With my triathlon fast approaching (Sept 5!), I figured I’d better get at least one blog post up about how my summer training has been going.
So far, I’ve done at least two run/bike/swim workouts, not to be confused with a ‘brick workout,’ which apparently only includes two of the three sports, usually biking and running. I’m not sure why doing only two events gets a special name, while doing all three doesn’t seem to have a unique moniker. And what does everyone have against swimming!? It seems to be the least-practiced event of the triathlon. (I’m a little biased–as a swimmer–and also realize swimming does often require a little more time and planning than simply lacing up some running shoes.) Admittedly, running after biking is definitely the hardest part, hands down.
Early in the summer, I timed my first ‘3 in 1’ workout so that I would join my running group for the last leg of the session. I packed a bag with clothes and my bike, parked my car at 42North (our run meeting spot), then biked to the pool.
After my swim, I changed (not an easy task while still mostly wet) and hopped on the bike for a seven-mile ride that included a hill. I arrived back to my car with just enough time to ditch the bike and grab a drink before running four miles with my friends.
Then, I drank beer and ate nachos. Of course.
Between this workout and the one I did yesterday, I went on a few rides with my friend, Dale, in addition to laps at the pool, teaching my cycle class at the Y and–of course–running.
Yesterday, but some stroke of luck, I was able to do another ‘3 in 1’ workout without even planning it! (Thank goodness, too, because I’d actually planned to do it today–as I write this, in fact–but it’s currently raining buckets and thundering. No bueno!)
As I said, yesterday I managed all three disciplines. I met friends for a late afternoon run, knowing I needed to be finished with enough time to get to the Y to sub for a cycle class that evening. Upon finishing the run, I realized I had time to zip over to the pool for a short workout (1000 yards – 40 laps) before heading to the gym. Once I decided to do it, I packed a bag and I was off in no time flat! No better way to cool off after a run than the pool!
I drove in my wet swimsuit (in the hopes of giving myself and it some extra time to dry) to the gym, changed and then taught a 45-minute class. I was so hungry by the end I could not get home fast enough!
This morning, I did my first real solo ride! Dale ended up going blueberry-picking with his wife, much to his chagrin. I missed his company, but know going alone was a big confidence-booster for me. (I did make sure Andrew and the Nyes knew I was biking alone and to keep their phones with them should I need rescuing!) I had a great ride, and was especially proud that I was able to follow the route from memory, as I am notoriously bad with directions. Fifteen miles in one hour!
Immediately after biking, I did a quick (7:47!!!) mile around the park to push myself on tired legs. I couldn’t believe my time; my legs felt like lead the entire mile and if I’d been running a nine-minute pace I would have believed it.
Despite these multi-sport workouts, I have not practiced my transitions yet. I’m confident in my fitness for each leg of the race, and know this first tri will simply be a learning experience for me. I’ve chosen one that is really low-key, so I’m not super worried about rushing through the transitions on this first one. I’ll definitely work on them before the race, and I plan to arrive early and seek help from those around me!
You’ve got this … good luck with your race! When is race day??
Thanks! My tri is Wednesday evening, Sept 5. I’m actually really happy to have found one in the evening, because I get a lot of anxiety before races/other things in the mornings (like an early flight) and often don’t get a lot of sleep. So, hopefully, I won’t be too nervous about this one the night before! Are you training for anything?