Sprint Triathlon Training: Day 1
Welcome to my journal about my Triathlon Training. A few weeks ago I was researching a Half Marathon race for next year when I came across a Ladies Only Sprint Triathlon to be held on September 15, 2012. I had 'talked' about possibly doing a Sprint Tri for the last year or so, but never really thought I would ever get serious about doing it. I do have a few years of running under my belt including 2 marathons ran in 2011 and April of 2012. Biking I have enjoyed for many years and spent a good portion of my childhood biking for miles and miles around town. Swimming...well, that is another story. I taught myself to swim when I was young and have always been able to tread water. Not for long lengths of time but I can stay afloat if my life depended on it. I can swim to the end of a pool when asked but I couldn't tell you what the strokes are and if I am any good.
I have been listening to people talk about Ironman and Half Ironman competitions. I couldn't tell you the distances of the swim or bike portions though. I also have watched some people like Tara Costa from the Biggest Loser show compete in an Ironman. If she could do it maybe I could right? Have you seen Tara Costa or watched the season that she was on? This woman is a BEAST and killed every competition that they had that season. I do identify with her though since I love to compete. I often see myself pulling a car and beating some guys (and females) in a race. Honestly, if I could get over my fear of the water I would consider a Half Ironman or Ironman in the future. Why not? I always preach that the sky is the limit but I am not sure if it is truly for me.
So, I posted about this event on the page of my local running group. I have a love of finding things that others might enjoy and thought that someone would be interested. I just posted the link not even realizing where on earth it was (same country at least) and what it really entailed as far as distances were concerned. Lucky for me it was designed for newbie triathletes or whatever you call those of us thinking we can enter this sport without much effort. I envision tossing a card into the ring without even thinking about it. After I posted it several people became interested and the next thing I know, we were all signing up for it. Here is your confirmation on your race entry for the Ladies Only Sprint Triathlon to be held on September 15, 2012. It will include a side of crazy with a 200 meter swim, 10 K Cycle, 4 K Run. Ummmm.....
WAIT!! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
I have no earthly idea how that went down but now I am in an 8 week Triathlon Training Program with a Half Marathon already scheduled the week before the main event. There are 12 other crazy ladies that have joined me in completing their first Sprint Triathlon. By the way, this picture is from 2009 Top 15 finishers on the bike portion at Kona (Ironman competition). Have you seen the typical build of Triathletes? Another great reason to train for one. Just sayin'!!
WHERE DO I STAND?
So I am officially on Day 1 today. I customized my own training schedule based on my Half Marathon training along with a Triathlon Training Plan found on Hal Higdon's website. It is a pretty rigorous training plan and I am hoping to do the best I can to follow it. Behind the scenes I have 4 kids, work part-time from home, am trying to study for a Personal Trainer certification test, and write a book. So far it is slow going but I just focus on ONE DAY AT A TIME just like I do when running long distances (ONE MILE AT A TIME). I enjoy a full plate but that isn't for everybody.
WEEK 1:
Day 1: Run 3 miles, Strength Train
Day 2: Speed work (8 x 400 on the track), Swim for 30 minutes
Day 3: Bike 45 minutes, Strength Train
Day 4: Swim 20 minutes & Run 3 miles **BRICK WORKOUT**
Day 5: REST
Day 6: Run 6 miles (long run)
Day 7: Spartan Race (was suppose to be a brick workout with swim 30 min and run 30 min). May attempt to get a pool workout in later in the day but not hopeful.
Why am I working out with Bricks during Triathlon training? Please say that bricks aren't used in swimming! lol. What is a Brick Workout anyway? I had heard it a time or two but really didn't know what they were until recently. This is a workout with 2 or more disciplines in the same workout. So for Day 4, I would need to swim 20 minutes and then haul butt out of the pool and run for 3 miles. I am still learning about these workouts and am wondering if it matters what order I do the workouts in. As of now I am hoping to stick with the same order as in the Sprint Triathlon which is Swim--Bike--Run.
When I train I just make do with what I can get done. Because I have a lot going on I am flexible with my training and alternate days and workouts when needed. I am also big on LISTENING TO MY BODY. A lot of people get into trouble with this but workouts can be shifted and rest is more crucial when the body is broken down. I am talking extreme fatigue not just waking up not wanting to work out. This is also true in cases where someone is nursing an injury. There are right times and wrong times to push through training and workouts. Being 36 years of age helps me as I have developed a good ear for hearing when my body needs some attention.
I hope to keep this going on my journey. I have been blessed by many angels with experience in the pool and in triathlons so I am well guided at this point in time. Cross your fingers for me that I don't drowned and that I can keep up with the training. The hardest part is not working out, it is making sure to nourish my body so it can recover properly between workouts and weeks. Definitely eating to lose at this point.
Thanks for following my new blog. Stay tuned.
Cindy
