I haven't written on here in awhile...so long so that I forgot my password! Here's a quick update on how the winter training is going:
I'm doing a lot more running this winter than I have ever done in any season. This is good news as my running as been a weak point of my triathlons, and I have always hated running as a part of training, going too hard, too fast to try and get the run over with, which then makes me not want to run. I'm working on pacing at the start so that I can finish strong, rather than starting fast and fading at the end.
My swimming has also been a focus of my winter training, although I find it hard to get in the pool on my own when it is cold out. I know that the pool is inside and will be warm, but for some reason, I hate the cold blast that the showers give, and that ends up scaring me away from swimming. I have, however, shaven about 7 seconds off of my avg 100 m pace (was at 2:10, now at around 2:03). That makes me feel good and when the weather gets warmer, I'll be in a better mood to swim (I know, it's funny that I have no problem running outside in whatever temperature, but will not swim inside). I was told of a really good website that will help me do more swimming on my own. It is www.swimplan.com where you can create personalized swim workouts that are geared to your pace and needs.
My bike, surprisingly, has not been a focus this winter. I love cycling, and when I work out I typically only do exercises that I like, but this winter I'm having difficulty getting on my bike. It's just once I'm at home I'm just too tired or lazy to do anything. I did just get the GSC 10 speed/cadence sensor for my bike so that will help motivate me to get on my bike, and also show me how well I am working out, so that's going to help.
All in all, the winter is going well. I have given up drinking beer because it made me too sluggish and was adding some pounds to my winter weight (although I still drink wine, but only a glass every few days). March will be when I really pick up the pace. I'm going to start doing the speed workouts with Kevin O'Neil, and I'll be adding a Monday night spin class to my workout. My biggest fear was over exercising and burning out this winter, but I think I have paced myself well, ensuring that each workout is beneficial, and not just a workout. I've seen overall improvement, so it should be interesting to see how the times improve this summer (which, I expect, there to be a significant improvement).
Cheers for now!
