I'm following THIS plan from TriNewbies.com (where I found my first training plan). My new plan is for intermediate triathletes. The mileages are higher than the beginner plan and it requires more time. The biggest challenge is that many of the workouts involve and AM workout and a PM workout. Take today, for example. I was supposed to get 1000 yards in a the pool in the morning and then 30 minutes on the bike in the evening. I needed to be in at school by 9 AM so the morning workout wasn't going to happen. So I got my booty over to the gym when I got at of class, hit the bike, and then hit the pool.
Showing posts with label Swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swimming. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 1
Today was the first day of triathlon training! Hooray! It feels really good to be back on a training plan. I followed a training plan diligently for my first triathlon and it went really well. For my second one, I was not prepared and for my third, a month later, I was doing better, but I wasn't where I wanted to be. So this season I'm back to a training plan.
I'm following THIS plan from TriNewbies.com (where I found my first training plan). My new plan is for intermediate triathletes. The mileages are higher than the beginner plan and it requires more time. The biggest challenge is that many of the workouts involve and AM workout and a PM workout. Take today, for example. I was supposed to get 1000 yards in a the pool in the morning and then 30 minutes on the bike in the evening. I needed to be in at school by 9 AM so the morning workout wasn't going to happen. So I got my booty over to the gym when I got at of class, hit the bike, and then hit the pool.
Now I must confess. I haven't swum laps since my last triathlon back in June. Wow. That's embarrassing. It went better than I thought, but it was tough. But it felt great to be back to something familiar. And a women complemented my on how pretty I swim when I got out. I was flattered because she's a swimmer too. So, Day 1 down. Only 12 more weeks until the first race. :-)
I'm following THIS plan from TriNewbies.com (where I found my first training plan). My new plan is for intermediate triathletes. The mileages are higher than the beginner plan and it requires more time. The biggest challenge is that many of the workouts involve and AM workout and a PM workout. Take today, for example. I was supposed to get 1000 yards in a the pool in the morning and then 30 minutes on the bike in the evening. I needed to be in at school by 9 AM so the morning workout wasn't going to happen. So I got my booty over to the gym when I got at of class, hit the bike, and then hit the pool.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Your Questions Answered!
Brittany asked: I'm inspired by your triathlons! I'm a big runner, but haven't done any tri's. I mainly worry about the swim portion because I have never swum competitively and have no idea how I'd be at it (I can swim though). Maybe you could give some competitive swimming tips for newbies?
I feel like most runners are afraid of the swim. I was a swimmer in high school, so I'm more afraid of the run! The swim is the shortest part of a triathlon, so I don't try to view it competitively. Even if I can get ahead in the swim, I'm usually quickly passed in the bike or the run. For someone who knows how to swim and is thinking about doing a triathlon, I think the most important thing to do is to build up endurance versus speed. I say this because there are so many people swimming at the same time in a triathlon that it becomes difficult to go fast.
I actually recommend getting good at the breaststroke. I've found that if you do freestyle, it's hard to see and you need to keep your eye on the buoys so you stay on course. Breaststroke is easier and your head come out of the water after each stroke so you can adjust your course if you need it. No matter what stroke you use, you need to get comfortable with putting your head in the water. If you constantly try to hold your head up, you'll get tired fast.
If you have a friend who had good form, it wouldn't hurt to have them come to the pool and watch you swim and give you some pointers on your form. I'm sure there are some great videos on the web too, but I'm not familiar with any.
Theresa @ Active Eggplant asked: When training for triathlons, do you normally swim in a pool? Or are you able to get in open water swims?
I normally train in a pool, either at the Rec Center here in Maine or at the local YMCA when I'm in New Hampshire. I don't usually get in any open water swims. I think the bigger challenge with the swim in a triathlon has more to do with the number of people around you versus the fact that you're in open water. And unfortunately, there is no way to prepare yourself for swimming with that many people at once.
I should also say that the triathlons I've done have only been in rivers and lakes. If I were to do one with an ocean swim, I would definitely try to get an open water swim in. In the ocean you are battling the current and needing to get adjusted to wearing a wetsuit, so I would make that effort.
JenniferLeah asked: What do you like best about living in Maine?
Well, I guess I need to confess that I don't really care for living in Maine. I came here for school because I was impressed at how nice everyone was when I came to visit. But honestly, there isn't much here for my husband and I. The job market isn't great and I miss being close to my family. It's also hard become there are very few things to do up here and our restaurant choices are limited to chain restaurants. We are hoping to move back to New Hampshire after I graduate in May. I will say that Maine is really nice in the summer, but we're not usually in the state to enjoy that.
Julie @ Hotlegs Runner: What kind of bike do you use for your triathlons?
My trusty stead is my mom's Bridgestone road bike circa 1986 (or something like that!). Anyway, it's old, but it works. It's a road bike and it gets me from point A to point B. Would I like to upgrade? Heck yes! But when I started doing triathlons, I decided that I would do my first one with whatever equipment I had and if I loved doing triathlons, then I would consider upgrading my gear. Unfortunately upgrading my bike isn't in the card right now. If I'm going to upgrade, I want to do it right and get exactly what I want (i.e. paddle shifters, clip in pedals, and something that's going to last). However, this can get pricey. So in the meantime, I'll keep logging miles on my mom's bike because it really isn't so bad.
For more triathlon tips, see my post HERE or check out the links on my sidebar.
I feel like most runners are afraid of the swim. I was a swimmer in high school, so I'm more afraid of the run! The swim is the shortest part of a triathlon, so I don't try to view it competitively. Even if I can get ahead in the swim, I'm usually quickly passed in the bike or the run. For someone who knows how to swim and is thinking about doing a triathlon, I think the most important thing to do is to build up endurance versus speed. I say this because there are so many people swimming at the same time in a triathlon that it becomes difficult to go fast.
I actually recommend getting good at the breaststroke. I've found that if you do freestyle, it's hard to see and you need to keep your eye on the buoys so you stay on course. Breaststroke is easier and your head come out of the water after each stroke so you can adjust your course if you need it. No matter what stroke you use, you need to get comfortable with putting your head in the water. If you constantly try to hold your head up, you'll get tired fast.
If you have a friend who had good form, it wouldn't hurt to have them come to the pool and watch you swim and give you some pointers on your form. I'm sure there are some great videos on the web too, but I'm not familiar with any.
Theresa @ Active Eggplant asked: When training for triathlons, do you normally swim in a pool? Or are you able to get in open water swims?
I normally train in a pool, either at the Rec Center here in Maine or at the local YMCA when I'm in New Hampshire. I don't usually get in any open water swims. I think the bigger challenge with the swim in a triathlon has more to do with the number of people around you versus the fact that you're in open water. And unfortunately, there is no way to prepare yourself for swimming with that many people at once.
I should also say that the triathlons I've done have only been in rivers and lakes. If I were to do one with an ocean swim, I would definitely try to get an open water swim in. In the ocean you are battling the current and needing to get adjusted to wearing a wetsuit, so I would make that effort.
JenniferLeah asked: What do you like best about living in Maine?
Well, I guess I need to confess that I don't really care for living in Maine. I came here for school because I was impressed at how nice everyone was when I came to visit. But honestly, there isn't much here for my husband and I. The job market isn't great and I miss being close to my family. It's also hard become there are very few things to do up here and our restaurant choices are limited to chain restaurants. We are hoping to move back to New Hampshire after I graduate in May. I will say that Maine is really nice in the summer, but we're not usually in the state to enjoy that.
Julie @ Hotlegs Runner: What kind of bike do you use for your triathlons?
My trusty stead is my mom's Bridgestone road bike circa 1986 (or something like that!). Anyway, it's old, but it works. It's a road bike and it gets me from point A to point B. Would I like to upgrade? Heck yes! But when I started doing triathlons, I decided that I would do my first one with whatever equipment I had and if I loved doing triathlons, then I would consider upgrading my gear. Unfortunately upgrading my bike isn't in the card right now. If I'm going to upgrade, I want to do it right and get exactly what I want (i.e. paddle shifters, clip in pedals, and something that's going to last). However, this can get pricey. So in the meantime, I'll keep logging miles on my mom's bike because it really isn't so bad.
For more triathlon tips, see my post HERE or check out the links on my sidebar.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A Swimmer Is Born
When I go to a triathlon, I always wish the swim was just a little bit longer. Really, it's the only portion of the race that I can get away with not training. Most triathletes dread the swim and even more are afraid to try a triathlon because of the swim. For me, it's the part I look forward to the most.
I started swimming when I was 12. I had danced for a long time, quit that and then tried a year of soccer. That was a total bust and my mom told me I needed to pick a new sport because I wasn't allowed to just sit around and do nothing. At the time, my best friend who lived across the street was doing swim team. Naturally I wanted to join her. My mom didn't want me to join the team just because my friend was on it. I assured her that it was something that I really wanted to do and I would do it even if my friend wasn't on the team (total load of b.s. right there). So my mom brought me to the first practice and handed me over to the coaches.
Let's just say that first swimming experience wasn't pretty. The coach told me to warm up with some sort of drill and I had no idea what he was talking about. Never mind that I really didn't know how to swim correctly. I ended up on the edge of the pool crying and asking to go home. My mom came over and told me that she had just paid the registration fee and I best get back in the water and get moving. At the end of practice we got to try diving off the blocks. I didn't know how to dive and I asked if I could just try it off the side of the pool. The coach wouldn't let me so sure enough, I got up on the blocks and I belly flopped. Fabulous. After all that drama, I'm not even sure why I showed up at the next practice, but I did.
Eventually my form improved and I was actually doing pretty good. I was able to swim varsity all four years of high school (ok, there were no tryouts, but I definitely wasn't the worst kid on the team). My freshman year was probably my best. I actually scored some points for my team and my coach had some faith in me. My sophomore year on was with a different coach and it was all downhill. Other things like work and school got in the way. However, I never really stopped swimming. I took some time off after high school because I was burnt out, but I was back in the water lap swimming by the fall.
I feel lucky that I participated in a sport that will stay with my for the rest of my life. Unlike football, I can go swim laps any time I want. Just yesterday, I returned to the pool where it all started for the first time this summer (ok, I've really been slacking in the swimming department). There were some familiar faces from my old team who now guard at the pool. For me, swimming is much like riding a bike: it's something I don't think I could ever forget how to do. And in the end, I'm really glad my mom told me to get my butt back in the pool because it's one of the best things she ever did.
I started swimming when I was 12. I had danced for a long time, quit that and then tried a year of soccer. That was a total bust and my mom told me I needed to pick a new sport because I wasn't allowed to just sit around and do nothing. At the time, my best friend who lived across the street was doing swim team. Naturally I wanted to join her. My mom didn't want me to join the team just because my friend was on it. I assured her that it was something that I really wanted to do and I would do it even if my friend wasn't on the team (total load of b.s. right there). So my mom brought me to the first practice and handed me over to the coaches.
Let's just say that first swimming experience wasn't pretty. The coach told me to warm up with some sort of drill and I had no idea what he was talking about. Never mind that I really didn't know how to swim correctly. I ended up on the edge of the pool crying and asking to go home. My mom came over and told me that she had just paid the registration fee and I best get back in the water and get moving. At the end of practice we got to try diving off the blocks. I didn't know how to dive and I asked if I could just try it off the side of the pool. The coach wouldn't let me so sure enough, I got up on the blocks and I belly flopped. Fabulous. After all that drama, I'm not even sure why I showed up at the next practice, but I did.
Eventually my form improved and I was actually doing pretty good. I was able to swim varsity all four years of high school (ok, there were no tryouts, but I definitely wasn't the worst kid on the team). My freshman year was probably my best. I actually scored some points for my team and my coach had some faith in me. My sophomore year on was with a different coach and it was all downhill. Other things like work and school got in the way. However, I never really stopped swimming. I took some time off after high school because I was burnt out, but I was back in the water lap swimming by the fall.
I feel lucky that I participated in a sport that will stay with my for the rest of my life. Unlike football, I can go swim laps any time I want. Just yesterday, I returned to the pool where it all started for the first time this summer (ok, I've really been slacking in the swimming department). There were some familiar faces from my old team who now guard at the pool. For me, swimming is much like riding a bike: it's something I don't think I could ever forget how to do. And in the end, I'm really glad my mom told me to get my butt back in the pool because it's one of the best things she ever did.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Three Things Thursday - Triathlon Style
In honor of my triathlon this coming Sunday, I'm going to post an update on each of the three components.
1. Swimming
So I came home to find out that my parents canceled the family gym membership at the local Y. That would be where I swim. So that's kind of a problem. Fortunately, I was a swimmer in high school and the swim is my strong suit in the race. Therefore, I'm not too worried about it for right now. I think I'm going to look into a summer membership because I can't go the whole summer without swimming.
2. Biking
I'm feeling pretty good about the bike. I think I am in better shape than I thought I was. Considering I'm only going to have two or three rides under my belt before Sunday, I'm not terribly worried about it. I'm more worried about getting my water bottle in and out of my holder. Although, at my last triathlon I drank a lot of water on the ride because that's what I read everywhere. But once I got to the run I had to pee the whole time and it was kind of painful. I think I'm going to take it a little easier on the water this time.
3. Run
Yesterday my dad and I went for a run. Mind you, I haven't really run in about a week. Well, my dad really likes to try and "push" me to go faster. It's like he's trying to train me. It's actually kind of comical. He stays just enough ahead of me so I have to chase after him. Sometimes he slows down so I can catch up, but then as soon as I get there, he speeds up again. We did a little over 3.5 miles at about a 10:30 pace. I was pretty happy with that. My goal is to keep my legs loose for Sunday.
1. Swimming
So I came home to find out that my parents canceled the family gym membership at the local Y. That would be where I swim. So that's kind of a problem. Fortunately, I was a swimmer in high school and the swim is my strong suit in the race. Therefore, I'm not too worried about it for right now. I think I'm going to look into a summer membership because I can't go the whole summer without swimming.
2. Biking
I'm feeling pretty good about the bike. I think I am in better shape than I thought I was. Considering I'm only going to have two or three rides under my belt before Sunday, I'm not terribly worried about it. I'm more worried about getting my water bottle in and out of my holder. Although, at my last triathlon I drank a lot of water on the ride because that's what I read everywhere. But once I got to the run I had to pee the whole time and it was kind of painful. I think I'm going to take it a little easier on the water this time.
3. Run
Yesterday my dad and I went for a run. Mind you, I haven't really run in about a week. Well, my dad really likes to try and "push" me to go faster. It's like he's trying to train me. It's actually kind of comical. He stays just enough ahead of me so I have to chase after him. Sometimes he slows down so I can catch up, but then as soon as I get there, he speeds up again. We did a little over 3.5 miles at about a 10:30 pace. I was pretty happy with that. My goal is to keep my legs loose for Sunday.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Back to the Pool
For those of you who don't know, I was on a swim team from about the age of 12 and I was on the varsity swim team in high school. I spent a lot of time in the water and I really enjoyed it. Some people find swimming laps boring, but I find it relaxing and meditative. I do some of my best thinking when I'm swimming. Last summer, when I began training for my first triathlon, I got back in the water regularly for the first time in almost two years. I took a hiatus from swimming after my senior year. I think I was just burned out. It didn't help that I was experiencing some back pain as well. It was sad, but when I came back to the pool last May it was so refreshing to be back.
Well, I didn't really swim much after my triathlon ended. I've swam laps twice this week for cross training and it was so nice. Swimming is like riding a bike for me. I never really forget how to do it. I figured that I should use my cross training sessions to prepare for any triathlons I may do this summer. Swimming is also great because it is low impact. I know I need that after all the running I've been doing. I also find that swimming is a great whole body workout. My arms seem to get neglected when I'm training for a running event. Swimming tends to balance things out nicely. Swimming also helps build lung capacity. Overall, I'm a big advocate of swimming, in case you can't tell.
So I thought I'd share some photos from one of my swim meets my senior year in high school. It's kind of nice to take a look back:
Well, I didn't really swim much after my triathlon ended. I've swam laps twice this week for cross training and it was so nice. Swimming is like riding a bike for me. I never really forget how to do it. I figured that I should use my cross training sessions to prepare for any triathlons I may do this summer. Swimming is also great because it is low impact. I know I need that after all the running I've been doing. I also find that swimming is a great whole body workout. My arms seem to get neglected when I'm training for a running event. Swimming tends to balance things out nicely. Swimming also helps build lung capacity. Overall, I'm a big advocate of swimming, in case you can't tell.
So I thought I'd share some photos from one of my swim meets my senior year in high school. It's kind of nice to take a look back:
I'm the one with my hands on my hips with the Titans cap. I always liked to chat with the other swimmers before a race to relax.
And here I am, swimming away.
And here I am, happy to be finished my race! Swimming definitely helped keep me in shape when I was in high school. And it gave me the opportunity to meet new people and to compete. Heading back to the pool always brings back happy memories!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Swimming
Unlike many triathletes, the swimming portion of the race will not be the most difficult part. I have been swimming competitively since I was 12 and I competed on my high school team all four years. Needless to say, this will probably be the easiest part of the race for me physically. However, I'm going to be swimming in river with a bunch of other people all trying to get to the finish line. I'm a little nervous because it's going to be harder to see and I'm going to have to "steer" myself. Unlike the nice straight lanes of a pool, the river is a moving body of water that has a whole new set of challenges. Unfortunately, I don't think there really is anyway to prepare for that. So what should be the easiest part for me could potentially be the hardest. At least this triathalon is not an ocean swim! That just sounds miserable.
Tomorrow is my 5K race. I'm hoping to keep my time under 33 minutes, but I secretly want it to be around 31 minutes. However, with the triathlon training I'm running a bit less than I normally would, so I'll be interested to see the impact that makes. Maybe now that I'm a bit lighter I'll go faster! I'll be sure to post results with pictures after the race.
Tomorrow is my 5K race. I'm hoping to keep my time under 33 minutes, but I secretly want it to be around 31 minutes. However, with the triathlon training I'm running a bit less than I normally would, so I'll be interested to see the impact that makes. Maybe now that I'm a bit lighter I'll go faster! I'll be sure to post results with pictures after the race.
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