Week 17 of Tri training is going well. I connected with my trainer Keena over the phone, and we discussed my progress/status. Keena is back the end of May, and in the meantime she has given me workouts to increase my conditioning phase of training. After this week, I only have 2 weeks left until I hit the intensity level, which will consist of intervals and speed training. At the moment I am thrilled that I have maintained my consistency with working out and that I am building my endurance. I am stronger this May than I was last.
Monday I ran on the treadmill for 40 minutes keeping my heart rate at 140-155. I may not be clipping a hundred miles an hour, but that is not the goal. The purpose is to stay in my zone for a long period of time to increase fitness levels. That I am doing. Total was 3 miles and 377 calories. YESSSSSSSS. Love to burn those calories.
Today I swam 900 yards, and it took me 40 minutes. The concentration today was to relax during my first 300 to get me warmed up, and feeling comfortable. I still have a tendency to go as fast as the person in the next lane over. Mistake, because I have no clue what that person has done in the past, or for that matter what training they have incurred. Next, I did breathing drills where I swam as far as I could without taking a breath. Ouch, I hate this one. I’m supposed to do a 25 meter in one or two breaths and it takes me 5-6. I have to keep working on this routine. For the remainder of the swim I concentrated on swimming with a new technique, a correct one at that. I have been swimming 3 freestyle strokes with breath up to the right, and repeat. Proper way to swim is 3 strokes followed by a breath to the right, then 3 strokes and breathe to the left. Last weekend I ran into a friend and her daughter who happens to be a younger and talented swimmer, and she gave me some land lessons. Margaret gave me the valuable tips of proper breathing and strokes, which I worked on today. The improvement will come as I practice this new technique more and more. Furthermore, this morning I discovered that when I come up to breathe I am supposed to turn my hips and look up to the sky, and that movement creates a smooth stroke transition. So much to learn, and I am ready!
LESSON: When first learning a sport or exercise, it’s great to do it and finish. As one progresses, it’s important to improve the motions with technique. It’s not enough to just do a workout, it should be done with purpose and proper method. If you are going to spend your time doing something, do it to the best of your ability with growth and development in that area.
As far as my second workout of week 17 went, I felt really strong and confident when I left the pool today post my 1/2 mile swim. I’m happy to know that I can do better each and every time. I really need to get to the lake when the temps warm up. Fresh water swimming is really different that lap swimming in the pool. Hope to become more confident in the lake for this TRI! Practice at Lake Michigan will determine that.
That’s all! Keep moving and be mindful of all that you do. What you are doing each day, is what you are becoming!
I wish you the very best in your fitness endeavors, and please never give up.
xo
The Roadrunner
