Kelly the Culinarian: Training Tuesday

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Training Tuesday

He totally doesn't care about my athletic aspirations
So it begins. My official Ironman Wisconsin training cycle started Monday, according to my fancy training book. In preparation of this momentous event, I invested in a swim lesson to see where I could improve. On Saturday, the coach suggested I try to reach wider, keep my hands more level and not lift my head as much when breathing. It's a lot to think about, and right now is slowing my down as I think about trying to swim looking like I'm falling from the sky and only looking at the first foot of the pool up off the wall. It's hard. My shoulders are sore, but that's how I know it's working.

As hard as swimming is, it's easier than running right now. I've worked up to eight miles two and a half weeks post op, but my top speed is about 10 minute miles. I also had to walk at one point because the uphill was too much.

I will attempt marathon number seven on Saturday, my third-annual Circular Logic Marathon. I'm not sure I'll finish, but I'll damn well try.

I initially ran this marathon because it was the only relatively local option that fit into my Ironman training. It's a little later this year than last, but it still fits the bill. That means I'll be back to IMWI training next week, finish or DNF.

The way I'm approaching this year's training is that it's a long ass bike ride with a swim warm up and a run cool down. I'm looking at swimming as practice, tweaking my technique and increase my endurance. I know I can run a marathon, I've done that many times and I recently ran 20 miles on a treadmill without stopping, so I've got that all wrapped up. The bike is where I think I can make the most gains in terms of time and endurance.

I also started adding body weight exercises to my routine and was immediately reminded why I need more in my life. My lower half is embarrassingly sore from some lunges and squats and wall sits. You might be athletically inclined if your first reaction to soreness is, it's working!

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