The shortest post so far:

Taking two months off from training is NOT smart. That is all.

Rewards

So it has been almost 2 weeks since my first triathlon! At work, this time I took it easier on the workout front, to allow my body to rest. Since I learned that my swim is a weakness, I want to concentrate on it over the coming months, as well as adding more strength training on a regular basis. I would like to try and do at least 3 sprint distance triathlons next season.

It feels weird not having a race to work towards (unfortunately I am not able to fit the remaining triathlons into my schedule due to work and vacation). I will be signing up for a few more running races, so that I stay motivated in my workouts. I really think the best way to keep yourself honest and training is by having the odd race to hold you accountable!

Yesterday I received a huge "reward". We went into a clothing store, and I was able to fit into shorts and pants with a 36" waist! I used to wear a 40" waist! The great thing about this, is that there are far more clothes available in the smaller sizes. And I am feeling better about the way I look - which also then makes me want to train more and harder in order to improve and maintain what I have gained.

A Slightly Major Setback...

Last set of days off were brutal. Brutal! We had 3 trips to the ER for the family that involved stitches for one, and a LONG night for the others. (Side note: everyone is recovering well!). That coupled with a weekend away for camping equals NO WORKOUTS for 7 days. Not very smart just two weeks prior to your 'A' race. Lesson learned.

I got back to work today, and jumped on the treadmill tonight. Did a 5km run. At 6 mph. 31:19. Not bad, except that I felt horrible. I ate way too much food at dinner, crappy food, and it was too soon to my workout. That coupled with the fact that it had been 7 days since my last workout, meant a very difficult run. But I got it done.

I read a section in The Triathlete's Training Bible that stated that fitness is always changing and never stagnant. It states that even as little as 2 weeks of inactivity can result in significant fitness losses, especially in regards to endurance. I completely agree. I was able to complete the workout, but it was really really tough. Again, lesson learned.

Time to pick it up a notch, and really work out my nutrition. Less than 2 weeks to go, and I am getting NERVOUS!!!

Update: I forgot to mention I am a complete nerd and got a video pass for the ITU World Triathlon Series at Triathlonlive.tv.

Ups and Downs

I have to admit I started to slack off in May, and the beginning of June. Either that or April was just an exceptional month. I am still consistent at work, but not with the summer weather arriving, my days off are filled with family activities and I find it harder and harder to work out.

I did discover that loading the two youngest in the chariot and towing them around my normal circuit is a great hidden workout - especially during the long hills. Adds around 50 - 60 lbs.

I did my first Race Length Brick tonight, doing a 24km Bike (with some hill repeats) and then a 5km run (with some speed work). I have to admit I feel pretty good about it - I was able to handle it right to the end, and merely 4 months ago I would never have been able to attempt this. Heck, 10 mins on the treadmill and I was winded! I think I am at a point now where I have gained the confidence that I will finish the triathlon.

The yearly fitness/physical test has arrived. We were supposed to do it this morning, but had to reschedule for Sunday morning. I will tell you, that although you have 12 mins, and it usually only takes between 7 and 8, it is a BRUTAL test. Accomplishable, but not fun. The joys of being a Firefighter I guess.

Another Quick Update

Sorry for the lack of blogging - I find it hard to sit down and write... well honestly I find it hard to sit down and do anything requiring a certain amount of attention!

Tonight (or this morning as I am working night shifts) I took my new vibram fivefingers for a test run on the treadmill. I really like these shoes, and enjoyed the "barefoot" running experience. I took it at an easy pace, and did a 5km run in just over 35 mins. It definitely works a different set of muscles, and although I felt at that pace I could easily keep running, I didn't feel like pushing it.

Matt and I finished our 5km race, "The Big Run". It was a really fun event (at least for me ;-) ), and when we showed up that morning it was pouring rain. Both of us just had hoodies on (I didn't want to pin my race number on my rain coat). The good news is that it quickly turned to snow, so we didn't get as wet as we could have.

Check out Deb Tris, a great blog, and inspiration for those of us just starting out and getting healthy!

Quick Update

Fallen into a rather consistent training schedule, but I still need to improve the frequency of workouts at home. I have found a great template for tracking my training on Google Docs, and it's obvious I need to add more training time during my days off. Unfortunately for me, it's difficult trying to fit in workouts when all I want to do is hang out with the family. The solution to this is easy - I have to get up early in the morning and go to the YMCA before the kids are up. But this is not actually easy for me. I HATE mornings. With a passion. But I guess that's why much of being a Triathlete is mental preparation as well as physical.

I have signed up for another 5km race - my next weekend home. Ironically it's in the same place as the one my friend and I are doing, so it will give me a good base to compare to. This will allow me to set a PR in the 5km, since I will be running it alone. The race is put on by MEC.

Than a mere two weeks after that one is the 5km race that my friend and I will be doing - The Big Run. So two 5kms in two weeks!

Found the perfect song for my runs: Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex - it is the perfect pace setting song for me, and provides some great motivation to keep moving one foot in front of the other. I ran 6kms at home - two loops of the run I did awhile ago. Felt great to finish, as I would NEVER have been able to do that a few months ago. I learned however not to run on concrete sidewalks. My knees have still not recovered...

All for now...