SIXTEEN WEEKS

Today was Silent Sunday @ South Mountain Park. No cars are allowed. We've been going to South Mountain for the past 4 weeks and I have to say it was really nice not to have to worry about cars. Although cars can't drive more than 15mph- it was nice to have it all to ourselves.

I really wasn't sure how the ride was going to go today. I've been sick all week- really just the worst allergies I've ever ever had.

We met some friends from the triathlon club I belong to. It was nice to see everyone out there as I haven't seen some of them for some time. I rode much much better than anticipated. Our coach even commented on how well I was doing especially with being sick.

We rode San Juan out and back twice, then the climb to the towers. The TV towers. The pretty red blinking towers we see at nightime- the towers we see from our house. It's 30 minutes or so of constant climbing with the last bit a really steep climb. I was able to stay seated the entire time- which can be hard when you're doing a steep climb. I just kept it steady. I think all of my strength training and the time I spend on my bike trainer is really paying off.

We took the descent and did San Juan out and back again. I felt good going out- but I couldn't hold on to the pace line anymore on the way back. I was DONE. I think I probably needed another energy gel. I used 2 bottles of Perpetum for a 3 hour ride. I'll try adding a gel to that next time.

I brought bananas and a protien shake to have immediately post ride- we'll see how I recover.

My swim stroke is coming along nicely too. Anne (who coaches masters swim) said my catch has improved over 1,000%!!!! :) I feel it. So now it's time to get my endurance back.

I did register for the Tempe Int'l Race in May. It's a club championship race- and our tri club has won it the past 3 years. Can we make it a 4th? I'll be doing the sprint, since my swim endurance won't be quite there yet- and my main race or "A" race is Vineman.

I'm still doing the work so I can have fun @ the race. That's all it is. Keep consistent and keep working.

SEVENTEEN WEEKS

And my first flat tire in quite a while.

That's because I've been doing a lot of riding on my trainer. Too cold and dark in the mornings- and in the afternoon it's just me and Cate.

This morning I woke up @ 4:15 and I laid there in bed until 4:45. I decided to put on my warm clothes and go for my first early morning ride in quite a while.

Coffee, peanut butter toast with honey, potty break, water bottle, lights and safety blinkers and I was ready to go.

I hit the road @ 5:30. It starts to get light around 6ish, so I wasn't riding in the dark for too long. But, it was chilly. I'm glad I dressed warm.

I saw Clay (I swim next to him during swim practice)drive by in his BIG YELLOW LIFTED TRUCK- a diesel truck- not the best thing to breathe in as I'm breathing a bit hard up the hill on Pecos.

I saw him @ swim today and he said- hey were you out riding this morning?- I said yep that was me- he said THAT'S SO COOL! I love to see dedicated people ESPECIALLY females out there early- plus you were all by your lonesome- so that's dedication. Clay has a nice way about him. Looks are deceiving because he has many tatoos- and long hair. You'd never know that he also has a big heart until you start talking to him.

He's an Ironman athlete in his late 30's. He'll be going to China to do an Ironman in mid-April.

So, anyway. That made me feel good. I guess you sort of forget that training for an event like this is hard work and not everyone can or will or want to do it.

And I guess it was a good thing I got a flat. It's been a while- so I forgot how to change it. It was my rear tire. So, this little exercise helped me to refresh my memory. I did need to call Bruce to get me. I wouldn't have been able to change it and make it home in time to get breakfast, lunches made and the kiddies off to school.

Thanks Hon!

EIGHTEEN WEEKS

Of training left.

I've been running, biking, swimming, strength training and stretching.

When do I do this?

Well, lately it's been during the day. I'll swim while Cate plays at the Y. I'll bike on the trainer or run on the treadmill while she naps. Strength training/stretching while she's playing at lifetime. So far it's only been 1x per week. I'd like to get it to 2x per week.

She's busy toddler (thankfully) so she absolutely looks forward to her playtime. I can tell when I place her down and she goes running into the play area.

I'm still doing swim drills in an effort to improve my swim. I probably should've done this in Nov. Dec and Jan. But, I was more focused on the 1/2 marathon at the time.

I'll continue to do drills, be positive and eventually swim much better.

Tomorrow we have a 2.5 hour rolling hill ride planned and on Saturday I'll need to run 6 miles on rolling hills. My training partner in crime Bruce and Tammy probably won't like us doing hills too much over these several weeks, but it'll help make them stronger too.