10 Laps in 5 Pairs

This morning I met Jacque at the Aquatic Center. This was her first time to do 50 meter laps as one length. She's been training at the Y and they are set up for 25 ft. She did really well. My original goal was to do 6 laps non-stop. Instead, I did 5pairs with a break in between. I think that if I keep this up for about a week that I can progress to 3 non-stop laps for a while. I'll increase from there.
I'm feeling better and better about the swimming component.

A Walking Adventure

Bob on the Way Back

Bob took off from work today and invited me to walk with him at the new Sugar Land Memorial park. The path had nicely packed crushed granite, but there was no shelter from the sun. It was a beautiful breezy day without a cloud in the sky. I figured we would walk for about 45 minutes to an hour, but as we turned the curve at the far east end of the path, we spotted the Brazos River. We decided to go and explore and wound up walking along a crude path on the high side of the river bank. It ran through the woods. We had walked for about 20 minutes when the footpath narrowed. We foolishly thought it was a temporary condition and ended up in a very bristled, brushy area with lots of poison ivy. Not a good situation when you're wearing shorts. We turned around and made it out without any damage (I think). Our total walk took one hour and forty minutes.

Swimming Progress!

This morning I did 10 laps at the Aquatic Center. What was really exciting is that although they were not done back to back, 6 of those laps were without stopping. I have figured out that stopping and catching my breath is more psychological than physical. Especially since I was able to limit the time when I did stop to just 20 seconds. I also practiced switching lanes. It will probably turn out to be easier than I am making it.
I left feeling encouraged that I will be ready for the swimming component by Tri time.

40 Minutes on the Bike

This morning was my first ride in 2 weeks. Unfortunately, all of the work "numbing" my butt has been lost. I am pretty sore again. I had intended to ride for over an hour, but only made it for 40 minutes. I'll have to get more saddle time in during the week instead of depending on longer rides. Bob is going to loan me his "trainer", so I can spin at home.

10 Laps at the Aquatic Center

My swimming is getting faster, but I'm still having troubling with the timing of my breaths. My first lap was 1 minute 15 seconds, the fastest ever. The balance of the laps were between 1:30 and 1:40, still faster than usual, but I had to stop for at least a minute in between each 50 meters. I've been able to keep my head down and take breaths from the side, but I'm still doing something wrong - not sure what. I guess it's time for professional help!

30 Minutes Brisk Walking

I was able to get 30 minutes in this morning. It felt like summer was here already. The pesky geese are back in full force but they left me alone.

6 Laps

I always have an early meeting on Tuesday, so I rarely get to train. Today I had some time in the early evening, so I went to the Aquatic center. The swim team had taken over the entire pool except for one lane. There were eight of us in the open lane - I guess I got a taste of what Tri day will be like.

30 Minutes Swimming

I woke up with a migraine on Sunday and didn't make it out to ride. This morning I swam laps (6.5) and exercised in the water at the Aquatic Center. My form is improving. I'm still having a little trouble keeping my head down in the water, but my timing for breathing is improving.

30 Minutes Walking

The weather was really nice this morning. I wish I could have made my walk longer, but I was only able to get 30 minutes in. I have a pretty hectic schedule on Friday and Saturday, but Susan and I are going to meet and do a long ride on Sunday.

6 Laps at the Aquatic Center

I had wanted to do more, but I had a migraine yesterday and was pretty tired this morning. I know that part of my headache problem has to do with not getting my head and neck down into the water. A very nice women who is a member of the Fort Bend Masters gave me a few tips this morning that helped me with my breathing and ultimately got my head in the water. I did manage to get 6 laps in.

8 Laps at the Aquatic Center

It was quite chilly this morning (in the 50's) and the water was not as warm as usual, but I managed to do 8 laps this time. I used my new goggles, but found them to be a pain. I guess I have to get used to them. I tried to keep my head down and follow some of the techniques in the training video I watched last night. That, too, will take some getting used to.

30 Minutes on the Bike

It was breezy and cool when I went out this morning. I kept thinking about Bob and the MS150 riders having to deal with even stronger winds plus hills. I knew that what I was experiencing was nothing close.

40 Minutes Walking With Intervals

Today I walked for 40 minutes, with intermittent intervals of either running or speed walking. It's amazing how hard it was. The last time I did any running at all was at the Houston Marathon in January.

300 Meter Swim

This morning I went to the Aquatic center to swim. I used a few techniques that I had read about at Ontri.com, an online Tri community. They seemed to help. One suggestion in particular was to roll to the side with each stroke http://www.ontri.com/swimmingform.html . I swam 6 laps (300 meters),taking breaks in-between. Hopefully I'll be able to progress to shorter or no breaks. I'm going to try to swim again tomorrow.

40 Minutes Walking Intervals

Tonight I did intervals, walking brisky and then speeding up for 20 to 30 seconds at a time. I need to get my swimming in, soon.

9 Miles Cycling with Bob

Bob and I after our Ride

Today I had a special treat. Since this was a taper weekend for Bob, we rode together this afternoon. We met on one of the neighborhood greenbelts and cycled for over an hour. It was great to catch up. The time went really fast, and although I did not break any records for speed, it's clear that the 10 mile portion fo the TRI will not be a problem. It's my swimming that needs attention.

300 Meters

When I arrived at the Aquatic Center this morning the ropes were switched to 50 meter lanes. Yikes, I was surprised, but ready for the challenge.Although I rested in between each 50, I managed to complete 300 meters. My times got faster for my second through 4th laps, but then reverted to my first lap speed. At least I seem to be making progress.

30 Minutes Walking

I didn't make it to the pool today. I did get out, walking briskly for 30 minutes. There was so much pollen everywhere - tassles everywhere.