update on my tri training

OK, I gleaned from the responses to my triathlon post (0) that I'm the only "triathlete" here -- and I am REALLY just a wannabe at this point! but i figure we're all working on different goals and can still be supportive, right?

Yesterday I hit what for me was an important goal: I jogged 2.75 miles straight on the treadmill.

Now, this may not seem like much, but I cannot tell you how much I am NOT a runner. OK I *can* tell you: in high school, I took up dance mainly because it was the one PE class available that didn't require running around the track! (Dance ended up being a great experience -- thank you Mrs. Dukatz! :hi: but I digress...)

So, the advice I've read all seems to say, "increase your running distance only 10% from week to week" to avoid injuries. I've been doing that, starting at less than 2 miles and increasing bit by bit... I figured that in order to do a 5K run comfortably by April 2 -- the date of a "My First Tri" I'd like to enter -- I NEEDED to hit my goal this week. And I did. So, I'm gonna enter the race!

stay tuned.... ;)

Enter and shoot for it.

Are you doing running, swimming and biking?

The one time I tried running on a treadmill, I found it very difficult compared to running outside. You have to concentrate so much on not falling off! Of course, outside, you have all the weather elements and hills and dogs.

Running is always hard when you're not used to it. As you get into better and better shape, you will start to enjoy it more. I guarantee it. Keep progressing slowly. Increasing your mileage by 10% is a good rule of thumb, though I'd advise cutting your mileage in half once every 4 weeks. This will give you a good rest and will allow your legs to recuperate.

Consistency, Moderation, Progression, Rest.

I find it difficult to pace myself outside. The treadmill keeps me going at a steady pace. I end up going too fast outside and tiring too soon.

I also try to vary the hill profile program on the treadmill. I found out the hard way that running a flat profile on the treadmill does not transfer to outside activities.

I'm used to running outside. When I got on a treadmill, I found myself weaving from side to side.

I like running both outside AND on the treadmill. I found that once I got used to the treadmill, that weaving thing went away... now I have no trouble.

I feel the same.... treadmills are great way to keep a steady pace, to get an accurate gauge of how far you've gone, how fast you are going, etc. Running outside - I tend to go too fast (and too short a distance) or too slow (doing me NO good at all!).

Additionally, I have to get my runs in at 4:30 in the morning when it is dark out, so it is much better for me to get on the treadmill (plus the whole single mom thing, can't leave the kids home alone while I'm running!)...

Cobalt Violet: yes, the race is swim + bike + run, in that order. Pretty short distances: 1/4 mile swim, 11 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. Swimming is the only part that comes easily to me -- this makes me the polar opposite of most triathletes! This morning I went for a crack-of-dawn bike ride, which lasted a bit longer than I had planned due to my getting a little lost amongst the winding mansion-lined roads of a nearby "oil money" neighborhood. Nice place to bike, though.

Poiuyt, so far I have been pretty good about "rest" - maybe too good! "Consistency" is the part that's new to me. ;) But it seems my "two steps forward, one step back" approach to training is making me stronger gradually, which is just what I wanted. It's great because I can really FEEL it. I think that now, in my mid-30's, I've learned how to listen to my body. Even starting to hear whispers of encouragement!

The second transition -- from bike to run -- is going to be the toughest. I need to overcome the "rubber legs" phenomenon next.

thanks for your encouragement & support!

OK, I did it: dropped the check in the mail last Thursday before I left town. So now I'm definitely in for the "My First Triathlon" race April 2, Galveston, TX. All prayers & kind thoughts appreciated!

My "training" while in Monterrey, Mexico consisted of climbing two mountains: Sunday night's was basically a leisurely stroll up a road and back with friends, and a good warm-up for Monday. Monday morning I got to Chipinque while it was still dark and hiked from 6am to 11am, sometimes pretty steep climbs. It was beautiful, with amazing weather, beautiful scenery, well-maintained trails, etc. :) I figure this type of "training" helped me build the muscles necessary for the bike-to-run transition as well as increasing my endurance. Not to mention that climbing mountains is good for the soul.

Back home now, I rested yesterday and swam 525 meters this morning. Two and half weeks left to race day.

-Sky in Houston