I have never been a runner despite the fact that a bunch of siblings run. I really only started running a few months ago by following the Self Magazine program to get me to run for 30 minutes straight (and Matt's urging that we run together). But now I am running three miles a clip and a long run on Sundays. However, my feet are now paying the price. Right now they are all bandaged up from blisters. Does this make me a real runner?
So my running coach (aka Matt) is away for the holidays and I am on my own today to tackle my sunday six mile run. I just don't feel like dealing with the layers so I head for the treadmill. Resolve to do one mile then streth then crank the rest out. I did it with the help of VH1's "I love the holidays" and my new favorite thing podcasts about triathlons. 63 minutes for a six mile run. I even added in some incline. Much better time than last week.
Weight training day and dawns on me that yesterday's swim has left my knee a little sore. Probably because my kick is so weak. This is a common problem for me and I decide that the quick three mile jog after weight training (what it says on my schedule) ius probably not the best idea. I am so good about sticking to every little thing on my schedule but today I just can't do it.
Met with Boris for the second time for a swim lesson. These lessons are tough. But I finally got the arm motion. I know it will make my swimming so much more effective. We worked on the same thing last week but this week I finally got it. Just need to remember to try and lead with my elbow. Not sure if that's actually corrrect but it works for me to get my stroke right.
Back on the spin bike. Sat in the spinning room at the gym, all by myself and did a solid 60 minutes. I probably could have pushed myself harder but it is so boring sitting in a dark room. Think I need to download some biking videos for the ipod.
Still sore from the mammoth swim session. Meet an hour early so I can make my nephew's birthday party. I told alex we had to do some stretching. Did a solid 40 minutes of weights. Cranked out three miles after on the treadmill. It wasn't so bad. The bbq at the end of the day was so worth it.
Friday evening I had my first swim lesson with Boris at Reebok. We did drills for over an hour. I thought my stroke was decent but I was so wrong. I have so much to retool and re-learn. It finally dawned on me just how much work I really have to do.
It's Friday and I am tired. Finally got in touch with the swim instructor and we are going to meet today to talk about coaching. I need help on my stroke big time. It's kind of sad. But at least I have graduated from the "slow" lane. Then again, my niece Grace does smoke me in the backstroke. She's super fast.
I have not been to a spin class in so long. I had to hunt down my shoes the night before. arrived at class late and stumbled with all the knobs. I was all set with my new HR monitor and averaged about 140. Class is only 45 minutes (or 38 when you arrive late). i made myself stay after until I finished the entire 60 minutes. Ok, today I am a little sore. But it's Thursday...meaning I get the day off.
I was dreading today's workout. Three miles and my usually weight training session with Alex. Jammed out two miles on the treadmill before. Met with Alex where I proceeded to tell him about my crap weekend. First the shopping disaster where my sister's dog went all cujo and then someone in my building conveniently lifting my gym bags from behind the front desk (but I did get them back a day later). So while I complain the time just flew by. Cranked one more mile out after in less than nine minutes. I know I was probably supposed to do three miles at once but oh well.
Only about two hundred more or so to go. But like Lance Armstrong says the race is won in December. 60 minutes bike at about 80% max heart rate. Feeling good...
