What it Takes

Since my running coach was out of town this weekend I had some time to catch up on really important things like listing stuff on ebay and watching a week's worth of saved shows on my DVR. I also finally got the chance to watch the "What it Takes" - a documentary about four awesome Triathletes. I will not be able to do the documentary justice here on the blog so please check it out. I highly enjoyed watching this movie and getting a real behind the scenes loo at what it means to be an Ironman. If you are really nice I might even let you borrow my copy. Actually, probably not. I already want to watch it again - so go buy your own.

Since yesterday was Tuesday that means I had a three mile run followed by a weight session on the agenda. I decided that the perfect companion for my workout would be the newest SimplyStu podcast that featured an interview with Peter Han, the mastermind behind the film. I know I am a huge dork but I just love working out listening to his podcasts. They really do inspire me to try just a little harder and get me all psyched about this amazing sport yet again!

Monday Morning Update

After the training disaster that was last week the past three days have been awesome. Friday was swimming with Boris. We focused on technique, technique and more technique. My breathing wasn't great but that probably had to do with the fact I was sick all week. The main takeaway from the lesson: 1) hand placement on entering the water; 2) ending my stroke pushing off to the side; and 3) hand placement during recovery. I honestly think that I could keep perfecting my stroke for the rest of my life. There is so much to work on.

Saturday. I went with Hallie to try on bridesmaid dresses. Why do I mention this on the training blog? Two reasons: 1) my upper body looks freaking awesome in strapless dresses and 2) since the dress is strapless I really have to be careful with the racerback swim tan this summer. After walking all over the city I hit the gym kind of late. Cranked out three miles on the treadmill at about 9:20 per mile which is pretty fast for me. I know I shouldn't be pushing that hard but I was feeling good. After that did strength training with Alex.

Sunday. Hit the treadmill cause I am a wuss when it comes to the cold. Ran 5.2 miles in about 50 minutes which is good. Once again I downloaded some TV onto the iPod (in this case CSI) to make it a little more bearable. Did a really long stretch on that weird spider stretching this while reading the Post (can I do anything without some form of media???) and some guy stood over me waiting for me to finish. I paid no attention and he left.

So this morning I put all of the above into my training log and there was a nice surprise for me: coach mikael has given me the day off? I seriously don't know what I am going to do with myself. Part of me wants to bike just cause I haven't in o long but I know I should just take the day and be happy with that.

In other news, last week I singed up for the Philly Triathlon as a warm-up for NY. I am only going to do the sprint version. The distance seems easy but I just want some practice being in a race environment. Plus it will be so nice to get a cheese steak when I am done.

Finally Turned a Corner

After being sick for almost a week now I am finally almost normal. Still got a sore throat and a cough but they are manageable. This week my training has been total crap. I am actually really upset about it - I honestly really love to train. However, I plan on leaving work early today (I hope no one at work reads this) so I can make a swim lesson with Boris at the gym. I always kind of dread swim lessons a little cause they are so tough but after the first ten minutes time just flies by. They have really been so helpful in making me a more effective swimmer. Very excited for the weekend. Although my running coach matt is away I am going to get in some seriously good workouts. Is it normal that I look forward to working out this much? Something must be wrong with me...

Day 3 of Sick Out

This is mt third consecutive day of no-training. The longest I have stayed away from the gym since I can remember. The culprit: one nasty cold.

Bahamavention!

I know this post has been a long time coming. About a week ago I took a trip with my chicas to the Ocean Club in the Bahamas for some much needed R&R. We were also celebrating my big 3-0 birthday. The vacation was perfect: lots of sleeping, eating and training - yes training. I got to swim by myself in a pool that wasn't heavily chlorinated, lift weights outdoors, practice Yoga outside overlooking the beach. Not a bad life. Oh yeah, and quality time with my sisters! I highly recommend a Bahamavention.

The Real Training Starts...Now

For the past month or so I have been training but now the real fun starts. Coach Mikael now has me set up with Cadence. Now I have to log in all my details in training peaks. Hence the new link. This is definitely taking it up a notch.

3 Miles - Nothing

So when Mikael first put on my schedule that I was supposed to run three miles in additon to my usual strength training sessions I had no idea how I was going to do it. The first time I had to split up the run and do half befiore and half after. But last night before my weight session with Alex I ran three miles no problem. Making progress. But you know what that means...next week I will have to do four.

Birthday Requests

I know it may not be one of my better qualities but I like to tell people what I want for my birthday. I think it works out well for everyone. They don't have to guess and I will get something that I really want. So for the big 3-0 I would like everyone who wants to (meaning the three people that read this blog) to help me with my tri goal. I have had my eye on a bike at Toga bikes on the UWS in nyc. You can get me a gift certificate there. Just call the UWS location 212-799-9625 and they will fax you a form.

Remains of the Day

Hit the spinning bike instead of a run in the park. Coach Matt wasn't feeling quite up to it. I downloaded the latest L&O as a treat to myself to get me to sit in the spinning room all by myself. It really is so very boring. But another person actually joined me in the spinning room. However, she forgot I was there and started to sing along with her iPod. However, Jack and Co. helped me drown her out.

Speed Drills

Saturday morning had another swimming lesson. This time we did some speed work. It was really tough but so much fun. I still have a long way to go on my swimming. Can't wait to hit the Ocean later this week in the Bahamas.

Adrenaline Junkie

I didn't feel like driving back to the city so I stayed out in Greenwich. That meant 60 minutes on a stationary bike rather than the spin bike (or my own bike - what I really should be training on but more on that later). The bike is boring. But fortunately there was an interesting show on the Travel Channel to keep me company - "Jack Osbourne Adrenaline Junkie." Basically the show is two trainers beating the daylights out of Jack to get him ready to climb El Capitan. I have to say I did sympathize with him as he climbed a snowy mountain in the Alps. it reminded me of that dreadful kayak trip in Brazil when I basically gave up. But after four hours I eventually made it to land. If Jack Osbourne can climb a mountain I can do a triathlon.

Quadrathlon

If there was a fourth sport added and that sport happened to be knitting I would be the world champion quadrathlete. Over the weekend I finally finished baby becket's baby present. This kid better be huge cause the sweater is for a toddler. Shout out to my running coach Matt who oversaw the project.

Catch Up on Training

Took time off from the blog but didn't take time off from training:

• Thursday: Weights and listened to the new simplystu podcast while on the bike
• Friday: Finally completed 80 laps in the pool (2000 yards)
• Saturday: Weights and three mile run
• Sunday: 4 mile Central Park run with running coach (Matt)
• Monday: Off!