoon, Kyle and I did a 30 minute jog around the neighborhood and a little core work after.
On Sunday, Kyle and I drove up to Sonoma County to do a 30-mile bike ride. The ride starts and ends in the cutest town of Healdsburg. It was a bit colder than expected when we arrived, about 40 degrees even though it was already 11am. We swung by the local bike shop to buy skull caps for under our helmets but they were sold out, so we had to be true Minnesotans and tough out it. Once we got going it wasn't too bad, but we were very thankful we brought warm gloves.
The ride wasn't too strenuous, but we hadn't been out on a good ride in weeks. It was more about getting back in the saddle (pun intended) and our butts and backs definitely felt that we hadn't been in that position for a while. By the end of our ride, we were warm except for our toes despite new SmartWool biking socks. We might have to consider buying shoe covers if we ride in those temps again. As our reward, we finished the afternoon off with lunch and Bloody Marys at the Healdsburg Bar & Grill.
This week (M-F) my goal is to get at least 5 workouts in, hopefully including 2 swims and at least one ride or spinning class.
On Saturday afternoon, Kyle and I did a 30 minute jog around the neighborhood and a little core work after.
On Sunday, Kyle and I drove up to Sonoma County to do a 30-mile bike ride. The ride starts and ends in the cutest town of Healdsburg. It was a bit colder than expected when we arrived, about 40 degrees even though it was already 11am. We swung by the local bike shop to buy skull caps for under our helmets but they were sold out, so we had to be true Minnesotans and tough out it. Once we got going it wasn't too bad, but we were very thankful we brought warm gloves.
The ride wasn't too strenuous, but we hadn't been out on a good ride in weeks. It was more about getting back in the saddle (pun intended) and our butts and backs definitely felt that we hadn't been in that position for a while. By the end of our ride, we were warm except for our toes despite new SmartWool biking socks. We might have to consider buying shoe covers if we ride in those temps again. As our reward, we finished the afternoon off with lunch and Bloody Marys at the Healdsburg Bar & Grill.
This week (M-F) my goal is to get at least 5 workouts in, hopefully including 2 swims and at least one ride or spinning class.
1.02.2009
You have to start somewhere...
3 mile easy run today (twice around the figure-8). Bonus points because it was dark and rainy and I managed to get out there before work anyway (I think wanting to try out my new running tights motivated me). Negative points because I was still on central time so it wasn't really that early and I didn't do any core work afterward. But, you have to start somewhere.
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