10 Laps at the Aquatic Center

I purchased an Aqua-Vee system, designed to attach to one's pool tiles and convert it into an Olympic size pool. The concept is great, however, the suction cups don't want to stick to my tile. There is an alternative - adding adhesive squares to create a different texture. I don't want to damage my pool, and much to my disappointment, I'm sending it back.
I woke up with a migraine and almost didn't go swim. But I did go to the Aquatic Center, did a 2 lap warm-up, 6 laps and then a 2 lap cool down. The cold water really helped my head.

This Was Zero Week

Wisdom dictates that an athlete should rest after major competitive events. I, however, decided to take it easy, but did not curtail all activity. On Monday I took a leisurely 30 minute walk; Tuesday I spun for 15 minutes and on Wednesday I did 6 laps with breaks in between. On Thursday, I did 1:00/1:00 intervals for 30 minutes and on Friday I did 14 laps in the 25 yard pool. This morning I met Bob and Sherry at Oyster Creek. They did 4.5 miles, but I left after 3.5 miles.

I was really pleased that I had absolutley no pain at any point after the TRI. I attribute this to the Sweat It Out shorts that I bought which are designed to minimize thigh and hip strain. Sweat It Out

I start my NY training this week. I'm looking forward to the race, but not the long runs in heat of the summer. I guess that's the price we pay for nice winters!

I Did it! My First Tri in Under 2 hours!

Waiting for my turn to swim

I thought I had achieved my two goals - to finish in under 2 hours and to not be last (I thought I was 3rd from last). I just checked the results and I was DAL - Dead A** Last. Either the 2 ladies who came in after me didn't have chips, or they finished their swims and bike rides faster than I. It was probably the latter. I was #248. #246 and #247 had longer run times and swim times, but much faster bike times. My times broke down as follows: 9:50.5 swim; 50:03 bike and 44:44.6 run for a total of 1:50:04. The Tri was a great experience.

Bob picked me and my bike up at 5:30am and we headed to the Aquatic Center. He even had "Old Red" cleaned up! It was just like any race day except he didn't get to participate since this was a Women's Only Tri.

The TRI was well run and everyone was really nice. While we were in line to get into the pool, the women were talking about not wanting to slow down the people behind us.

While I was on line, I kept looking for Stan. He hadn't realized that we were split into odd and even groups. He finally made it and took almost all of the photos, except for the one in chute, which was taken by Rachel.

I wound up passing one lady and another passed me.

I was amazed that I was as calm as I was this morning for the entire time before the race. I did have some issues once I started my swim. There was so much splashing and adrenaline, that I lost my breathing rhythm and struggled a bit for the first lap. My goggles were also leaking, so that made it a bit unpleasant. But by the 3rd lap, I gave myself a good "talking to" and straightened up my act. By the the 4th through 6 laps, I did fine. When it was time to get out of the pool, the helpers who were supposed to heave us out, did not. So I managed to pull myself out (only bruising my knee a little) and get going.



Me in the Pink and Purple Cap, Second Lane

My transition wasn't too bad - I took my time and used body glide on my feet before putting my socks and shoes on. What I failed to do was check my gear settings. When I got on my bike (at about 13 minutes), the pedals would not move. I finally figured out that the derailleur was in the 1 position and needed to be in 2. I got that fixed and took off. I finished the bike part faster than I had thought, but still felt like a slug. I thought I was the last one in, but it turned out there were still some people behind me.

 End of Bike Ride - almost in

When I got into the transition area and put my bike on the rack, the whole rack came tumbling down, my bike and all the other bikes with it. I screamed for help and a volunteer came over. We couldn't get it set back up. I asked if it could take off for my run and he said, "Go!", so I did.

In the Chute, Almost to the Finish Line

It took me until mile 1 before I could start running. I did 1:00/1:00 intervals and switched to intermittent ones, running as I could. It was great to have all of my TriPsyclone and Fort Bend Fit buddies cheering for me at the Finish Line. What a great feeling and the bling was nice too!

First Timers Finishers Medal

Jacque, Me and Susan - Numbers 233 thru 235, After the Race

Jorge, Carolyn, Me and Jacque After the Race

What did I like most about the experience? Cross-training really made a difference for me, as I have been able to tone-up. And I loved having the mixed feelings of excitement and anticipation that only come with doing something new.

Will I do it again? You bet!

25 Minutes Walking Leisurely

Less than 24 hours until tomorrow's big day. I feel much more comfortable now that I understand how the swim start will work. We will jump in the water during the 10 second gap between swimmers and be ready to take off when alerted.

I did a leisurely walk this morning around the lake.

6 Laps

Jacque, Susan and I met at the Aquatic Center. Patricia joined us. My TRI-mates and I did laps, with rests in-between. We also counted off 10 seconds between our starts to simulate the race. We are as ready as we are going to be.

We picked up our race packets yesterday. Jacque is #233, I'm 234 and Susan is 235. They are separating odds and evens, so we will be on different sides of the pool.

30 Minutes Spinning/30 Minutes Walking

This is a taper week, but I thought I needed to get a "ride" in before Sunday since my cycling hasn't quite been up to par. I did one minute in each gear up and down until I hit 30 minutes, then got off the bike and walked for 30 minutes. It took me about 5 minutes to gain full control of my legs. My plan on Sunday will be to walk until I feel strong enough to do intervals.
I'll pick up my race packet today. 3 days!!!!

8 Laps at the Aquatic Center

Yesterday was crazy and when I was finally ready to get out there was thunder and lightening. This morning I did 8 laps and the Aquatic Center. I will spin for 30 minutes in the morning and try to get a 30 minute walk in. Just 4 days to go.

10 Laps a Little Faster

I reviewed an article on swimming technique for TRIs that I had found early in my training. I couldn't really relate to it when I first read it, but this time it made sense. I incorporated the suggestions for lengthening and rotating my core and shaved 20 seconds off my 300 meter time. It's a little late in the game for this, but I will try to practice it for the rest of the week. This is a taper week so I'll be cutting back on my activities. 6 days and counting.

14 Miles on the Bike

Bob and I left from my house at 7:30am and did 14 miles. We covered a good portion of the TRI's 10 mile bike course. This time I worked my gears the correct way and made it up and down the "hills" with a little more ease. When we got back we walked for about a half mile. I can see that it will take at least 10 minutes to get my legs going.It's hard to believe the TRI is just a week away.

14 laps in a 25 yard pool

Today I was attending a conference. I didn't think I would be able to get any exercise in, but I was able to slip out and into the hotel pool. I did 14 laps of 25 yards each.

10 More Laps

I was going to make today a rest day, but I have a confernce on Friday and Saturday and know I won't get to train. I decided I needed to do something today and chose swimming. I'm planning to get a 12 to 14 mile ride in on Sunday.

10 Laps

I did 10 laps at the Aquatic Center. They've been cooling down the water for the swim team and it was pretty chilly at first. I have to admit that it felt pretty good after a few laps.

11.5 Miles Cycling

I went out on my bike around 9:00am. I road down to Commonwealth (part of the TRI route)and as I progressed I decided that I would go to Sugar Cycles and have my tires worked on. The technician told me that the air loss is normal. I went ahead and got pedals with straps while I was there and then headed home. My total mileage came to 11.5 miles.

5 Miles in Oyster Creek

When Patricia and I were at the pool this morning, she mentioned that she would like to join me sometime on a run. I decided I wanted to do at least 3 miles tonight, so I called her and we went to Oyster Creek Park around 6:45pm. We started out doing 1:00/1:00's, but between the heat and my earlier exercise, I could only maintain the intervals for about 2 miles. We did walk with an occassional sprint for at total of 5 miles, though. I bet I sleep well tonight.

A Glmpse at a TRI

Yesterday Susan and I were spectators at the Tejas TRI in New territory. It was a 600 yard lake swim, 11 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. I was mostly interested in seeing how the transition area worked. This one struck me as being very dangerous as the entrance and exit for the cyclists were at the same spot. There were so many close calls on bike and pedestrian wrecks, it was scary. I understand that the transition area for the Women's TRI is a lot less hazardous - I hope so.

This morning I took my friend Patricia with me to the Aquatic center for her first time. She was a bit amazed by the distance of the lanes, but managed to make it up and back 4 times. I got in 10 laps, 6 without stopping. I'm hoping to get some mileage in this week.

18 Laps - 25 yards each

I swam at the neighborhood pool this afternoon. I completed 12 laps in 8:30 and realized that I was swimming 25 yeards and not meters. I continued swimming and completed a total of 18 laps, just over 400 meters.

10 Minutes Spinning/30 Minutes Running

I decided to spin while waiting for someone to pick up a package at the house. They arrived just 10 minutes after I started. When they left, I went out for my run. and did 1:00/1:00 intervals for 30 minutes.

10 Laps Swimming

After a 2 lap warm-up, I did 10 laps without a break. My 300 meter time was just at 10:00 minutes. Can't believe that the TRI is just a little over 2 weeks away. I've got a busy weekend, but I'm going to try to squeeze some riding in. I also want to check out the Tejas Tri on Sunday. I'm especially curious about the transition area.

30 Minutes Running and 20 Minutes Spinning

There was a wonderful breeze this morning which made running in the heat a lot more tolerable. I did 1:00/1:00 intervals after a 5 minute warm-up. When I got home I decided that I needed more "saddle" time, so I spun for 20 minutes.

8 Laps at the Aquatic Center

I was feeling the aftershock of my eating frenzy on Sunday. I did 2 single lap warm-ups and then 6 laps straight. By lap 4, I was exhausted. I kept on going and then did some leg lifts before getting out of the pool.

Exercises in the Pool

I made today a rest day of sorts. I got in the pool and did leg lifts, splits and stretches - no swimming. Tonight I did some floor exercises, including more leg lifts.

Spinning and Swimming

I had to make up for my transgressions today. Jacque, Lili, Shelley and Susan and I went to the movies this morning (I don't want to put the name of it for fear that Google ads will start placing some unwanted subjects - but it was a popular show on HBO about 4 girlfriends) and then to brunch. I ate more than I had the whole week!
In anticipation of my overindulging, I spun for 30 minutes (wearing my new compression shorts) and then swam laps at the neighborhood pool this afternoon. The laps were 25 yards and not roped off. The water was really hot and there were lots of kids splashing. I would have preferred the Aquatic Center, but this was the only option for Sunday afternoon.