To the Gym, To the Gym, Jiggity Jig
May 21st, 2008
Two things happened on Sunday: I wrote a marathon training update, and my friend Sam told me about a local triathlon. And then my mind started reeling: If I got back to the gym, maybe I could do this triathlon. I could swim laps in the mornings and take some cycling classes and be ready by August.
So what did I do? Well, Monday night I went to the gym for a cycling class and some strength training. Please understand, that this is the first time I’ve been to the Y in probably two months. I stopped going because I got tired of driving into Springfield, and I’m not much of a morning person, and it’s always busy after work, so I just phased it out of my routine.
And cycling class went well. I got in 13 miles, which is more than what I would ride in the sprint triathlon. And I felt good about that, but I was a bit concerned about the swimming portion. I haven’t swam laps since I was on swim team in eighth grade; I can swim, but I’m not a great swimmer. I vowed to give it a try anyway.
Tuesday morning, I broke out my bathing suit and ventured to the pool side of the Y. You have no idea how nervous I was. For one, I was afraid I’d get in the way of all the other swimmers, and two, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to swim in a straight line.
It wasn’t so bad. There were only two other swimmers, so I wasn’t in the way at all. And because the free stroke wears me out so much, I stuck to the breast stroke, which isn’t a speedy stroke, but it worked for me. I tried the free stroke for half a lap and ran into the wall. Yes, the side of the pool because I veered to the right too much. If I keep this up for the sprint triathlon, I’ll have to master the free stroke, which means I’ll have to get some goggles, so I can see where I’m going.
I ran 3 miles last night and did another cycling class this morning. Early morning classes are a little rough for me, but with some coffee when I get to work and a little nap after dinner, I think I’ll be able to make it. I haven’t committed to this sprint triathlon yet, but it’s a possibility. Yea!
Entry Filed under: fitness/health
3 Comments Add your own
1. Charity | May 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Swimming is the main reason I have not honestly considered a triathlon. I greatly sympathize with running into the wall. Back in February, I swam laps for the first time in well over a decade. A friend of mine is training for two triathlons - a sprint and an olympic. It’s tough stuff - I will be interested to hear how your training goes. Let us know how you tackle it!
2. kch | May 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 am
Like @Charity, I also won’t be considering a tri any time soon - I just don’t enjoy swimming that much. A duathalon is something that I might consider - it would be a great change of pace. Right now though I’m going to focus mainly on training for a fall marathon.
I look forward to seeing what you decide re: the tri!
3. Sarah Jo | May 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
No swimming for me this morning. I was beat after yesterday’s ordeal. I’ll be swimming in the morning.
I’m well aware that if I decide to do the triathlon, swimming is where I need the most work, but the pool is one of the reasons I joined the Y, so I might as well use it, right?
I’ll keep you posted.
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