Missing Workouts

Our training schedule includes training six days a week.  In the seven weeks that I've been training, I think only one week have I ever completed all six days of workouts.  And, even at that, I didn't complete the double workout, which calls for swimming in the morning and then spinning in the evening.  So I guess I can't even claim I've ever successfully managed to complete the prescribed workout for the week.  One thing we are always reminded of is that we can't make up workouts.  We need to accept that we didn't make it, and move on.  The program is designed a certain way and trying to "make up" workouts will most likely cause more harm than good.  

Last Wednesday, we were supposed to do a track work out and I missed it.  However, on Christmas Eve and Christmas we had the days off from training and I was able to make up my missed workout for probably the only opportunity of the entire season.  Of course, this morning is a bike ride and I'm sitting here instead.  But, honestly, I'm ok with that.

This is a new concept for me.  I'm not a skinny girl and, in the past, missing workouts generally meant carrying guilt.  However, signing up for this team has done a great thing for me because it has shifted my priorities and focus.  All that I care about now is preparing myself to finish within the cutoff times.   With my demanding work schedule these days and my traveling every other week, I'm going to miss workouts.  Period.  But, I trust in this program and I'm comfortable that I will be prepared to finish Aquabike in July and the Full IM in November.

Schlepping

It's only Week 6 of training with the team and I am already tired of schlepping all the crap around. I've decided that packing for the workouts is more stressful than the actual workout itself!  


We're swimming -- Bathing suit, goggles, cap, flip flops, morning clothes, brush, hairband
We're spinning -- Bike, bike trainer, bike shoes, bike pants, shirt, sports bra, gloves, sunglasses, socks, and heart rate monitor
We're running -- Tennis shoes, road ID
It's a long workout -- Nutrition, water, and food
PS... it's raining and cold -- Jacket, windbreaker, head cover, base layers, beanie


This picture of me (extremely grumpy at 7am) makes me realize I need a massage soon, since I can't walk upright with that damn bag on my shoulder!

Nutrition Clinic

This weekend our team attended a Nutrition Clinic.  Everything the nutritionist talked about wasn't rocket science.  For the most part it was basic common food knowledge of things we should be doing anyway (e.g., drink lots of water, eat more whole foods, etc.).  We spent a lot of time on hydration requirements and understanding the signs of dehydration and over hydration and what happens when the natural sodium ratio within the cells are disrupted (BTW, I had my first "not enough sodium" experience last weekend and it's pretty fascinating to get to know my body in this way). 

One thing she focused on is that training does not equal weight loss.  The body will most likely lean out naturally as the volume of exercise increases IF you eat appropriately to support your energy requirements.  Deliberately trying to lose weight and consume less calories will decrease lean muscle mass, increase the risk of illness and injury, and result in bonks, mood swings, and being overly fatigued.  She said it will make for very uncomfortable and long training/race days.  This was a huge eye opener to me.  While I sure as heck did not sign up for IM to lose weight, (as there are much less grueling ways to achieve that), I did assume that a small amount of weight loss would be a bi-product of the training.  Getting rid of some excess weight will only result in me being able to go faster on the bike and run.  But, after sitting through this clinic, I realize it will require some very careful planning to balance nutrition requirements and ensure the calorie consumption is enough to support the rigorous training requirements.  I guess you could say that would be true for anyone who needs to lose weight, but when 8 hour weekend workouts are included, and we are supposed to consume 200 calories per hour during training, it just adds a whole other layer of complexity. 

Training for an IM cartoon

This cartoon video has been circulating on Facebook today and is hilarious.  It's about training for an Ironman and how ridiculous it sounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B03dFMG8nR4

First markers

Last week I had to do my first marker tests, which was to go a specific distance and mark the time.  While I wasn't "racing" I went at a pace that would be significant to race day.


Run marker - 2 miles - 27:32 - It's pathetic I can't run a 12 min mile.  It goes to show how running outside is so much different then running on a treadmill because you have to propel yourself.  I truly dislike running simply because I'm not good at it.  Perhaps one day this will change. 

Swim marker - 1000 yds - 22:02 - I'm ok with this time.  Even if I don't get any better, it means I will make the swim cut-off with plenty of time to spare.  Even better, is that I know I will improve over the next 6 months.

Getting Started

The hardest part about getting started is simply that -- taking the first step. So this is my first post.  I publish blogs for work, but never anything personally.  I've always thought blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to be slightly narcissistic.  But, here I am creating one.  Why?  Because the journey I'm embarking on (training for an Ironman) is one that I will want to remember forever.  


This blog will be an online journal for me to not only track my progress, but, most importantly, to be a reminder of my growth as an individual.  It will allow me to bitch and complain and be cranky.  And, then 6 months later, I can read all my whining and just laugh at how pathetic I sounded and be grateful at where I am now.  There will be no filters.  Because this is MY journal.  I will write as if no one is reading it.  Because it's not for anyone else.  It's for me.