I'm officially READY!

When I did the Rhythm & Blues half marathon back in February, I saw a guy wearing the shirt below...for all of the non-Aggies reading this, BTHO is beat the hell outta.  At the time, I may have not thought this but now, I officially feel ready now and definitely ready to BTHO 70.3 in Oceanside.  Still always crossing my fingers to stay healthy through the race as well as no flat tires on the bike!

This past week was my last full week of training and it was a tough one to get through mainly because I didn't take my usual recovery day off during the previous weekend.  I did my last open water swim (photo below) at Towne Lake.  It was 180 degree difference from last weekend, my breathing was under control which is the most important aspect for me.  Swimming the speed that I do is not physically challenging for me, it's simply getting over the mental aspect of open water! But this weekend, I feel like I did and have zero doubts on making it.  This was quite a milestone for me because when I get on my bike and put on my running shoes, that is where the fun (and competitiveness) is for me. 



Red circle in back of photo is the swim distance (there and back) for about 0.7 miles - this was my swim route on Sunday.  I will add another 0.5 miles to that for next Saturday.

This week, I will go somewhat light Monday through Wednesday but will continue to do spin and then swim one last time on Wednesday before heading to airport and flying off to San Diego!

Even though I am sure everyone is sick of seeing my forecast screenshots, I can't help it.  This training has turned me into a weather hound.  You can imagine my face when I pulled this up...amazing! I will be in a somewhat tortured state all of Saturday but certainly can't complain about the weather!

Workout the week of March 16th:
Monday: Spin class + 1.0 swim (40 min)
Tuesday: Spin class
Wednesday: Spin class + 0.50 swim (21 min)
Thursday: Spin class + 0.50 swim (20 min)
Friday: Spin class + 0.5 mile swim (20 min)
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: 0.7 open water swim (23 min) + 6 mile run (8:50 min/mi) + 27 mile bike (18mph avg)

Last full week of training under way

Been a bit behind in my posts for last couple of weeks but last week was a good workout week and got some good practice in over the weekend - did a long bike ride in Bastrop (practice with some hills) and practiced an open water swim again since last September.  Although I am 10x more comfortable in pool now compared to September, open water still gets me for whatever reason! I'm definitely going to have to get over that during race day!  Tested the open water swim in my wetsuit and although a bit restrictive around neck, it keeps me surprisingly warm...the water was supposedly around 60 degrees...which Oceanside is estimated to be about 65 degrees on race day.  Bike ride on Saturday was really good...the weather couldn't have been better! I was also able to start to work with my front gears more. I love riding out away from city, not only do I get to miss all of the stops, it's less traffic and just prettier.  Wished I remembered to take pics on ride but all I got was the gem below of the weather forecast for that day...I've been waiting for a ride day like that for a loooonnng time!

This week is my last full training week so trying to put in as much as possible.  Also, will be shipping my bike off to Oceanside tomorrow, can't believe next Wednesday we'll be heading that way!

aka heaven on a bike!

Workout the week of March 9th: Monday: Spin class + 0.5 mile swim (21 min)
Tuesday: 6 mile run (8:55 avg per mile)
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Spin class
Friday: Spin class + 0.5 mile swim (22 min)
Saturday: 70 mile bike ride (~16 mph)
Sunday: 0.75 open water swim (41 min...sooo slow!)

Training plan is set for the last month!

A couple of things that occurred to me this week.  #1, I'm officially done running in the cold after Monday.  I know I live in Texas and I shouldn't complain, others have it worse, but this is what separates me from the hardcore triathletes...I'm just tired of it.  #2, I would love to be able to say the same for the bike because that's even more miserable in cold/wind than running but I realized, I just like it too much.  So as much as I will complain when the weather is not ideal, it's really my own fault I am out there in the beginning!

I had my fair share of challenges with the bike ride on Saturday but I'll just summarize it quickly, I officially know how to change a flat tire...it may take me a lot longer than others but I can do it.  Also, it is likely that my wheel just may detach from my bike next time mid-ride...hope I put it back on right! :)
The most interesting part of my ride Saturday was I got to see a guy scooping up road kill to put in his truck...why you ask? I try not to think about it!

Finally, I laid out my last months workout plan.  I was not able to make it out to the open water swim this weekend but it is marked on my training for this next Sat or Sun come hell or high water.


Workout the week of Feb 23rd:
Monday: Spin class + 2 mile run (9:21 avg per mile)
Tuesday: Spin class
Wednesday: Spin class
Thursday: Spin class + 0.50 mile swim (~20 min, no watch)
Friday: Spin class + 1.0 mile swim (~40 min)
Saturday: 44 mile bike ride (15.7 mph avg) + laid out on couch rest of day after cold & windy ride!
Sunday: Off...and still recovering from Saturday