Training for a triathlon...

OnMyWeigh464

I know I posted on my MFP status when I first registered, so I thought I would make it public here hehe It's not a full triathlon. It's a sprint triathlon. But it's still a triathlon!!!! And that's more than I did last year!

It's going well. Some days I don't really feel like I've improved but according to the coaches I'm getting better. I'm running about 2K now, and swimming about 300 metres. Just about half way there! The biking isn't going really great but I'm not concerned about it because once the Spring comes and I'm on my OWN bike (once I buy one that is lol) it'll be different. Those bikes in the gym have NEVER been comfy!

Race day is June 8th! So I still loads of time to train and get stronger.

I've even hired a personal trainer again so I can see him once a week to do some strength training in between my cardio days.

At first, I was really discouraged because the scale wasn't budging. But finally, in the last 2 week I lost almost 6 pounds! So the scale is finally showing my hard work! So that makes me feel better. Also, looking in the mirror, I can see that I've lost some inches. I'm not sure how many...I'll measure myself next week and compare to a month ago.

So that's about it for now...just keeping myself busy with the training and if anything, I'm now going to the gym regularly...so that alone is the best accomplishment for me.

I've noticed in the last 2 months that my energy is getting better, the fatigue is decreasing. And because I don't want to "waste" my workouts, I'm eating better too!

My new year's resolution was to get healthier...and I think I'm well on my way to that!!!!!

Thanks for letting me share.

odylynn

Congratulations! It's a brave step to sign up for a triathlon. I completed my first triathlon in August of 2011. It was a super sprint, which is half of a sprint, so it was even more of a mini. A sprint distance is certainly nothing to sneeze at and definitely an accomplishment. I fell in love with the sport instantly. I completed my first sprint distance last June and a second one last August. My goal for this year is to complete my first sprint distance (June 9th) in 1:40. My first sprint distance was 1:54. I am not fast, I just want to finish and improve myself. In addition, I am trying to increase my distance to the Olympic/Int'l. Every day I feel like I that goal is more and more attainable.
I have been doing all of this training on my own, with not a lot of support from my husband. The majority of my workouts are in the morning before the kids wake up or in the evening after the kids go to sleep. I am fortunate enough to have a treadmill and upright exercise bike for those quiet evening workouts. On the weekends I manage to do my long ride on my actual bike and a long run, weather permitting. Those I get to do during the day, usually nap time. But at least I get a little fresh air.
Enough about me.

Are scheduling to do any open water swims before the race? For me, I thought the swim would be easiest and it ended up being the hardest because of the open water. You go from being able to see a line at the bottom of a pool to not being able to see anything underwater. I never had the opportunity to try an open water swim prior to my first race. By searching online, I did find people who recommended swimming in the lap pool with your eyes closed and only opening them when you breathe to "sight" where you are. I feel that it helped.

Another thing to make sure you do is a "brick" workout. This is where you do your bike and run back-to-back in training to get your legs used to the transition. This is a very important workout to do. I would recommend doing one at least once every two weeks. Even if the run is only five minutes, it starts getting your legs accustomed to it.

As far as the bike, no bike is comfortable when ridden for any length of time. Your butt just has to get used to it. That comes with time.

I know what you mean about not wanting to waste your workouts. Your starting seeing food as how many minutes of running would it take to burn it off. I have fallen in a bit of a rut when it comes to my calorie intake, it happens once in a while. It's like falling off a bike, you just dust yourself off and get back on. With three young boys at home and a full time job, things fall sometimes. I just keep thinking about my next triathlon.

I'm glad the scale finally started moving for you. I know how frustrating it can be. Keep up the good work. You're doing great!