swim. bike. run.

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So a few weekends ago, I really kicked off triathlon training.

I’m most concerned with the swimming portion, so I found a gym that offers “lap-swimming” classes. It’s been great — the instructor watches us and assigns drills to help us fix anything we’re doing wrong.

My third session was on Saturday and it’s going well. And even though I rested between laps and did some laps with kick boards and floats, my overall distance was very close to what the race will be (1K — or about 1,100 yards). I’m less worried now.

However, these Saturday swimming sessions are messing with my usual weekend runs. My running buddies went out on Saturday the same time I was swimming. I’m on my own to add a weekend run.

I am not a solo runner. I like my group — we chat and encourage each other. Alone I didn’t think I’d go very far, especially since it’s started to get hot.

I also got a later start this morning, mainly because I got to bed late and wanted to let myself sleep! But I got out of the house a little after 10 a.m. and started plodding along.

I ran to a nearby park, 2 miles. It was pretty slow, but I was hoping I’d be ambitious enough to run 8 miles, so I planned it that way.

The park has a 4.1 mile loop, or I could have turned around at the bathroom for 3 miles. I stuck with the full loop.

And yes, I did let myself walk some of the hills within the park (it’s hot! I’m going far today!), but the one hill I kept running through was the biggest one.

Oddly enough, the 2 miles home after leaving the park were the fastest. I usually don’t do that!

After a shower and a nap (quite common for me!), I made lunch and relaxed for a little while … but not too long.

Because I am crazy. (But we already knew that!)

I packed my bike into the car and met up with a friend to go for a ride. We only went 9.5 miles, but that was about as much ambition as I had for the day!

Last Saturday, after my swim class, I rode 16 miles and then forced myself to run a mile.

At first I thought I felt fine, until I got going. Then ouch — heavy legs!

But I did it, and at a decent pace, too. I will have to continue pushing myself if I’m going to make it through this thing!

photo hunt: self

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I almost forgot! This week’s theme is “Self.”

Rather than use an old photo, I just grabbed my camera and started pointing it at my face.

Today’s been a lazy day (well, since this morning’s swim, anyway). I showered at the pool and pulled my hair into a ponytail, where it’s been all day.

I never bothered putting on make-up, even though I actually left the house for a quick shopping trip. I usually make a little effort if I’m going out in public, but not today. At least I swapped the gym shorts for some capri pants!

Anyway, this is me today. Unedited. I guess I felt like being honest again. (At least I’m awake this time!)

self

running with water

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For Take It and Run Thursday: Running In The Heat.

Here in Maryland, our summers get pretty hot, humid and disgusting. Running is not without its challenges and surprises. A couple weeks ago, on a particularly humid day, I chafed someplace new. Nice. Another area for Body Glide.

Anyway, back to my summer-running tip.

It seems obvious, but I always carry water when temperatures start getting uncomfortable.

amphipodWe usually set up our training runs to have a water stop halfway. But a few years ago, when training for a 10-mile race at the end of August, we started running loops where we couldn’t put out water. We had to take it with us.

I got used to having my water (or Gatorade), and drinking whenever I wanted it. I found myself struggling through my first (short) race that summer. Even though they had water stops, they didn’t always fall where I needed them!

We found Amphipod water bottles have a nice shape to them, and with the strap you barely have to hold on. Mine has a zipper pocket that usually holds my keys, a gel, and some lip balm. (They also have some other hydration options, I just haven’t tried them.)

I switch hands while I run, it’s really no big deal. Once the temperatures start to rise (or if I’ve got a particularly long run planned), I’ve always got my water bottle — whether it’s a 5K or 26.2 miles!

amphipod

Oh, and I checked. They’re OK (#4).