So today's title has nothing to do with my training. It has to do with the really ugly socks that I currently have on my feet. I needed new dress socks of the tan/brown variety for work. I bought these at Target last night and they looked fine. Well it turns out that they are exceedingly ugly in daylight. Such an ugly color! I'm not what you would call a fashionista (people who really know me are laughing at the thought of that right now) but seriously, this is even too ugly for me. But my feet are cold and the shoes are a no-go without socks, and that all means that I am stuck with distractingly ugly socks all day.
Knee update = sore. Yesterday I forgot to take all of my doses of ibuprofen and I could tell. My knee was definitely hurting more by the end of the day yesterday and this morning. It is feeling better now that I have resumed the ibuprofen, but it is still tired and uncomfortable. At least there has not been any significant sharp pain since Saturday.
Today's Workout:
I forgot to set my alarm last night before I went to bed and somehow this morning I woke up late but still early enough to sneak to the gym. I am proud of myself for not throwing in the towel when I overslept and still making something happen.
Back in the pool again today because of the knee. Finally it felt like a good cardio workout today and it was enjoyable. I give the workout a 8 out of 10. I could have pushed harder, but still pleased over-all.
Today was the first time I have done a 1/2 mile swim without stopping. (The triathlon swim is 1/2 mile = 800 meters). It went really well. I had an elevated heart rate when I was done, but I was not panting or anywhere close to exhausted. In fact, I really just felt warmed-up - as if I could actually go bike.
It took me less than 25 minutes to do the swim today, which I think is good for the first full trip. I don't have an exact time for a couple of reasons: 1. when I started I didn't know that I was going to swim a full 1/2 miles but I ended up feeling good so I just kept swimming, 2. by now you should all know I can't count, which means I'm not positive that was actually 36 laps, but it was pretty close.
Based on my swim today, I think that I might be able to get my swim time under 20 minutes by August and that would be great. Because then I am pretty sure that I could be in the 20-25 minute range in open water. Overall, training is going well, even if it has been slightly derailed by my stupid knee.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Less Stupid Knee
So last night my knee was definitely sore and tired. Uncomfortable is probably the best word to describe it. This morning, much more comfortable. I swam again this morning and probably will again tomorrow. I feel like I am getting a decent workout swimming (though not high enough heart rate) and it seems to be helping the knee some. This very moment my knee feels almost good. I have a feeling it will get tired later, but maybe I'll get lucky.
I was supposed to pick up my bike yesterday which I was really excited about, but due to my stupid knee I delayed pick up until next Wednesday. I hope that by then my knee will be feeling better and that I will be able to get in a long test ride on the weekend of April 3-4th.
This morning I pulled out my old swim gear that I picked up when I went home this past weekend. It was nice to have it. I think that fins really help you remember what a good freestyle kick is supposed to feel like regarding the correct and natural motion. I also think that the paddles will really help me build up some arm strength.
I did a little longer kick session this morning with the fins to workout the legs a little harder because I haven't been doing any leg lifting or training. I was pleased with the variety it brought to the workout and I will continue to incorporate different tools.
Also, the other day (before the knee pain) I saw an article about deep water running while injured. Unfortunately I only glanced at the article but I remembered a couple things: 1. use a flotation belt, 2. make fists with your hands, 3. something about not over-exaggerating. I decided to give it a try this morning. I need to find the article to see if it gives hints on technique. I'll try to post it here later. Anyway - I think it could be a decent workout.
Workout - total duration 40 min
10 laps freestyle swim
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle kick with fins rotating sides - one arm on board, one at side
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle arms with paddles and pull-buoy
10 mins water jogging with belt
stretching legs
Hopefully I'll have time later to give a knee update.
** Update **
I am 5 hours post-workout and the knee is feeling good. Very little soreness, but it and the lower end of my quad muscle is feeling tired. I have taken two doses of ibuprofen today and have two more to go. I definitely think the combination of "treatments" is working.
Also, here is the link for the deep water running article. I don't think the pool that I workout in is technically deep enough, but I'll probably try it a little more. Surely it can't hurt.
I was supposed to pick up my bike yesterday which I was really excited about, but due to my stupid knee I delayed pick up until next Wednesday. I hope that by then my knee will be feeling better and that I will be able to get in a long test ride on the weekend of April 3-4th.
This morning I pulled out my old swim gear that I picked up when I went home this past weekend. It was nice to have it. I think that fins really help you remember what a good freestyle kick is supposed to feel like regarding the correct and natural motion. I also think that the paddles will really help me build up some arm strength.
I did a little longer kick session this morning with the fins to workout the legs a little harder because I haven't been doing any leg lifting or training. I was pleased with the variety it brought to the workout and I will continue to incorporate different tools.
Also, the other day (before the knee pain) I saw an article about deep water running while injured. Unfortunately I only glanced at the article but I remembered a couple things: 1. use a flotation belt, 2. make fists with your hands, 3. something about not over-exaggerating. I decided to give it a try this morning. I need to find the article to see if it gives hints on technique. I'll try to post it here later. Anyway - I think it could be a decent workout.
Workout - total duration 40 min
10 laps freestyle swim
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle kick with fins rotating sides - one arm on board, one at side
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle arms with paddles and pull-buoy
10 mins water jogging with belt
stretching legs
Hopefully I'll have time later to give a knee update.
** Update **
I am 5 hours post-workout and the knee is feeling good. Very little soreness, but it and the lower end of my quad muscle is feeling tired. I have taken two doses of ibuprofen today and have two more to go. I definitely think the combination of "treatments" is working.
Also, here is the link for the deep water running article. I don't think the pool that I workout in is technically deep enough, but I'll probably try it a little more. Surely it can't hurt.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Stupid Knee
My knee is stupid. Period. And I am mad at it. Really mad. It doesn't seem fair that I have always gotten hurt while pursuing athletic endeavors. It just makes me grumpy.
So - here's the problem. Last spring I did something during a bike ride, or soon thereafter, to my left knee. I completely rested (ie: was lazy) for a long time and it seemed to be doing better. Then when I started working out again this past fall, I gradually eased into working out and it seemed to be fine. Then about two months ago / whenever I started blogging, I started running to train for this triathlon and I started wearing a knee brace. In the last week or so, the soreness in my knee seemed to increase, but I thought I was going to be fine as long as I kept wearing my knee brace for running and biking.
Friday I skipped a workout because I travelled down South to visit my wonderful family. I am mildly mad at myself for skipping a workout but oh well. I figured that I would go on a bike ride with my mom on Saturday and all would be fine. Well, Saturday mom didn't feel well and no bike ride. Instead I played with my baby cousin and hung out with all my family. All was well until it wasn't. I haven't no idea what happened, but by Saturday evening my knee was screaming with pain. Stairs were the worst part about it. I iced it and took some ibuprofen on the advice of Dr. Hubs. Since then, I have been on a round-the-clock ibuprofen regimen. I took the bike out on Sunday with my mom because I wanted to teach how to use her new bike and I'm stubborn. I wore the knee brace and I was fine initially, but by the end of our very very short ride, I knew that I needed to stop. There is definitely pain on that down-push motion that is used on the bike or stairs.
So I am going to stick with the pool and ibuprofen this week. Hopefully the inflammation will decrease and I will be able to move passed this without a major detour.
Workouts:
Last Thursday I lifted, but to be honest I don't really remember what I did. Pretty standard I guess.
This morning - Monday.
35 min swim. I could feel the soreness and discomfort in my knee but no significant pain. I swam gingerly today out of fear of hurting my knee more.
10 laps freestyle
10 laps freestyle arms
10 laps freestyle kick
5 laps freestyle
So - here's the problem. Last spring I did something during a bike ride, or soon thereafter, to my left knee. I completely rested (ie: was lazy) for a long time and it seemed to be doing better. Then when I started working out again this past fall, I gradually eased into working out and it seemed to be fine. Then about two months ago / whenever I started blogging, I started running to train for this triathlon and I started wearing a knee brace. In the last week or so, the soreness in my knee seemed to increase, but I thought I was going to be fine as long as I kept wearing my knee brace for running and biking.
Friday I skipped a workout because I travelled down South to visit my wonderful family. I am mildly mad at myself for skipping a workout but oh well. I figured that I would go on a bike ride with my mom on Saturday and all would be fine. Well, Saturday mom didn't feel well and no bike ride. Instead I played with my baby cousin and hung out with all my family. All was well until it wasn't. I haven't no idea what happened, but by Saturday evening my knee was screaming with pain. Stairs were the worst part about it. I iced it and took some ibuprofen on the advice of Dr. Hubs. Since then, I have been on a round-the-clock ibuprofen regimen. I took the bike out on Sunday with my mom because I wanted to teach how to use her new bike and I'm stubborn. I wore the knee brace and I was fine initially, but by the end of our very very short ride, I knew that I needed to stop. There is definitely pain on that down-push motion that is used on the bike or stairs.
So I am going to stick with the pool and ibuprofen this week. Hopefully the inflammation will decrease and I will be able to move passed this without a major detour.
Workouts:
Last Thursday I lifted, but to be honest I don't really remember what I did. Pretty standard I guess.
This morning - Monday.
35 min swim. I could feel the soreness and discomfort in my knee but no significant pain. I swam gingerly today out of fear of hurting my knee more.
10 laps freestyle
10 laps freestyle arms
10 laps freestyle kick
5 laps freestyle
Thursday, March 19, 2009
New Toy!!!
I bought a bike last night. I am super excited. I went to a store here in my Big City and found an '08 model of the Trek bike that I really liked and it was cheaper. I climbed on a couple other bikes, but I really think that this bike is the right one for me right now, especially at the price of $367! I pick it up Monday and I can't wait to take it for a ride.
Here's a picture of my new bike, a 2008 Trek 7.2 FX wsd:
Here's a picture of my new bike, a 2008 Trek 7.2 FX wsd:
Note the link above is to the '09 model, but you can zoom in and see everything up close. The only differences between the 2008 and 2009 models is the color and the seat. The 2008 model has a quick release spring seat. The 2009 model has a bolted-in, non-springy (I'm sure there is a bike term for that!) seat. I also climbed on the 2008 7.3 FX wsd - it is basically a step-up from the bike I bought and has more racing-type components, including the lighter, but non-springy seat. After I talked to the girl at the store and told her about my lower back issues, she said that I definitely should do the 2008 7.2 with the springy seat. She also has lower back issues and said that it would make a big difference for me. I am all about protecting my back - so I was sold on the 7.2 at that point.
I decided that I just wasn't ready for a road bike. If I decide to never do another triathlon again, this will be a great bike for me because it will really serve a lot of purposes. And if I do any more triathlons, this will be good for the first couple and then I can always upgrade or keep this bike for path rides. I'll take a picture of me with my bike soon!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Busy Week
I haven't missed any workouts this week - just bit busier than expected. I've tried to cram a lot into the weekends recently and we are really beginning to get ready for our Big Move out East, plus we are thinking about buying our first home when we head out there, which makes the whole process a bit more overwhelming. Tonight I hope that I will have time to go look at bikes and then I have a lot of other chores.
Last night I received an unexpected and happy call from an old rowing friend. She was always someone who worked so hard and inspired me to work harder, plus she was a great friend and roommate for one year. It was so wonderful to hear from her and it reminded me of how blessed my life is. I am so thankful for the wonderful people in my life.
Quick workout update.
Tuesday - lifting - 6 out of 10 - it wasn't anything special.
Total Duration: 45 minutes
6 minute warm-up on treadmill with incline maxing at 3 and speed at 3.5
3 x 10 leg press - 160, 160, 170 - I am going to go for solid 170s next time
3 x 10 each leg - single leg calf raises
3 x 10 leg curls - 70
3 x 10 leg extensions - 70
2 x 10 - a new exercise I made up for swimming - it involved wrapping a stretch-band around the highest bar I could find and pull straight down with my arm to simulate a freestyle pull
3 x 10 - seated rows with stretch band
superset
3 x 10 - shoulder trio - 10
3 x 10 - db bicep curls - 10
3 x 10 - hand to knee crunches on stability ball
Wednesday Workout - swimming - 8 out of 10 - just because I did what I set out to do
Total Duration - 35 minutes
(remember all lap counts are approximate because I really, seriously cannot count)
Non-stop Swim
total duration - 23 minutes
total distance - 1/2 mile
20 laps freestyle
10 laps breastroke (notice my back sorta hurt after this - which isn't a good thing)
6 laps freestyle
Then I did some kick for a little over 5 minutes
Rounded it out with 2 x 10 leg swings - front to back and side to side
Last night I received an unexpected and happy call from an old rowing friend. She was always someone who worked so hard and inspired me to work harder, plus she was a great friend and roommate for one year. It was so wonderful to hear from her and it reminded me of how blessed my life is. I am so thankful for the wonderful people in my life.
Quick workout update.
Tuesday - lifting - 6 out of 10 - it wasn't anything special.
Total Duration: 45 minutes
6 minute warm-up on treadmill with incline maxing at 3 and speed at 3.5
3 x 10 leg press - 160, 160, 170 - I am going to go for solid 170s next time
3 x 10 each leg - single leg calf raises
3 x 10 leg curls - 70
3 x 10 leg extensions - 70
2 x 10 - a new exercise I made up for swimming - it involved wrapping a stretch-band around the highest bar I could find and pull straight down with my arm to simulate a freestyle pull
3 x 10 - seated rows with stretch band
superset
3 x 10 - shoulder trio - 10
3 x 10 - db bicep curls - 10
3 x 10 - hand to knee crunches on stability ball
Wednesday Workout - swimming - 8 out of 10 - just because I did what I set out to do
Total Duration - 35 minutes
(remember all lap counts are approximate because I really, seriously cannot count)
Non-stop Swim
total duration - 23 minutes
total distance - 1/2 mile
20 laps freestyle
10 laps breastroke (notice my back sorta hurt after this - which isn't a good thing)
6 laps freestyle
Then I did some kick for a little over 5 minutes
Rounded it out with 2 x 10 leg swings - front to back and side to side
Monday, March 16, 2009
Yay for Spring; Bike Suggestions?
This weekend we left the Big City and visited Hubs' family who lives about 1.5 hours away. It was beautiful weather all weekend, and I definitely wanted to get outside while I could because I know that it will cool off again because it is only mid-March. I definitely am getting antsy for the warm weather to really sit in though.
On Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went to look for new bikes. She actually does a lot of biking - as in she is currently in much better shape than I am. Last summer, she and her sister and a couple other friends went on a 275 mile bike trip along the Great Allegheny Passage - often biking around 40 miles a day. Seeing how excited they were after they completed their trip made me realize in part that if you really want to do something, then you can do it. Even if it is more challenging than you could have realized - ie: the tornado that put trees down along a long stretch of the path that they were biking.
Anyway, now she is ready for a bike upgrade and was looking forward to looking at bikes. Originally, I thought that I would use my old bike (the old mountain bike that I got for my 13th birthday) but I am realizing that it is just not feasible. It would be way too tiring. It was really nice to go bike shopping with her and Hubs - and made me super excited to get a new bike.
The bikes were a bit more expensive than I had hoped they would be. I tried several Trek models, and really liked the Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I found a store back in the Big City that still has some 2008 models and that makes them a little more than $100 cheaper. So the plan is to go to the store, look at the 7.2 and then try a bunch of other brands that are similar. Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel like I am sorta rushing into this, but at the same time, I'd hate to miss saving the money on the older model. If anyone has any suggestions at all - brands, good websites, considerations, etc - please please let me know. I definitely know that I do not want a road bike at this stage - so I am in the market for a hybrid.
After getting excited by trying a bunch of bikes on Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went on an 18 mile bike ride along a nice flat path on Sunday. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes. The weather was beautiful - bright and sunny and light to moderate wind. It was around 60 degrees, plus the wind. I rode Hubs' dad's bike and we had a great time. I decided to wear the knee brace because my knee has been bugging me recently. It seemed to help. Towards the end of the ride when my legs began to really get tired, my knee started getting sore, but by the time we got back to the house my knee felt fine. My knee feels good today too, which makes me super happy. After the bike ride yesterday, I was exhausted. It made me a little nervous because I can't imagine going running after that. Being outside and the long workout really got the best of me. My legs were beat, my tush was sore, and I was tuckered out. The good news is that I felt great this morning and all day. No soreness at all and a good night sleep seemed to take care of the tiredness.
This week is a bit of a weird workout week - I guess it is a lesson in flexibility. I worked out on Sunday, which I normally don't do and I didn't work out today. So, Tuesday and Thursday are lifting days. Wednesday will be swimming day and then I'll do some running on Friday hopefully. That's the plan at least.
I'll keep you posted on the bike situation - I'd love suggestions!
On Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went to look for new bikes. She actually does a lot of biking - as in she is currently in much better shape than I am. Last summer, she and her sister and a couple other friends went on a 275 mile bike trip along the Great Allegheny Passage - often biking around 40 miles a day. Seeing how excited they were after they completed their trip made me realize in part that if you really want to do something, then you can do it. Even if it is more challenging than you could have realized - ie: the tornado that put trees down along a long stretch of the path that they were biking.
Anyway, now she is ready for a bike upgrade and was looking forward to looking at bikes. Originally, I thought that I would use my old bike (the old mountain bike that I got for my 13th birthday) but I am realizing that it is just not feasible. It would be way too tiring. It was really nice to go bike shopping with her and Hubs - and made me super excited to get a new bike.
The bikes were a bit more expensive than I had hoped they would be. I tried several Trek models, and really liked the Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I found a store back in the Big City that still has some 2008 models and that makes them a little more than $100 cheaper. So the plan is to go to the store, look at the 7.2 and then try a bunch of other brands that are similar. Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel like I am sorta rushing into this, but at the same time, I'd hate to miss saving the money on the older model. If anyone has any suggestions at all - brands, good websites, considerations, etc - please please let me know. I definitely know that I do not want a road bike at this stage - so I am in the market for a hybrid.
After getting excited by trying a bunch of bikes on Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went on an 18 mile bike ride along a nice flat path on Sunday. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes. The weather was beautiful - bright and sunny and light to moderate wind. It was around 60 degrees, plus the wind. I rode Hubs' dad's bike and we had a great time. I decided to wear the knee brace because my knee has been bugging me recently. It seemed to help. Towards the end of the ride when my legs began to really get tired, my knee started getting sore, but by the time we got back to the house my knee felt fine. My knee feels good today too, which makes me super happy. After the bike ride yesterday, I was exhausted. It made me a little nervous because I can't imagine going running after that. Being outside and the long workout really got the best of me. My legs were beat, my tush was sore, and I was tuckered out. The good news is that I felt great this morning and all day. No soreness at all and a good night sleep seemed to take care of the tiredness.
This week is a bit of a weird workout week - I guess it is a lesson in flexibility. I worked out on Sunday, which I normally don't do and I didn't work out today. So, Tuesday and Thursday are lifting days. Wednesday will be swimming day and then I'll do some running on Friday hopefully. That's the plan at least.
I'll keep you posted on the bike situation - I'd love suggestions!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ready for the Weekend Part II
I made a very wise decision when I made Fridays my swimming days. It is a great workout for the end of the week because always seems to help stretch out my muscles, plus I really enjoy swimming which makes it easier to get out of bed. In fact, there is no way that I would have gotten out of bed this morning if I hadn't been going to the gym to swim. I was so tired again this morning, but I bargained with myself that I could hit snooze one extra time, reminding myself that the pool was waiting for me. There is no way that bargain would have been made this morning if the treadmill was waiting for me. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow - I am definitely ready for the weekend.
This morning the pool was a lot better - as in, it was not 10000 degrees. Instead, it was only 86, which felt cool by comparison to the last few weeks. Plus, it was quiet today. There are no lap lanes in the pool and it can be a little hectic when there are a couple old men floating/swimming and old ladies do their exercises. I just pretend like it is the triathlon with lots of random people doing weird things. I have a feeling though that I won't be zipping past people quite as fast during the actual triathlon!
Workout - Total Duration = 40 minutes
I lose track on counting sometimes (ok, often) so the number of laps below are approximate. I try to throw in an extra lap if I think I miscounted, but who knows maybe I miscount a lot. In fact, just ask anyone I rowed with in college. I was terrible at practices when we did "silent pyramid" pieces. I just can't keep count.
approx. 20 laps (over 1/4 mile) freestyle
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle kick with board
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle arms only with pull-buoy
5 minutes treading water
2 x 10 - leg swings - across the front and front to back
PS - I think I may go look at bikes tomorrow. I am super excited to see what is out there! Soon enough I'll be able to get outside for my biking sessions and I am really excited by the thought of a new bike!
This morning the pool was a lot better - as in, it was not 10000 degrees. Instead, it was only 86, which felt cool by comparison to the last few weeks. Plus, it was quiet today. There are no lap lanes in the pool and it can be a little hectic when there are a couple old men floating/swimming and old ladies do their exercises. I just pretend like it is the triathlon with lots of random people doing weird things. I have a feeling though that I won't be zipping past people quite as fast during the actual triathlon!
Workout - Total Duration = 40 minutes
I lose track on counting sometimes (ok, often) so the number of laps below are approximate. I try to throw in an extra lap if I think I miscounted, but who knows maybe I miscount a lot. In fact, just ask anyone I rowed with in college. I was terrible at practices when we did "silent pyramid" pieces. I just can't keep count.
approx. 20 laps (over 1/4 mile) freestyle
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle kick with board
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle arms only with pull-buoy
5 minutes treading water
2 x 10 - leg swings - across the front and front to back
PS - I think I may go look at bikes tomorrow. I am super excited to see what is out there! Soon enough I'll be able to get outside for my biking sessions and I am really excited by the thought of a new bike!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
