......my training plan officially starts. And now that I have an impoved pc, I can actually continue to post on here.
To say I'm not nervous to get going is completely untrue. I'm more than ready to start the training plan, and more than ready to commit to an actual plan, but perhaps I'm still in shock and awe of the whole thing to begin with. Time to get over that crap, right?
So what have I been up to? Well, winter weight was added over the holidays, as always. So my plan, along with my wife's, was to improve diet, and get into a better routine with working out.
Diet - Well we always loved protein shakes in the morning, and then real food in the evening. So we took this a step further, and were introduced to a very clean organic whey protein, along with a 'cleanse' product (don't get the wrong idea), as the focus was to drop a few pounds before really getting into the meat and potatoes of the training. And, we are really trying to avoid gluten! That is very challenging to say the least! We have had excellent results over the past couple months, and I am about 10 pounds away from the lowest I've been in all of my training the past 4+ years. We are feeling great, and ready to roll.
My wife kicked off her training plan about two weeks ago, and so far so good!
April 22nd, is the date for me. So I am ramping up the workouts now, listening to my body and not over doing it. There will be plenty of time to get bored with training this summer...no hurry on that.
Swimming: I have been maintain 2 swims per week, averaging about 2500-3000 yards per workout. It has been fun to mix up the workouts between long steady swims, and some interval sets. This will continue once I get in the plan, of course with an increase in yardage. I have noticed an issue with my right arm while swimming, as my hand and arm are extending down a bit more on my entry. This is common on the breathing side, but something I am consciously working on. In a 4200 yard swim, efficiency is the name of the game. I have been doing some research on swim times for IMWI. It seems like if a person can break an hour on the swim, they are in some pretty good company. I think I could potentially swim that time, but I fear blowing out in order to do it, and that does not equate to a good race for the remainder of the day. We'll see where the training takes me and some time trials.
Bike: Well.....I got tired of my 1.5 in a 58cm, as I was not comfortable, very extended, and frankly, desperate for some help. So...I did some shopping, and got a great fit on a new 2011 SC 7.5, all decked out. I'm very excited to get this out on the road and see what 'we' can do! In addition, I have continued to do the 20 week winter training through Emery's, our local bike shop. My wattage has increased a TON. It was an eye opening experience to know just how weak my legs were before. Though clearly still a below average power cyclist, I know I have improved and will continue to in time. It's been fun, 4 weeks to go, then onto the training plan! Good times ahead!
Run: Back in the Kayano's! And loving them. Sorry Newton's, my running form isn't going to change...that much. I have been maintaining at least two runs per week, 1 of the interval/negative split variety over 3-4 miles, and the second is a steady pace 6-8 mile run. Hmm, mixed feelings here. I think as the weather improves, and I get outside more, I will feel better. I'm nervous with how my running feels right now, but I am also comparing that to my marathon training from a year ago, which I was exclusively training for. Big difference.
Other news: The Donks have created and ordered new jerseys for 2014, which I had the pleasure of designing and taking on the ordering task! It's been fun, but will be glad when it's all over. Look out for the Crazy donkey jerseys....in bright new colors!
And because we don't have enough going on in our lives, why not add in remodeling of our house, which we are slowing getting done on our own. It's been interesting, but I really hope to have this behind us before the plan kicks off, or I fear we won't finish.
Last but not least, our kids are kicking off the baseball season shortly, oh, soccer too, and silly me, I couldn't stay away from coaching, again. This time, 2 teams. Assistance status though.
Anyhow, glad to back on here, and looking forward to the days, weeks, and months ahead!
Less than six months away!
Friday, March 14, 2014
Monday, November 18, 2013
Whewww, where have I been???
Wow, sorry 'bout that! I'm not really sure why I'm apologizing, perhaps it is to myself.
What have I been up to? Well, I had a couple weeks off of work, which I did some other 'work' in the great state of Colorado. It was a great experience and well worth my time.
While I was there, alone I might add, I had plenty of time to spend with the hotel treadmills in the evenings. The first week I was there I had the very best intentions to run everyday, but that quickly ended after the first couple runs on back to back evenings.
You see....my legs were ready to go, and my mind was ready to go, but for some reason my lungs decided they wanted nothing to do with this. Time to clue in there buddy....it's call the Mile High City for a reason.
Yeah, needless to say I blew off the notion of higher altitude training as nothing more than myth. My theory has been exposed, and gravely incorrect. Let's just say the burning in my lungs was alarming and did limit my progress.
However, by week two, my lungs were feeling much better and thus my runs were doing better.
What else. Let's see....oh yeah, our LBS is having registration night tonight for their 20 week winter bike training classes. I'm exciting to go check this out and hopefully sign up, but nervous because there is no way I can commit to every Wednesday evening. Either way I think it's a great idea to go bike with like minds/legs and get a good work out.
Otherwise nothing new. My weight is down from my two weeks away, and I'm very motivated to keep it that way. We are nearing the end of the year, so it's time to be sure I'm healthy, and my base training is where it needs to be. My training plan is still a couple months off, which is good, because I know I can improve just a hair more before kicking that off.
Until next time folks.......chow!
What have I been up to? Well, I had a couple weeks off of work, which I did some other 'work' in the great state of Colorado. It was a great experience and well worth my time.
While I was there, alone I might add, I had plenty of time to spend with the hotel treadmills in the evenings. The first week I was there I had the very best intentions to run everyday, but that quickly ended after the first couple runs on back to back evenings.
You see....my legs were ready to go, and my mind was ready to go, but for some reason my lungs decided they wanted nothing to do with this. Time to clue in there buddy....it's call the Mile High City for a reason.
Yeah, needless to say I blew off the notion of higher altitude training as nothing more than myth. My theory has been exposed, and gravely incorrect. Let's just say the burning in my lungs was alarming and did limit my progress.
However, by week two, my lungs were feeling much better and thus my runs were doing better.
What else. Let's see....oh yeah, our LBS is having registration night tonight for their 20 week winter bike training classes. I'm exciting to go check this out and hopefully sign up, but nervous because there is no way I can commit to every Wednesday evening. Either way I think it's a great idea to go bike with like minds/legs and get a good work out.
Otherwise nothing new. My weight is down from my two weeks away, and I'm very motivated to keep it that way. We are nearing the end of the year, so it's time to be sure I'm healthy, and my base training is where it needs to be. My training plan is still a couple months off, which is good, because I know I can improve just a hair more before kicking that off.
Until next time folks.......chow!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Where has the Time Gone???
Jeez, what's my excuse now? Yeah yeah, sorry 'bout that. You know, recently my (said 'Our Family's) schedule has been your typical one with multiple things occurring. That being said, workouts have continued to evolve, and typically have numbered at least 5 per week.
I have continued to do one swim workout per week, varying the work a bit. Recently, I've been doing more Swim/Kick/Pull sets to mix things up a bit. So, something like this: 500 warm up, building intensity the last 200. Then 200 x 12: Swim/Kick/Pull. I will then do a 500-750 continuous swim, with the last 100 very easy, as a cool down. Some other workouts I have been doing is: 400 warm up. 500 x 4, then a 200 cool down. And another one: 500 warm up. 200 swim, 100 kick, 200 pull, 100 kick, 200 swim, 100 kick, 200 pull, 100 kick, 200 swim. This set was brutal...just sayin.
Biking: I'm a wimp....too cold already to bike outside, so the bike is on the trainer. It is making it easy to get on the bike and go though. So, I have been averaging about 3 hours a week currently, just getting 'back in the saddle'. For the past couple of weeks, I have really concentrated on going to the big ring, hardest gear, and standing and just pumping continuously for several minutes, followed by spinning it out, and repeats. Good stuff.
Running: Consistancy is the theme here. I have been running 2-3 times a week. Typically I will do 3-4 miles and then lift weights one night. My next run will be an easy 4 miler, and finally trying to get in a 'track workout', which my wife and I try to do together. so far so good.
Diet: Again, my diet is better, but not what it needs to be next year when I kick the actual plan into gear. that will be hard for me at the time, so mentally I need to prepare for this.
Overall: I have noticed a fairly decent weight loss at this point, which is encouraging, but I do know I need to get a few more pounds off prior to starting my IM plan. Stay the course and keep doing what I'm doing and I should be fine. I have yet to step on a scale, and frankly it doesn't really matter anymore. I know how I feel when my weight is right. However, I can say that my legs are getting more muscular, and back side as well. Clothes are fitting different, and I can tell a difference in muscle tone. Lifting and biking, with some running has made progress! Yippee!
Until next time folks...."just keep swimming, swimming swimming...."
I have continued to do one swim workout per week, varying the work a bit. Recently, I've been doing more Swim/Kick/Pull sets to mix things up a bit. So, something like this: 500 warm up, building intensity the last 200. Then 200 x 12: Swim/Kick/Pull. I will then do a 500-750 continuous swim, with the last 100 very easy, as a cool down. Some other workouts I have been doing is: 400 warm up. 500 x 4, then a 200 cool down. And another one: 500 warm up. 200 swim, 100 kick, 200 pull, 100 kick, 200 swim, 100 kick, 200 pull, 100 kick, 200 swim. This set was brutal...just sayin.
Biking: I'm a wimp....too cold already to bike outside, so the bike is on the trainer. It is making it easy to get on the bike and go though. So, I have been averaging about 3 hours a week currently, just getting 'back in the saddle'. For the past couple of weeks, I have really concentrated on going to the big ring, hardest gear, and standing and just pumping continuously for several minutes, followed by spinning it out, and repeats. Good stuff.
Running: Consistancy is the theme here. I have been running 2-3 times a week. Typically I will do 3-4 miles and then lift weights one night. My next run will be an easy 4 miler, and finally trying to get in a 'track workout', which my wife and I try to do together. so far so good.
Diet: Again, my diet is better, but not what it needs to be next year when I kick the actual plan into gear. that will be hard for me at the time, so mentally I need to prepare for this.
Overall: I have noticed a fairly decent weight loss at this point, which is encouraging, but I do know I need to get a few more pounds off prior to starting my IM plan. Stay the course and keep doing what I'm doing and I should be fine. I have yet to step on a scale, and frankly it doesn't really matter anymore. I know how I feel when my weight is right. However, I can say that my legs are getting more muscular, and back side as well. Clothes are fitting different, and I can tell a difference in muscle tone. Lifting and biking, with some running has made progress! Yippee!
Until next time folks...."just keep swimming, swimming swimming...."
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Highs and Lows of a Weekend
It's another Monday.....and the Packers lost yesterday. Yes, I'm one of 'those guys', who follow each and every play the Packers. There is always something a bit 'off' when the Packers lose.
Anywhooooo. The weekend was....interesting shall we say. Unfortunately.....or perhaps fortunately, my weekend started a bit early, as one of my son's became ill, so I had the afternoon off, home with him. This provided a great opportunity to get on the bike for a couple hours via the trainer.
I know it's only September and the weather is still decent, but my wife and I both have discovered that getting outside to bike with younger children just doesn't work for us. So...we have the trainer. I cannot recommend this piece of equipment enough to each and every person that does triathlon, or cycling in general. The hours that are logged here are priceless, and in turn allow for a solid base of biking leading into next season.
Saturday was a family day, full of football and home projects, which didn't allow for a workout. I was bummed about this, but sometimes I need to just put it aside, and deal with the project at hand.
Sunday though, we had a great Church service, with a well known singer by the name of Peter Eide. It was very enlightning, and I truly appreciate a good service. Sticking with our Sunday routine, we all get out to the YMCA, and we did the swim switch....me and the boys while my wife swam and vice versa.
I felt better in the pool yesterday, so things are coming together. My arms we doing well, more lively. My breathing....mehhh, not so good. Things felt tight, and each breath felt uncoordinated. This happens everyonce in awhile, so I'm not concerned about it. Swimming is my gig, so it will be fine. Stay the course, monitor my stroke count per lap (16-18 is my happy place) and keep working it.
Things coming up: I have no schedules races in the near future....which I'm okay with. Last year, I did a marathon in May, so my training was very run focused for a several months prior. My running vastly improved, but my biking turned for the worse. So I'm really focusing on staying balanced with my workouts, seeking improvement in perceived exertion, and listening to my body. This is the time build my core and my base......and not get to crazy worried about race specific type training. There will be plenty of that in 2014.
I still struggle with the idea that I actually signed up for IMWI. Almost, an 'awe shucks' type of feel to it. One of my concerns continues to be my wife and kids on race day. There is a boat load of logistics she will need to navigate through for the day. Food, tired kids, keeping track of me (she still is my biggest fan), as well as any other friends and relatives that may be around. She claims she isn't worried about it, but I can't ignore it. I want them to be safe and happy...first and foremost. We have some great Donkey friends that will be there as well, who have done IMWI a couple times. I am willing to bet they are going to pitch in and help as well....just like they always do. Thank you all in advance.
Well anyhow.....stay the course, and get over the humps of a weird weekend.
Anywhooooo. The weekend was....interesting shall we say. Unfortunately.....or perhaps fortunately, my weekend started a bit early, as one of my son's became ill, so I had the afternoon off, home with him. This provided a great opportunity to get on the bike for a couple hours via the trainer.
I know it's only September and the weather is still decent, but my wife and I both have discovered that getting outside to bike with younger children just doesn't work for us. So...we have the trainer. I cannot recommend this piece of equipment enough to each and every person that does triathlon, or cycling in general. The hours that are logged here are priceless, and in turn allow for a solid base of biking leading into next season.
Saturday was a family day, full of football and home projects, which didn't allow for a workout. I was bummed about this, but sometimes I need to just put it aside, and deal with the project at hand.
Sunday though, we had a great Church service, with a well known singer by the name of Peter Eide. It was very enlightning, and I truly appreciate a good service. Sticking with our Sunday routine, we all get out to the YMCA, and we did the swim switch....me and the boys while my wife swam and vice versa.
I felt better in the pool yesterday, so things are coming together. My arms we doing well, more lively. My breathing....mehhh, not so good. Things felt tight, and each breath felt uncoordinated. This happens everyonce in awhile, so I'm not concerned about it. Swimming is my gig, so it will be fine. Stay the course, monitor my stroke count per lap (16-18 is my happy place) and keep working it.
Things coming up: I have no schedules races in the near future....which I'm okay with. Last year, I did a marathon in May, so my training was very run focused for a several months prior. My running vastly improved, but my biking turned for the worse. So I'm really focusing on staying balanced with my workouts, seeking improvement in perceived exertion, and listening to my body. This is the time build my core and my base......and not get to crazy worried about race specific type training. There will be plenty of that in 2014.
I still struggle with the idea that I actually signed up for IMWI. Almost, an 'awe shucks' type of feel to it. One of my concerns continues to be my wife and kids on race day. There is a boat load of logistics she will need to navigate through for the day. Food, tired kids, keeping track of me (she still is my biggest fan), as well as any other friends and relatives that may be around. She claims she isn't worried about it, but I can't ignore it. I want them to be safe and happy...first and foremost. We have some great Donkey friends that will be there as well, who have done IMWI a couple times. I am willing to bet they are going to pitch in and help as well....just like they always do. Thank you all in advance.
Well anyhow.....stay the course, and get over the humps of a weird weekend.
Monday, September 16, 2013
First Swim Since.......um.....
So you know how I might have mentioned I slacked off since my last race in July (sans a brief panic workout prior to a Duathlon Relay - which I choked on)? Well, yesterday, Sunday, was a great opportuntity for our family to get back into our Sunday Routine. A couple years ago we began doing this routine on Sunday mornings: Church at 8:00 (AM folks, stick with me here), then head to the Y after and swim. What is really cool about this is, the Y has a family pool area with a zero depth for the younger boys, and of course the lap pool. So my wife and I would switch off watching the boys while the other would get their swim training in. The kids had a blast at the same time, got some exercise, AND....we'd be home by noon to watch football!!!
Well yesterday was the first time back in the pool since July. Expectations were realistic....see how I feel and go from there. It's WAY too early in the IMWI 2014 year to panic over silly little things as this. So my wife swam first, and my boys wanted to hang out in the lap pool area, after they did their "swim test" with the lifeguard. This was a great opportunity to work on technique with my wife, and she was really doing well in the water! WAY TO GO!!!! She's planning on doing a HIM this next season, so her swimming needs to improve a bit. She's aware of it, and is willing to work hard on it.
After she got done, it was my turn. I had planned to swim a mile today, just to 'get my feet wet' (it's okay...laugh, that was funny right there). The 500 yard warm up, which I typically build in pace showed exactly what I thought. Cardio is A OK.....but my arms were not ready for this. My technique was getting slopping because of it, so time to change up the plan. I went to 10 x 50 on 20 second rest....nothing too hard, but wanted a nice consistant workout to keep my arms moving. It turns out I started off around 45-50/50 meters for the first 5, and was able to drop this to 40 seconds/50 on the final 5....and feeling pretty good.
I finished up with a 750 steady swim, throwing in some breaststroke when my arms were fatiguing, but maintaining my motto of "just keep swimming, swimming swimming...." (Thanks Dory!).
All and all, it felt okay. I know I need about 6 consistant swims to get back to feeling better.
My body is feeling a change with the recent workouts, things are coming back, so that's a good thing. I just need to stay consistant and keep my eye on the prize.
So, I just thought of something that comes up a lot with training plans and swimming. A lot of plans have swim work outs that get rather complex. Novice swimmers don't understand this stuff. Sure, go join a Master's Swim group......easier said than done. Being a swimming since the age of 6, I would like to think that I have some insight into this component of triathlon....so I'm going to share.
1. Technique - I whole heartedly agree that good technique in swimming is the most important component. Find someone that knows this, and can help a person out.
2. Early swim workouts - THIS is the time to work on technique, and use those elaborate sets. A nice 500 meter warm up. Follow that with a ladder of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 500, 200, 150, 100, 75, 50, 25. Then put in a 5 x 100, and finish with a 400 cool down. That's the time to do it.
3. Summer or 'in season' Swim Workouts - When you are getting to the peak workout season, nearing those races - this is the chance to do long swims. I'm talking about something like this: 500 warm up. 1500 x 3 main set, 500 cool down. Here's why: You are thinking 'race ready' at this point. Go long, and when you get fatigued, focus on your technique and know what is feels like. Compensate, refocus and get through it. Come race day...you won't have the option of stopping the 'set', you need to know how it's going to feel, and get through it.
I am a FOP swimming, and I am really shooting for about 1:00 to 1:05 at IMWI next year. I'd love to break an hour, but we'll see how my swimming goes. I also don't want to blow out in the swim either.
Anyhow...my thoughts for the day. I won't get into the brutal hill workout my wife suckered me into on Saturday either....but the benefits were great...thanks babe!
Well yesterday was the first time back in the pool since July. Expectations were realistic....see how I feel and go from there. It's WAY too early in the IMWI 2014 year to panic over silly little things as this. So my wife swam first, and my boys wanted to hang out in the lap pool area, after they did their "swim test" with the lifeguard. This was a great opportunity to work on technique with my wife, and she was really doing well in the water! WAY TO GO!!!! She's planning on doing a HIM this next season, so her swimming needs to improve a bit. She's aware of it, and is willing to work hard on it.
After she got done, it was my turn. I had planned to swim a mile today, just to 'get my feet wet' (it's okay...laugh, that was funny right there). The 500 yard warm up, which I typically build in pace showed exactly what I thought. Cardio is A OK.....but my arms were not ready for this. My technique was getting slopping because of it, so time to change up the plan. I went to 10 x 50 on 20 second rest....nothing too hard, but wanted a nice consistant workout to keep my arms moving. It turns out I started off around 45-50/50 meters for the first 5, and was able to drop this to 40 seconds/50 on the final 5....and feeling pretty good.
I finished up with a 750 steady swim, throwing in some breaststroke when my arms were fatiguing, but maintaining my motto of "just keep swimming, swimming swimming...." (Thanks Dory!).
All and all, it felt okay. I know I need about 6 consistant swims to get back to feeling better.
My body is feeling a change with the recent workouts, things are coming back, so that's a good thing. I just need to stay consistant and keep my eye on the prize.
So, I just thought of something that comes up a lot with training plans and swimming. A lot of plans have swim work outs that get rather complex. Novice swimmers don't understand this stuff. Sure, go join a Master's Swim group......easier said than done. Being a swimming since the age of 6, I would like to think that I have some insight into this component of triathlon....so I'm going to share.
1. Technique - I whole heartedly agree that good technique in swimming is the most important component. Find someone that knows this, and can help a person out.
2. Early swim workouts - THIS is the time to work on technique, and use those elaborate sets. A nice 500 meter warm up. Follow that with a ladder of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 500, 200, 150, 100, 75, 50, 25. Then put in a 5 x 100, and finish with a 400 cool down. That's the time to do it.
3. Summer or 'in season' Swim Workouts - When you are getting to the peak workout season, nearing those races - this is the chance to do long swims. I'm talking about something like this: 500 warm up. 1500 x 3 main set, 500 cool down. Here's why: You are thinking 'race ready' at this point. Go long, and when you get fatigued, focus on your technique and know what is feels like. Compensate, refocus and get through it. Come race day...you won't have the option of stopping the 'set', you need to know how it's going to feel, and get through it.
I am a FOP swimming, and I am really shooting for about 1:00 to 1:05 at IMWI next year. I'd love to break an hour, but we'll see how my swimming goes. I also don't want to blow out in the swim either.
Anyhow...my thoughts for the day. I won't get into the brutal hill workout my wife suckered me into on Saturday either....but the benefits were great...thanks babe!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Keeping in Touch with Family
Another day of the week whipping past, and as we all deal with on a daily basis, it's the constant battle of maintaining that balance of family, work, social, and training aspects. Perhaps this is a good though, it more or less 'keeps us on our toes'.
Last night for instance, was a great example of how my wife and I have learned to include our training into our family's events. Our oldest had a Cross Country Meet last night....his first ever I might add. Well obviously we wanted to be there for it. So, let's do a little coordination of schedules and see how we can do this.
Easy enough, I was able to get home from work, change quickly and run the 3 or so miles (based on time) to the meet. My wife, who gets done with work after me typically, was able to drive there right from work, and we happened to run into each other as we were cheering on our oldest.
Being his first CC Meet, and mine too for that matter, there were some struggles with logistics....certainly not his attitude. We were so very proud of his run, and his improvement. Everyday he comes home from practice and announces his improvement, AND how much better he is feeling. To see that genuine excitement is his eyes and smile....priceless. Cheers to a great start and continued individual success.
Okay, so...our son finishes his meet, and time to run home. I took the long route, and my legs said enough after a couple miles. They were just fatigued from running, biking and lifting this week.....to be expected.
So I got home, and my wife was changing and getting ready to head out running, and get this, with our two younger boys who are going to bike with her. Boom.....success! We all got our workouts in, more or less to the quality we wanted, and our kids were involved and enjoying.
Many people have told us we are crazy for working out and competing the way we do because, "...it's so time consuming!" YEP, it is....BUT, you can make it work with your family and include them in ways 'outside the box'. One of our boys favorite things to do is go to the park near our house while we run a monster hill. They are happy, we are doing our thing, and more times than not, they end up joining us.
The point being, IM Training is going to take time out of my life....I'm not dumb to that point. But I will find a way to incorporate my training into our lives, with some sacrifices along the way. Add in the benefit of having a GINORMOUS amount of PTO time which will be used next summer during my peak training, and this can and will happen.
Team Work....begins in each family.
Last night for instance, was a great example of how my wife and I have learned to include our training into our family's events. Our oldest had a Cross Country Meet last night....his first ever I might add. Well obviously we wanted to be there for it. So, let's do a little coordination of schedules and see how we can do this.
Easy enough, I was able to get home from work, change quickly and run the 3 or so miles (based on time) to the meet. My wife, who gets done with work after me typically, was able to drive there right from work, and we happened to run into each other as we were cheering on our oldest.
Being his first CC Meet, and mine too for that matter, there were some struggles with logistics....certainly not his attitude. We were so very proud of his run, and his improvement. Everyday he comes home from practice and announces his improvement, AND how much better he is feeling. To see that genuine excitement is his eyes and smile....priceless. Cheers to a great start and continued individual success.
Okay, so...our son finishes his meet, and time to run home. I took the long route, and my legs said enough after a couple miles. They were just fatigued from running, biking and lifting this week.....to be expected.
So I got home, and my wife was changing and getting ready to head out running, and get this, with our two younger boys who are going to bike with her. Boom.....success! We all got our workouts in, more or less to the quality we wanted, and our kids were involved and enjoying.
Many people have told us we are crazy for working out and competing the way we do because, "...it's so time consuming!" YEP, it is....BUT, you can make it work with your family and include them in ways 'outside the box'. One of our boys favorite things to do is go to the park near our house while we run a monster hill. They are happy, we are doing our thing, and more times than not, they end up joining us.
The point being, IM Training is going to take time out of my life....I'm not dumb to that point. But I will find a way to incorporate my training into our lives, with some sacrifices along the way. Add in the benefit of having a GINORMOUS amount of PTO time which will be used next summer during my peak training, and this can and will happen.
Team Work....begins in each family.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Getting a Plan in Mind
It's now a couple day's post-IMWI 2014 registeration, and yep, still in the shock stage of things. Being the Type A kind of person, along with my wife I might add, I have spent quite a bit of time in the past day putting thoughts down on paper on what my goals are for the next week, month, several months etc.
First and foremost, I needed to get back at working out. After my 1/2 Iron in July, I found every excuse in the book not to work out, and it showed. I gained quite a bit of weight and lost my Tri fit quickly. Over the course of the past week I started getting back on the bike and running, and it isn't good....BUT...I am noticing improvement, which is encouraging.
Last night I went to the YMCA, a place that has NOT been in my life for a couple months. I jumped on a treadmill and knocked out 2 miles, and physically felt fine. Mentally? BORED. I forgot just how boring treadmills are. No worries, though, I just finished the run on the track, another 2 miles, and was really focusing on keeping my eyes up, focused forward, and my core upright and tight. Good run, great sweat. Now, time to hit the weights.
My events this past year seemed to have been dogged by poor biking during my events. I didn't log as many miles this year as last year, and, unfortunately, my eating habits contributed to several extra pounds. The result: Fat man on a little bike....bad juju.
So in an effort to get more lean mass, I am going to combine some high rep weight lifting into my training plan. I have a 'thick' body type to begin with, so I was always concerned about lifting and turning into that NFL Linebacker. But with plenty of research done, I think it is more than possible to lean up. So yes, I worked my legs and core and arms, things that should contribute to better overall fit. Felt great too.
Well, today is my off day for working out, which was planned. I wanted to see how I felt after lifting, and I am happy to report, just minor soreness. One of my sons has football practice tonight right after a doctor visit, so there just won't be any time to workout this evening. Thursday though...yep, time to get after it again.
Nutrician: My wife and I made an agreement: 1. No ETOH consumption during the week. 2. No snacking after dinner. If we get hungry, we drink more water, and 3. Clean up our meals and eat more salads, loaded with proteins. Stay away from Carbs. I have not weighed myself, mostly out of fear, but I can tell clothes are fitting better already just in a couple days. I have the ability to lose (and gain) weight quickly, so losing 10 in a week is certainly possible. Perhaps I'll actually get on a scale next week just to further motivate me.
That's it for now though!
First and foremost, I needed to get back at working out. After my 1/2 Iron in July, I found every excuse in the book not to work out, and it showed. I gained quite a bit of weight and lost my Tri fit quickly. Over the course of the past week I started getting back on the bike and running, and it isn't good....BUT...I am noticing improvement, which is encouraging.
Last night I went to the YMCA, a place that has NOT been in my life for a couple months. I jumped on a treadmill and knocked out 2 miles, and physically felt fine. Mentally? BORED. I forgot just how boring treadmills are. No worries, though, I just finished the run on the track, another 2 miles, and was really focusing on keeping my eyes up, focused forward, and my core upright and tight. Good run, great sweat. Now, time to hit the weights.
My events this past year seemed to have been dogged by poor biking during my events. I didn't log as many miles this year as last year, and, unfortunately, my eating habits contributed to several extra pounds. The result: Fat man on a little bike....bad juju.
So in an effort to get more lean mass, I am going to combine some high rep weight lifting into my training plan. I have a 'thick' body type to begin with, so I was always concerned about lifting and turning into that NFL Linebacker. But with plenty of research done, I think it is more than possible to lean up. So yes, I worked my legs and core and arms, things that should contribute to better overall fit. Felt great too.
Well, today is my off day for working out, which was planned. I wanted to see how I felt after lifting, and I am happy to report, just minor soreness. One of my sons has football practice tonight right after a doctor visit, so there just won't be any time to workout this evening. Thursday though...yep, time to get after it again.
Nutrician: My wife and I made an agreement: 1. No ETOH consumption during the week. 2. No snacking after dinner. If we get hungry, we drink more water, and 3. Clean up our meals and eat more salads, loaded with proteins. Stay away from Carbs. I have not weighed myself, mostly out of fear, but I can tell clothes are fitting better already just in a couple days. I have the ability to lose (and gain) weight quickly, so losing 10 in a week is certainly possible. Perhaps I'll actually get on a scale next week just to further motivate me.
That's it for now though!
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