Wind, Wind, Wind

When I looked ahead at the forecast today looked like a great day for a ride. So I contacted a few friends, invited members of Team 4F (a group of nuts just like me) and planned on a long leisurely ride. Yeah, right.

The day started on a somber note with the funeral for a friend and co-worker's wife. As we left the service I noticed the wind. Lots of it. Even in town. But with friends planning on a ride and me being the one to call the ride there was no way to back out. The only hope was to pick the route with the least headwind.

It was so tempting to just do a short short ride, or take the bikes to the zoo and ride laps around the park, out of the worst of the wind. But our competitive natures won out and we headed north, straight into a 24 mph headwind. Five long grueling miles later we make the first turn into a slightly less torturous direction. Six miles later I was drained. But the next turn took us south, with that same lovely wind now at our backs. FUN!!!! It almost made the agony of the first 11 miles worth the effort. Almost. It's the fastest four miles I have ever ridden and they came to an end way too soon. Then it was back into a cross wind but nothing we couldn't handle.

I'm tired but feel good for having done the ride. I've always said I'm a fair weather runner/rider. But I may have to get over that because there are no guarantees it will be good weather on race day. Now I know I can ride in the wind. But that doesn't mean I like it.

Responding to this Blog

It looks like you have to have an account with one of the "profile" services on the drop down menu. I have a gmail account so I was able to use that. If you don't have any of these accounts that's fine. I didn't realize that was part of the deal. Live and learn.

Evening Swimming Just Feels Different

Lap swim didn't open until 7:30 so instead of going right after work I got to come home, do some laundry, mow the grass, THEN go swimming. I was afraid I would be too tired to do a good workout but I proved myself wrong. It just seemed strange and out of order but I guess I could get used to it. I still beat Hubby home for supper but when the workouts get longer that won't be possible.

I swam farther then recommended but kept to the rest break pattern. If I could just see the clock on the wall to count my pulse that would be great!

Tomorrow I'm planning a 30 mile ride with Kate, part of our prep for the Hays ride. Not part of the training schedule but will have to do.

Change Is Good

Overcome, Improvise, Adapt. I'm adopting the Marine motto and applying it to my training. The schedule called for a bike ride but the YMCA has lap swim at 5:30 today so, presto change-o, switch it up. But then I walked outside after work and what a beautiful day in the neighborhood! No wind! Which is a big thing in western Kansas. So, presto change-o, switch back to a bike ride. Swimming tomorrow isn't until 7:30 but with Hubby working late that shouldn't be a problem. (I hope.)

I actually kept my heart rate in the right range, or at least I think I did. Did 10 easy miles and rode into town to the bike store for a rear view mirror. Still not comfortable driving in the city, but getting better.

Tomorrow is swimming for sure. I promise.

Day One. Temptation Already Rearing It's Ugly Head...Already!

First day of Tri training and I've already been tempted to cheat. Kate sent out an email asking for company on a bike ride and it would have been so easy to say yes. But alas, I resisted and hit the pavement.

This training program uses heart rate zones for training which is new to me. I'm still trying to define my zones but it's not easy. Do you know how many formulas are out there? Way to many and they all come up with different zones and rates.

I did the workout and then some because I knew I could, but it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Tomorrow is a rest day (I know! Already!) so I'm going to try to lift a few weights, do some crunches, and stretch. The adventure begins.

New Challenge, the Story Begins

First 5K race of the 2012 season.

New Challenge

Life is a challenge, so why add new challenges on top of that? To stay active. To stay focused. To stay YOUNG. This year the challenge is to compete in a Triathlon. That's swimming, biking, and running in the same race. Crazy, right?

Some strive to run longer distances but I was a sprinter in high school, specifically a hurdler. Making me run the 400 felt like punishment. So what the heck am I doing running 5K (3.1 mile) races around the area. Honestly, I have no idea. I don't get that great feeling you hear about while running. My lungs hurt, my heart pounds, my hips and knees scream at me, and I sweat like a pig. But love the feeling when I finish; tired, empowered, free, proud.

But running longer distances is not in my mind set. Even in track I felt a 100m dash needed to be interrupted by some hurdles to be interesting. So why not throw some other interesting detours into the mix. Add a swim, maybe a bike ride, and now you have a race!

I found a beginner program I think I can live with/through, and picked out the triathlon I want to debut/drown in, and I'm ready to begin. Training starts tomorrow for the race on June 30. I can do this! Cheer me on!