Day Thirty-Two

Bike

We headed up to Marin for our ride.  The ride started off BORING!  We were following bike route signs and were just riding through town.  We were stopping at nearly ever block for a stop sign.  It was slow and frustrating.  The plan was to ride for 2:15, but at one hour - almost our turning around spot - we had just reached the beginning of getting out of town and into the open space.  We climbed for another ten or so minutes and then stopped on the road to turn around.  We were both annoyed that we would have to go back through town.  I was annoyed, but ready to head back.  Ryan pulled out the map and showed me how we could reroute our trip up and over the climb we were on, then over Mt Tam to ridge crest rd and down and around back to Mill Valley (Thank you Rod Mowbray for raising a son nearly as crazy as you, and Kami- only you expect and understand that of course these guys would not head back through town when there is a climb we could conquer).  I was not excited about this idea, but reluctantly went along with it.  The climb up to the ridge crest was great.  I was going at my slow pace, but I felt good and I was impressed that I was able to do this climb that had always sounded too hard to want to try.  Once we got to the top we did ridge crest, which has the seven sisters.  I felt great for the first 3 or 4 but then ahhhh tired legs.  These seven sisters are much harder than I anticipated.  I have heard them also referred to as the Seven Bitches and that will be the name I will forever call them.  You just finish with this challenging climb up Bolinas Fairfax just to do these seven short power climbs.  They almost did me in.  I actually had to stop and take a break on one of them. But I made it and am happy that we did the longer route.  The ride went from 2:15 to 3:30, but that is great because my foot is sore and I might rest it tomorrow skipping my run.

Day Thirty-One

Swim Run

Swam this am, nice and early.  Last night I knew that today I would not want to wake up today and swim, and this morning I did not want to go swimming.  It was my first day of really considering not going.  But if I miss today, maybe I will not want to go next week and it would just get easier and easier not to follow through with the plan.  So I went swimming.  I forgot my watch, which is how I count laps.  It is very difficult for me to remember what lap number I am on.  I may have swam twice as far today because I was sure I was not going to short myself.  It was nice when I was finished and of course I was happy that I woke up and swam.

Ran this afternoon.  Just 40 minutes with Ryan and Samara.  It was a nice day, but since my legs were still sore from my ride yesterday, I took it easy.  I did just enough to check off that I ran today.  Good enough for a Friday!

Day Thirty

Bike

I went out for an hour and 15 minute ride after work.  Since my first sprint triathlon states that the bike is 'very tough' I decided to throw in some climbing... something I have been avoiding.  Ryan mapped out a course for me with a moderate climb and an easy descent.  The climbing was great.  Feels good to push yourself and struggle uphill, even if the speed ranges from 3.7-4.5mph.  It was warm out so I was literally dripping sweat which reminds me of why I like the bike.  But once I made it to the top I remembered why I do not like the bike.  The 'easy descent' that Ryan set up was on a one lane road that drops off (on the side I am riding) down a cliff.  Easy descent?!?  What!  I was going slower down than I would on the flats.  I was actually going so slow that when another rider was coming up we were able to have a back and forth and back again conversation.  Sheesh!  My brake hand was killing me by the end of it.

I must continue to work on being comfortable on the bike...this may be a life long goal and the rate I am going.  Overall it was a nice ride, felt good to climb.

Day Twenty-Nine

Swim Bike

Got my swim in early.  The pool is getting a little more crowded as the weather improves.  Longer swim than normal.  This week they added 9 sprints, which were fun.  Finished just at 7, when it closes.  I guess as they lengthen my workout I need to account for that and not hit snooze.

Ran at the gym.  47 minutes, weird number with 11 x 30 second sprints.  Felt good.  I almost twisted my ankle on the treadmill, can you imagine how embarrassing that would have been??

Took the dog out for a nice walk at the beach after.  Great training day.

Day Twenty-Eight

Rest Day!

A needed rest day!  A little yoga, a lot of rest!

I picked up a recovery drink at Sports Basement.  I am giving in to the artificial, science based, recovery drinks, hopefully it will help my muscles recover quicker.

Day Twenty-Seven

Swim Bike Run

My first day to do all three sports in one day.  It is also the first day that the pool by my house is open on Sunday, perfect!  The pool opens at 8, I knew I needed to eat before my mini fake triathlon so I woke up at 630 to have some peanut butter toast and hopped back in bed, letting my food digest until 730 when I got up.  Since I have not recovered much during my recovery week Ryan had me try the new Gatorade Prime, pre workout 'fuel.'  I have been reluctant to use any of these processed products, wanting to eat whole natural foods, but I need some energy and mixing dates, honey and molasses does not seem like it will do the trick.

My swim was a normal distance (1900 yards), felt great, but swims always feel great.  Then I got on the trainer for an hour.  It was nasty out, so the trainer is easier than having to clean up my bike after, it is also better work.  Then I went for a 20 minute run.  It was great!  I finally felt like I had some strength!  Encouraging way for me to end the week!