As my plane landed from an awesome trip to the NCAA championship swim meet, I had an email waiting for me from Coach Bill that my TrainingPeaks account had been updated and my first two weeks of official training (as a triathlete!) were waiting for me. I stepped off the plane feeling like a complete athlete again. And it felt good. Checking in this morning I saw swim-bike-run workouts and couldn't help but feel kind of weird yet excited-like I'm that grad student again who's clueless but eager to get in there and kick some boo-tay in any way I can!
Regarding the mental side of things, a mantra that seems to stick is 'transform'. In a way, it seems to elicit a lesser degree of certainty but open things up to a whole lot of possibilities-and I'm just at the very beginning. I've already noticed some decent gains in my pedal stroke and endurance on the bike, and my swim technique (which I still have little to no bragging rights yet), especially my kick is feeling more powerful. Of course I have great support in my community in addition to Brooks and PowerBar and many individuals willing to lend me advice as I figure this thing out.
One thing I'll admit is that I'm still getting used to growing muscles on top of my muscles; at one point I was rather whippet-like (however fairly unhealthy at that size), and having bigger limbs is still kind an adjustment for me. But dang, I feel strong thus far, and I don't feel like I'm carrying a big load when on the run.
There's a steep learning curve and lots of adjustments ahead, and it all starts with my little emails I secretly missed for a while guiding me into the next couple days. Tomorrow-it's swim and weights day. 2400 in the pool at 6:30 AM. I have my kick board, cap, and goggles all ready to go.
I'll close this out with a quote by Jesse Thomas (who's wife is one of my fave pro runners btw) regarding tri training:
"When you like to exercise, triathlon is a good way to justify doing so without looking nutso. Actually I guess you still look a little nutso." Oh, well!!
Stay the course.
5 comments:
So wonderful to watch your journey unfold, A! Enjoy the ride!
Oh how I miss muscles on top of muscles. Heck, I just miss muscles. Why is it so much harder when you are older than dirt?!?! Nevertheless, I'm very happy that you have them and your transformation has been very exciting to watch! :)
YAY for an exciting new training plan! I can't wait to hear all about it. And your arms? They are awesome! I've been attempting to get into the weights a little bit more, but it's always the first thing to go. GGGGRRR.
I'm excited to see you talk of the transformative nature of both your training skills and your body. Seeing this through the eyes of another gives me perhaps a bit more appreciation for what triathlon has done for me.
Perhaps this process will make you a more complete athlete, maybe a bit heavier and more muscular but with the strength to be faster and stronger than you were before.
"Transform" is a very GOOD triathlon mantra!
I like the idea of muscles on muscles! Are you using weights much then? My arms need some serious work. haha.
Really happy that you are breezing through these 6's. Do you have a comeback/debut race on the radar?
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