Category Archives: Triathlon Training

In 2011 I decided that I needed a challenge that would broaden my horizons while reducing my health issues and pant size. I had never ridden a bicycle or taken a swim lesson…so of course I decided to do a Triathlon. These entries follow my path from couch to open water, Olympic length triathlon as a Slow, Old, Fat, “Try”athlete. (2012 update, one “Mini” under my belt and still plugging along.)

A small stretch…..

Running exacerbated the back, hip and knee pain yesterday and I have 17 mosquito bites, for these reasons I did not run this morning. Instead I doubled my yoga and added a guided meditation from the Meditation Oasis on Body Balance to my morning routine. Plan to run tomorrow. Also my goal is to get out and play with my bike until I can ride it this week. Like a kid does.

That is one piece of news that happened during my birthday radio silence. My friends from Tucson brought me a wonderful Mountain Bike for the race for my birthday and my baby gave me the basic, no speeds beach cruiser I kept fondling at Tempe Bike. This is perfect because I have a bike at my son and DIL’s and I have one out here in the badlands. Of course, I am just finally balancing a bit and still haven’t mastered the pedals, yet.  But I am amazed at the magic that shows up when I (or anyone else) set a goal and then work for it with all my (or their) might. The universe makes magic.

Anyway, these are my goals this week, to get my run groove back. I had a 12 minute mile, I can again.  To actually swim 75 meters without break (3 lengths) and to pedal my bike for at least a block.

Now I must get ready for work. My kiddos greeting yesterday was all the reward any pediatric home nurse needs. (AND Today I am not forgetting my lunch again!)

A fast note

Working on a real blog but the Haboobs last night meant not having internet when I had the time to edit the blog, and pretty much staying off my laptop as well. Did get a double rainbow during the storm, much better than a blog I think. Even shot a pic from my phone and shared it over on Facebook.

I am still training.  Managed two laps in the pool yesterday (my first and last laps) the rest were lengths with breaks adding to a total of 16 lengths or 350 meters. This morning was more walk than run, proving as slow as I am I really do run faster than I walk. Have been having lumbar and knee pain last couple days so walking was more prudent. Some pain is meant to be worked through…

Anyway it is a great morning. Started at 4 with meditation, then yoga for 20 minutes, then the dogs and my walk, now it is off to work….vacation officially over.

Side note, this morning was literally swarmed by mosquitoes while walking. NEVER seen so many at one time. Almost went home, but it is not about the little adversities that life throws our ways, it is about how we face them. My calves, upper back and upper arms are just a bit itchy….still I finished my thirty minutes.

Sometimes I am speechless

Shocking I know, but two amazing blogs in a day from my son and my DIL both referencing me has rendered me speechless so go on over and check them out at www.TheBartlemans.com and I will go sleep so I can be back to work at 0700.

Will write again Monday night, between now and then my priorities are sleep, nutrition, training and of course most importantly, my patients.

Namaste.

PS. Pushing myself to run a whole mile (doubled my distance this morning) means REALLY sore quads today, and I get to bend, squat and otherwise keep them talking to me ALL day. On the other hand, I need stronger quads so I can gracefully leap into jeeps like a coordinated human, or better yet, a superhero.

The amazing 12 minute mile…

Yup.

The title says it all.

And it’s 90 degrees here before the sun is up, so that is when I run.

And now to work my eighth day in a row.

My day began with an hour of gratitude meditation because that is the fuel I will need to safely navigate this day.

Namaste to all other SOFT and able athletes, may you train well today!

 

I dun chevvied…

So have tried unsuccessfully to load my swim video of today. Swam 300 meters just not all at once and my form could use a bit of work. I am frustrated by much of life today so gonna go eat and sleep and get up and work again tomorrow. Sorry for minimal blogs but I have not had a day off now in 7 with four more to go thanks to an unusual anset of dunning circumstances.

Also means many social internet obligations undone as well.

I breathe and keep swimming….one length at a time