I knew I wanted to run but wasn't sure where. So I just improvised and let my feet do the guiding. I skipped the flat BART trail and headed up Marin to the Alameda then over to the King track for one mile and then towards home. Total time 40 mins. Earlier I had my swim bag and clothes for work already packed so when I got back from the run all I had to do was jump in my car and head over to the pool in near work. To my surprise that nifty 1 month swim card I purchased the second week in May expired today ( I thought it would rollover to 1 week into the next month) but the gal behind the desk let it slide and I proceeded to bang out 9 laps in the 50 yd lane in about a half an hour. I really needed to buckle down and try to cover 1/4 mile with as little stopping as possible. This has me thinking I might pull off the swim in 30 minutes! Shit I'll take it!!
I rested in between laps 10-15-20-bleh seconds and I did everything from backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. I started out with breast and than halfway would switch to free or rollover on my back. My main objective was to get 9 laps done anyway I could. Oddly enough the last 2 laps were all freestyle and I didn't have to switch to breast or rollover. I really like this pool but today I felt so rushed. I wanted to stay longer and I think that's a good sign. Come June 18th the 25 yd. lanes are open until 4pm. I was also charged a $10.00 non-resident fee for the swim card. I really need to be more cunning, I should've had cash on hand and not a check with my real address on it!! Still it's a really nice pool and it's close to the job.
The race mgt. meeting lastnight was good. We reviewed the practice tri logistics and swapped transition tips. The general concensus being: bike gloves are not a necessity however socks are. Some people got killer deals on tri gear at the Sports Basement over Memorial Day weekend. I found a decent training swim suit at the outlet in the Cannery for $15.00. Today I bought a Aqua Sphere swim top to wear over my trisuit. It's got neoprene on the front and back to keep the core warm, while the arms and shoulders are some other kind of fabric for freer movement. At least it will keep me a little warmer and be easier to remove then a wetsuit. Plus it does make me look and feel kinda cool and that's priceless!
Tomorrow is a rest day and I will no doubt spend friday night on the floor in my living room going over my list and pack and repack my red duffle bag.
swim cap
goggles
i'll be wearing my trisuit and swim top
helmut
bike shoes
socks
water bottle/camelbak
racing belt - does this go on at T1 or T2???????
running shoes
This is gonna be fun!
Oh yeah, today I also bought a pair of size 8 pants!! No drawstrings or elastic. Woohoo!!!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
A Better Day
I got back to yoga today then followed it up with a 40 minute swim 14 laps 2 of which were 50 yds nonstop....woohoo...that's good for me. Then I grocery shopped and afterwards rode the bike in the surrounding hilly neighborhood.........a decent workout overall. I read some blogs earlier and this guy called the Kahuna has had his share of pain as of late. Nevertheless, his attitude is awesome. His recent podcast and latest post totally got my recent attitude out of the crapper. I've been driving myself nuts (and apparently a few others) over some stupid shit, namely what other people will think and essentially letting those opinions really fuck with my head. It occured to me while shopping this morning that I do what I do because it feels great. It's not about being first or looking cool or even making friends. It never has been. At the risk of sounding completely self absorbed it's always been about how great being active makes me feel. Of course when I feel good my family and friends benefit too so obviously it's not only about me but it definitely starts with me.
It seems that ever since I started this tri journey I've exposed some really raw and unpleasant truths about myself. It's painful and I've questioned my sanity on more than one occasion. I know were all subject to mood swings and bouts of low confidence I'm no stranger to either , but putting myself out there has pushed me over to the darkside more than I care to admit.
I'm realizing more than ever the real key to staying fit isn't limited to the number of laps or miles covered but the in the manner in which one covers them. My progress hasn't always been smooth and at times it's downright painful to watch. I've been less than graceful or patient with the pocess and I know this has cost me some ground, but hey I'm still going forward I'm still grateful for every day I can swim, bike and run. I'm grateful for the whatever it is that drives me and grateful for sense to know when I'm being ridiculous. This blog is a great tool, it allows me to vent and ponder. It allows me to express my fears , even if there lame and all in my head. It allows me to shout out and give thanks. It allows me to be me.......... all forms of me............. the good the bad and the ugly.
I'm so glad to be here in this place at this time. I have much to learn and I know that there is a place for me among the world of triathalon. I know someday I'll look back on these humble beginnings and laugh, but in the meantime try not to take myself so seriously..........the serious me isn't much fun to be around.
In many many ways I am a late bloomer and alot of of what I'm experiencing probably should've taken place earlier in my life. But you see, I always played it safe, stuck with the tried and true. I've managed quite skillfully to skirt around the hard stuff and have been content with just getting by. Sure I've had to work hard and my life has had it's share of hard times, but given a choice I tend to gravitate towards the easier path, though signing up for a sprint triathalon in order to learn how to swim might contradict this statement!!
This triathalon is important to me. I never thought in a million years that I would attempt something like this, and so what if it's a only sprint.....that's the beauty of it, a sprint makes it possible for someone like me to even try. The effort, tears, pain and joy are just as real for me as it is for any Ironman. I have to manage my life, my family, my job and myself with as much intention and care. And yes I struggle and it is hard and I bitch and moan. But this thing I'm attempting to do is a big deal for me and at times seems so unobtainable and that's when I get self conscious and give into the worry and doubt. Today I felt so strong in the pool and on the bike. Today I felt like the real me.
It seems that ever since I started this tri journey I've exposed some really raw and unpleasant truths about myself. It's painful and I've questioned my sanity on more than one occasion. I know were all subject to mood swings and bouts of low confidence I'm no stranger to either , but putting myself out there has pushed me over to the darkside more than I care to admit.
I'm realizing more than ever the real key to staying fit isn't limited to the number of laps or miles covered but the in the manner in which one covers them. My progress hasn't always been smooth and at times it's downright painful to watch. I've been less than graceful or patient with the pocess and I know this has cost me some ground, but hey I'm still going forward I'm still grateful for every day I can swim, bike and run. I'm grateful for the whatever it is that drives me and grateful for sense to know when I'm being ridiculous. This blog is a great tool, it allows me to vent and ponder. It allows me to express my fears , even if there lame and all in my head. It allows me to shout out and give thanks. It allows me to be me.......... all forms of me............. the good the bad and the ugly.
I'm so glad to be here in this place at this time. I have much to learn and I know that there is a place for me among the world of triathalon. I know someday I'll look back on these humble beginnings and laugh, but in the meantime try not to take myself so seriously..........the serious me isn't much fun to be around.
In many many ways I am a late bloomer and alot of of what I'm experiencing probably should've taken place earlier in my life. But you see, I always played it safe, stuck with the tried and true. I've managed quite skillfully to skirt around the hard stuff and have been content with just getting by. Sure I've had to work hard and my life has had it's share of hard times, but given a choice I tend to gravitate towards the easier path, though signing up for a sprint triathalon in order to learn how to swim might contradict this statement!!
This triathalon is important to me. I never thought in a million years that I would attempt something like this, and so what if it's a only sprint.....that's the beauty of it, a sprint makes it possible for someone like me to even try. The effort, tears, pain and joy are just as real for me as it is for any Ironman. I have to manage my life, my family, my job and myself with as much intention and care. And yes I struggle and it is hard and I bitch and moan. But this thing I'm attempting to do is a big deal for me and at times seems so unobtainable and that's when I get self conscious and give into the worry and doubt. Today I felt so strong in the pool and on the bike. Today I felt like the real me.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Active Weekend
If your looking for a hotel directly on the beach, Best Western's Beach Resort in Monterey is literally yards from the beach, the surf was pretty wild and the winds on Saturday were fierce. We arrived around 3 pm got settled than had a nice dinner at Hula's, a hawaiian grill not too far from the aquarium. Speaking of the aquarium, no trip to Monterey is complete without a visit and we renewed our membership. It was a circus on Sunday but we went back on Monday before we headed back home and it was alot more enjoyable, that giant red octopus is the coolest!
The hotel pool was pretty dinky and I while I managed to get in about 20 minutes of swimming before the kiddies arrived the bulk of my workout took place on the bike and the run.
Right next to the hotel is a path that wind's it's way towards the warf and then onto 17 mile drive. As a motorist you have pay to drive along this scenic route with it's point vistas and swanky homes. As a cyclists the rangers let you roll through and I set out on my longest bike ride ever. I got as far a Pebble Beach before deciding to turn around. The weather was amazing, blue sky for miles and only mild headwinds to deal with . The road starts to narrow quite abit after Pepple Beach which was the reason I turned around and in doing so I turned too tightly and dumped. Surprisingly no one got out of their Mercedes to help! I was fine and got myself up dusted myself off and headed back to the hotel. The bike and I getting are better acquainted, the downhill shifting is better than the uphill? My butt was getting uncomfortable due to my forgetting to pack my bike shorts and I only had my thin running shorts on.
Total ride times: 2.5 hrs with a couple shorts stops total distance 23 miles.
Hanging out on the balcony T noticed a guy on a ski jet, he thought he was search and rescue dude looking for someone, turns out he was support for what appeared to be somebody on a training swim. The water was so choppy and a I stood transfixed on the balcony watching this amazing athlete jam through wave after wave. I can only guess that there was the bike racked somewhere, my vision was occluded from that point but I imagined from the way the swimmer was running out of the water that it was a brick workout. Watching that swimmer in the ocean sure makes swimming in the lake look easy, boring in fact. I'll just be glad when it's behind me. That night I had a nightmare about my swim, my confidence is on the fence again people. Yes, the swimming has improved. No, I will not drown out there but still I'm worried. Worried about being last, worried about people looking at me with pity, people not looking at me out of embarrassment. Uhg! I make myself so crazy! WTF!!!!!
Sunday the winds died down and I got in a long run. This was only the 2nd time I'd ever run on the beach. I have no idea how far I got but I ran slow and steady for 75 minutes. You run alot slower on the sand and I noticed some weird pains in my feet occasionaly, nothing too disturbing but worth mentioning. Saturday morning before we hit the road I did an interval workout, so this slow jog on the beach was a perfect follow-up run. I will be entering taper mode in the next week or so .
This saturday is the triclub practice tri........should be interesting. I wish I could say I'm psyched but I've been slow to warm-up especially since I know Haewon the triclub coordinator will be hawkeyeing me. No doubt I'm over analyzing things. (ha that's a freaking understatement!!!!!!)
So well see.
Signed,
The trepidatious tri-wanabe
The hotel pool was pretty dinky and I while I managed to get in about 20 minutes of swimming before the kiddies arrived the bulk of my workout took place on the bike and the run.
Right next to the hotel is a path that wind's it's way towards the warf and then onto 17 mile drive. As a motorist you have pay to drive along this scenic route with it's point vistas and swanky homes. As a cyclists the rangers let you roll through and I set out on my longest bike ride ever. I got as far a Pebble Beach before deciding to turn around. The weather was amazing, blue sky for miles and only mild headwinds to deal with . The road starts to narrow quite abit after Pepple Beach which was the reason I turned around and in doing so I turned too tightly and dumped. Surprisingly no one got out of their Mercedes to help! I was fine and got myself up dusted myself off and headed back to the hotel. The bike and I getting are better acquainted, the downhill shifting is better than the uphill? My butt was getting uncomfortable due to my forgetting to pack my bike shorts and I only had my thin running shorts on.
Total ride times: 2.5 hrs with a couple shorts stops total distance 23 miles.
Hanging out on the balcony T noticed a guy on a ski jet, he thought he was search and rescue dude looking for someone, turns out he was support for what appeared to be somebody on a training swim. The water was so choppy and a I stood transfixed on the balcony watching this amazing athlete jam through wave after wave. I can only guess that there was the bike racked somewhere, my vision was occluded from that point but I imagined from the way the swimmer was running out of the water that it was a brick workout. Watching that swimmer in the ocean sure makes swimming in the lake look easy, boring in fact. I'll just be glad when it's behind me. That night I had a nightmare about my swim, my confidence is on the fence again people. Yes, the swimming has improved. No, I will not drown out there but still I'm worried. Worried about being last, worried about people looking at me with pity, people not looking at me out of embarrassment. Uhg! I make myself so crazy! WTF!!!!!
Sunday the winds died down and I got in a long run. This was only the 2nd time I'd ever run on the beach. I have no idea how far I got but I ran slow and steady for 75 minutes. You run alot slower on the sand and I noticed some weird pains in my feet occasionaly, nothing too disturbing but worth mentioning. Saturday morning before we hit the road I did an interval workout, so this slow jog on the beach was a perfect follow-up run. I will be entering taper mode in the next week or so .
This saturday is the triclub practice tri........should be interesting. I wish I could say I'm psyched but I've been slow to warm-up especially since I know Haewon the triclub coordinator will be hawkeyeing me. No doubt I'm over analyzing things. (ha that's a freaking understatement!!!!!!)
So well see.
Signed,
The trepidatious tri-wanabe
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Putting Along
I haven't run since the race last Sunday. This morning my chest felt tight so I took a couple puffs on the inhaler and decided to go for a run. Since it's Saturday, I headed over to the middle school for a track workout and I did some intervals combining slow running halfway around the track then full speed (hahah) the other half. I did this 4 x's, once I ran hard 3/4's the way and then walked all the way around. I did some stretches on the field, 2 x10 of the silly looking thing where you jump and kick your butt. I finished off the last lap with a slow jog and then headed home. It's been awhile since I did intervals and I was pretty tired. With all the attention on swimming I've lost some of my pep on the run. Balance seems to be a constant challenge.
The three of us are headed to Monterey in a few hours and to tell you the truth I wish it was just T and I. I can't even remember the last time we spent anytime alone together. My mom came over lastnight to house /Brandy sit and at the last minute I asked her to watch M so T and I could go to the movies. Poseidon Adventure wouldn't of been my first pick but the time frame and free passes at the OakTheater prevailed. 90 plus minutes of stress......Not exactly a great date flick.
So, I need to get the show on the road and try to scope a good bike/run option near our motel. I'll be taking full advantage of the pool and try to set up a full brick for Sunday. Have a good weekend and be safe!
The three of us are headed to Monterey in a few hours and to tell you the truth I wish it was just T and I. I can't even remember the last time we spent anytime alone together. My mom came over lastnight to house /Brandy sit and at the last minute I asked her to watch M so T and I could go to the movies. Poseidon Adventure wouldn't of been my first pick but the time frame and free passes at the OakTheater prevailed. 90 plus minutes of stress......Not exactly a great date flick.
So, I need to get the show on the road and try to scope a good bike/run option near our motel. I'll be taking full advantage of the pool and try to set up a full brick for Sunday. Have a good weekend and be safe!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Grace and Humility
Today at the pool I shared the 50 yd lane with an older woman ( we chatted later in the locker room and she's 72) She wasn't really swimming, more just floating around working her way down the lane. Sometimes she'd wander into my side of the lane and I'd have to look up every so often to be sure we didn't collide. I was annoyed at first and wished she'd hurry up and go, so I could stay in this particular lane as it was nearest the wall (the slow lane) but I reminded myself that it wasn't long ago that I couldn't swim in a straight line and I still can't during the backstroke.
She wasn't a particulary good swimmer nor was she self conscious about it. She was simply enjoying the freedom of movement in the water. I suddenly felt ashamed for wishing her to go and was struck by her grace and beauty. I was moved by her spirit and her courage to take her place in the 50 yd lane. At one point she was more than halfway down the lane and I caught up with her and we ended up at the same end of the pool and she looked over at me and in her sweet Indian accent said 'You are very fast" I just smiled and shook my head saying "No, I'm not"
Later in the locker room I asked her if she swam there often and she said "Oh yes, everyday!" Then she explained that her doctor recommended it when she started to have back trouble and that it's taken all her pain away. She was so happy and grateful to be able to find relief. I went to work with a better appreciation for the old folks I work with. So often the seniors I work with are so sick and dibilitated it's hard to see them any other way. It was good to spend a little time with that woman at the pool today she reminded me that we have options.
She wasn't a particulary good swimmer nor was she self conscious about it. She was simply enjoying the freedom of movement in the water. I suddenly felt ashamed for wishing her to go and was struck by her grace and beauty. I was moved by her spirit and her courage to take her place in the 50 yd lane. At one point she was more than halfway down the lane and I caught up with her and we ended up at the same end of the pool and she looked over at me and in her sweet Indian accent said 'You are very fast" I just smiled and shook my head saying "No, I'm not"
Later in the locker room I asked her if she swam there often and she said "Oh yes, everyday!" Then she explained that her doctor recommended it when she started to have back trouble and that it's taken all her pain away. She was so happy and grateful to be able to find relief. I went to work with a better appreciation for the old folks I work with. So often the seniors I work with are so sick and dibilitated it's hard to see them any other way. It was good to spend a little time with that woman at the pool today she reminded me that we have options.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tired and Missing in Action
I don't think I'm losing momentum but I'm tired. Yesterday, I arrived home to a power outtage. I sat on the couch and I must've nodded off for a bit. I then realized that there was meat in the fridge so I fired up the bbq and got busy. T and M arrived shortly after and we ate. M and I read Junie B. Jones outloud for awhile and then I went to bed, it was probably around 8 pm. I woke up around 2 am and noticed the light in the hallway was on. I got up checked my e-mail/blog and went back to bed.
Sometime between dinner and going to bed I got a call from the triclub coordinator wondering where I've been. I've missed the last 4 group workouts excepting the 1st tuesday night strokes mechanics class, the 2nd was cancelled and I skipped lastnights. I've been content doing my own thing (fortunately I am disciplined to get out there on my own) and to be completely honest have preferred it this way. I guess I'm just not a team player, in fact when I think about it most of my leisure pursuits are solitairy. I thought training with a group would be fun and sometimes it was but sometimes not so much.
I think that when it came to swimming my insecurities really took the lead along with my impatience with the process. I was frustrated and not too much fun to be around. To tell you the truth, I think I was doing them folks a favor by staying away. That first open water swim really shook me up and I knew I needed to turn it around fast or else I'd probably never go back.
It's just the way I tackle things. I tend to withdraw, seek out one or two trusted allies and then I work it out. I did what I had to do and perhaps in the process alienated myself from the group.
So why do I feel guilty? Guilty for not putting it all out there? Guilty for not being willing to struggle in public? Guilty for avoiding some challenging workouts, namely two open water swims one in the bay and another at nasty Lake Anza?
The group meets on weds nights (and sat mornings) and since (A) I HATE working out in the evenings and (B) I have weds days off, it was a no brainer that I'd opt to skip it in favor of an earlier workout.
So, on the phone with the coordinator I said basically to her what I'm writing here also mentioning that at times I found it hard training with a group and not letting what was suppose to be a training session turn into a competition. Now to me this makes perfect sense but I don't think she got it. I suppose I came across as a bit odd and standoffish (which is not me at all!) I'm actually quite friendly and adequately outgoing. However between several schedule conflicts and not really clicking with anyone in this group, the group trainings haven't been much of a priority for me. No big deal.
Today I worked so I can have friday off, as we're going out of town for Memorial Day weekend. ( the first time EVER!!) I did go for a decent ride at luchtime, I discovered that the Iron Horse trail goes from Concord to Pacheco and back through to Pleasant Hill, a descent 40 minute ride with some mild headwinds.
So wrapping things up with the coordinator, I assured her all was well and that I'd be present for next weeks meetings, wed will be a meeting on race mangement and on sat 6/3 will be the triclub practice triathlon at Lake Anza (groan) which I hear is actually tougher than the tri4fun event. She said she'd call again if I didn't show and that if I made it to (through?) the practice tri she'd feel okay if I couldn't get to the grp. mtgs preceeding the tri4fun event on 6/17. I'm sure she just needs some evidence that I'm not gonna die or something out there on race day.
Overall, I'm quite pleased with my training. I'm a bit tired and looking forward to some down time soon. I've worked extremely hard on my swimming and I LOVE swimming in pools!! I'm very fortunate to work and live near some nice ones too! I feel good about the progress I've made. The practice tri coming up will be my first group swim since Shadow Cliff. I know it will go better even if I'm still last, I know I'm a better swimmer now.
Sometime between dinner and going to bed I got a call from the triclub coordinator wondering where I've been. I've missed the last 4 group workouts excepting the 1st tuesday night strokes mechanics class, the 2nd was cancelled and I skipped lastnights. I've been content doing my own thing (fortunately I am disciplined to get out there on my own) and to be completely honest have preferred it this way. I guess I'm just not a team player, in fact when I think about it most of my leisure pursuits are solitairy. I thought training with a group would be fun and sometimes it was but sometimes not so much.
I think that when it came to swimming my insecurities really took the lead along with my impatience with the process. I was frustrated and not too much fun to be around. To tell you the truth, I think I was doing them folks a favor by staying away. That first open water swim really shook me up and I knew I needed to turn it around fast or else I'd probably never go back.
It's just the way I tackle things. I tend to withdraw, seek out one or two trusted allies and then I work it out. I did what I had to do and perhaps in the process alienated myself from the group.
So why do I feel guilty? Guilty for not putting it all out there? Guilty for not being willing to struggle in public? Guilty for avoiding some challenging workouts, namely two open water swims one in the bay and another at nasty Lake Anza?
The group meets on weds nights (and sat mornings) and since (A) I HATE working out in the evenings and (B) I have weds days off, it was a no brainer that I'd opt to skip it in favor of an earlier workout.
So, on the phone with the coordinator I said basically to her what I'm writing here also mentioning that at times I found it hard training with a group and not letting what was suppose to be a training session turn into a competition. Now to me this makes perfect sense but I don't think she got it. I suppose I came across as a bit odd and standoffish (which is not me at all!) I'm actually quite friendly and adequately outgoing. However between several schedule conflicts and not really clicking with anyone in this group, the group trainings haven't been much of a priority for me. No big deal.
Today I worked so I can have friday off, as we're going out of town for Memorial Day weekend. ( the first time EVER!!) I did go for a decent ride at luchtime, I discovered that the Iron Horse trail goes from Concord to Pacheco and back through to Pleasant Hill, a descent 40 minute ride with some mild headwinds.
So wrapping things up with the coordinator, I assured her all was well and that I'd be present for next weeks meetings, wed will be a meeting on race mangement and on sat 6/3 will be the triclub practice triathlon at Lake Anza (groan) which I hear is actually tougher than the tri4fun event. She said she'd call again if I didn't show and that if I made it to (through?) the practice tri she'd feel okay if I couldn't get to the grp. mtgs preceeding the tri4fun event on 6/17. I'm sure she just needs some evidence that I'm not gonna die or something out there on race day.
Overall, I'm quite pleased with my training. I'm a bit tired and looking forward to some down time soon. I've worked extremely hard on my swimming and I LOVE swimming in pools!! I'm very fortunate to work and live near some nice ones too! I feel good about the progress I've made. The practice tri coming up will be my first group swim since Shadow Cliff. I know it will go better even if I'm still last, I know I'm a better swimmer now.
Monday, May 22, 2006
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