I just finished up 3 days of the most intense workouts of my life. FTP (functional threshold power) testing measures the maximum power one can sustain for one hour. Training zones are calculated from it. Day 1 I was tested on the bike, Day 2 was run, Day 3 was swim. All 3 days were [Read More]
How to Silence Your Inner Critic
Last week I was at the pool going through the motions of trying to swim when a coach approached. The Aquatic Director and Triathlon Swim Coach, actually. We talked about my goals (survive my first tri) and she asked to see my stroke. I swam out and most of the way back before I wigged [Read More]
Running, Running and a Hurricane
Vegas Baby: So registration opened and I pulled the trigger yesterday. Turns out it’s on our 17th wedding anniversary weekend so the Caveman is coming with me. Should be all kinds of fun. Not sure about the night race part. Past my bedtime. Plus how do you fuel pre-race? Hit up the Vegas buffet early [Read More]
Who’s Your Health Icon?
In my 30’s, I buckled down and put more effort into my health after watching my dad struggle with heart disease, bypass surgery, diabetes and obesity. Genetics? Yes, his parents and all of his sisters died from heart disease. One can’t help but think lifestyle plays a role as well, in fact we know it [Read More]
Thinking Out Loud: Random Stuff
Yesterday was a good day in the pool. No creepers. I’m no longer embarrassed by what the lifeguard may think as he watches me flail and snort. I seemed to go further in the 30 minutes I force, I mean allow myself to swim. 1150 meters. I need to swim 800 meters for Espirit de [Read More]
Changes to the Race Schedule
I’m not sure what it is about this year but my racing schedule seems to be in flux more than usual. I’m getting off to a later start than usual with no races until April, but given our ridiculous winter, that’s A-OK with me. Here’s how it’s looking now. Things in red were taken out. [Read More]
Currently: Love Edition
Time for a little update on what’s current around here: Books: Just all sorts of triathlon stuff. Movies: We had a date night last weekend. We saw American Sniper. Guess who picked that? It was good though. Speaking of movies, who’s going to see 50 Shades? Would it be weird if I went to see [Read More]
Own Your Awesome
I spoke to a running club the other day. It was fun to be among a group where everyone shares the same passion. What struck me though, was that so many of the runners, women especially, told me how ‘not fast’ they were. Almost all of them are Boston Qualifiers. I know speed is relative, [Read More]
Life Lessons Learned in the Pool
Did you ever think you were a certain kind of person until something proved you were not? That’s how I feel about swimming. I thought I was patient. Until swimming showed me how impatient I can be. I thought I was calm. Until I realized I was not exhaling fully under the water then coming [Read More]
Are You Your Own Troll?
I mentioned my gym troll a few weeks ago. And how she perplexed me, then ticked me off, and finally she amused me. I’ve also told you that when I started running, I made it my ‘no negativity’ zone. I visualize success, even if I don’t feel that way. I say nice things to myself. Call [Read More]