I just finished entering in my weekend's training while munching on a PowerBar Recovery bar in and couldn't help but notice the hours total: 11.5. Not much for many a triathlete, but for one with a full-time job and a budding coaching gig on the side (more on that later!) I am satisfied with how I'm coming along yet am starting to get that itch to race again! Luckily, my first super sprint tri is just about 3 weeks away on 5/13!
One thing that was introduced this week was a bit of intensity amdist all the base-building I've been doing. I threw down some 200s on the track on Wednesday, all registering under :40 (mostly :37's-:38s); a touch slower than I typically do a 200, but not bad for intro work.
The real adventure came in my first foray into coached swimming. Ok, I've spent the past 6 mos. on deck watching the coach-swimmer dynamic, but this was my first time being the athlete. We started with some benign technique filming and drills and then got into the fast stuff. Let's say it was an eye-opening, lung searing experience, and humbling experience (but in a good way)! Apparently I haven't quite been pushing myself hard enough in the pool.....
I learned a lot in an hour about what it takes to swim well and just how different it is from running and cycling-both of which I tend to be strong at. I had to overcome some initial doubts that I could finish the set and deal with real oxygen debt-like when your head feels like it's spinning. The takeaway from my first session at Magnolia Aquatic Club Master's was this:
1. I have a good "feel for the water"-this is key for successful and efficient swimming. Think of it like having a midfoot strike. This made me happy to learn.
2. Technique is king. I will continue to work on my head and hip position to make those intervals less of a thrash-fest and more of a thing of beauty!
3. Whatever you do, you must learn to pace yourself. If you go out too hard-there's only so many breaths you can take. Seriously. I figured that out by ascending a set that was supposed to be descending. Yikes.
4. Be as open as you can to feedback, for it will only make the process easier.
5. Coached swimming is much better than solo training for me. I was pushed beyond my comfort zone on Tuesday night, but that enabled me to really dial in on how this swim thing is done and this will likely ensure LOTS of bikes on the rack going into T1.
6. Fins rock. I need to go to Swim Shops ASAP and get my own pair. Preferably some that my freakishly long toes don't jut out of!
And now for how I spent my hours this week (notice almost 40 MPW-sweet!!) Today alone I rode 35 and swam 2950 of the recovery variety.
Swim: 7950 yards (yeah, a PR for sure)
Bike: 64.5 miles
Run: 39 miles
No wonder I'm kinda hungry and tired right now!
Stay the course.
7 comments:
You are doing awesome! I love that you are getting coached for swimming. I am in total awe of triathletes. I am a one-trick pony. :) You rock. :)
Smiling reading this post as it reminded me of my triathlon days. Yes, lots of hours, and not even counting the showers and hair washing and body moisturizing (that chlorine is a bitch!). Great job with it all! I was told swimming is more skill than effort, but I am such a poor swimmer, so I would not know. Good luck and enjoy the training!
Woot woot! What an excellent week! You are killing it out there (and in there- the pool).
I hope you are documenting some of your times in the pool. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much improve speed-wise with the swimming.
Great times on the 200s, too, btw.
I can't wait for May 13! :) love ya.
Congrats on the Healing Feet profile and the swimming stuff. Sounds like you're in for super fast progress. Can't wait till your May race, woohoo!!
Awesome stats for the week! I know how much you are enjoying the cross-training. And though running is our first love, having other areas to improve upon and excel in make it all fun! Enjoy!
Excited to hear how you get on in your sprint tri! We actually chatted at the start of the run girl half back in December (you beat me into 3rd place, I don't hold it against you :D) and I've been checking out your blog since then, it makes for good reading! Good luck!
I love to see that you are back to the track in shorter stuff! And the pool- oh, the agony of not breathing!!! ha!
You will rip up this race.
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