anarchist_nomad (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
anarchist_nomad) wrote2013-07-22 11:43 pm
anarchist_nomad) wrote2013-07-22 11:43 pm
Summing The Parts
In some sense, I suppose that I properly started my triathlon training tonight. I mean, I've been running and swimming regularly -- about three times per week for each -- for nearly eleven months now. In that time, I have occasionally done both workouts on the same day; however, tonight was the first time that I swam and ran, back-to-back.[*]
Now that I am able to reliably run 10K -- the running distance in the Olympic triathlon -- I have two steps remaining before signing up for an event. One is getting some cycle training in; thus far, I have only focused on the swimming and running. The other is linking the three activities. After all, I can regularly run 10K now... but that's not the same as running 10K after swimming 1500 meters and cycling 40 km!
So tonight was the first step towards linking things up. I went to the pool and swam for an hour, covering 2500 meters (or 100 lengths). Then I came directly home and went out to run for an hour, covering about 10K. I could definitely feel a difference in running immediately after a swim -- tonight's run was the slowest 10K that I have managed to date! My speed was down about 8% from my best-ever hour-long run.
Even so, it feels good to have done the two back-to-back. I should probably start making a regular habit of this -- possibly on Sunday evenings, when the pool closes early.
[*] Okay, technically the two workouts were not actually "back-to-back". After getting out of the pool, I had a quick rinse-off shower, changed into street clothing, drove home, hung my swimming gear, had a drink, changed into my running gear, and stretched out before starting tonight's run. Adding that all up, there was actually a 40 minute gap between getting out of the pool and starting the run. Even so, nothing happened in that gap except for finishing up one workout and preparing for another -- it's not like I went off to check my e-mail or have dinner in-between the two.
Now that I am able to reliably run 10K -- the running distance in the Olympic triathlon -- I have two steps remaining before signing up for an event. One is getting some cycle training in; thus far, I have only focused on the swimming and running. The other is linking the three activities. After all, I can regularly run 10K now... but that's not the same as running 10K after swimming 1500 meters and cycling 40 km!
So tonight was the first step towards linking things up. I went to the pool and swam for an hour, covering 2500 meters (or 100 lengths). Then I came directly home and went out to run for an hour, covering about 10K. I could definitely feel a difference in running immediately after a swim -- tonight's run was the slowest 10K that I have managed to date! My speed was down about 8% from my best-ever hour-long run.
Even so, it feels good to have done the two back-to-back. I should probably start making a regular habit of this -- possibly on Sunday evenings, when the pool closes early.
[*] Okay, technically the two workouts were not actually "back-to-back". After getting out of the pool, I had a quick rinse-off shower, changed into street clothing, drove home, hung my swimming gear, had a drink, changed into my running gear, and stretched out before starting tonight's run. Adding that all up, there was actually a 40 minute gap between getting out of the pool and starting the run. Even so, nothing happened in that gap except for finishing up one workout and preparing for another -- it's not like I went off to check my e-mail or have dinner in-between the two.
no subject
In terms of putting things together, bricks are apparently what you need to practice - cycle first, then immediately run. Ive been trying those in the gym on stationary bike and treadmill, and its a weird feeling. Having watched a tri up close now, the cycle/run transition is quick, so you do get that immediate... "argh, what are my legs doing"
no subject
Like you, I started off only feeling particularly confident in my swimming. I mean, the swimming portion is only 1500 meters. My previous swim workout used to be one mile (1600 meters), and I've raised that up to 2500 meters two or three times per week. So no problems there. It helps to have easy access to a pool or two, though. If you couldn't swim for a year, I can see why this might be lagging for you.
The irony is that, when I began, I was already cycling regularly (http://anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com/332623.html), albeit not for 40 km at a time! In contrast, I had never run before. Hence, I focused on my running -- first with Couch-to-5K and then the Bridge-to-10K. So now I can do the swim and the run -- as last night proved, I can even do them back-to-back -- but I have let my cycling deteriorate.
I've got some travels coming up for the next three months, so I'll probably start serious cycle training in mid-October, with the goal of getting up to at least 40km (maybe more) in the two months before Christmas. So, by the start of next year, I should have all three segments up to distance, with a fair bit of practice running after swimming. New Year's would be a good time to start putting all three together, with an eye to doing an Olympic tri sometime in the Spring. It's a slow plan, but I'm in no rush. I have other responsibilities, travel, and commitments in the meantime... and, besides, the health benefits come in along the way, not just when I reach the goal.
Looking forward to hearing how your own progress goes! I know you don't LJ much these days, but perhaps you can pop on in here from time to time and let me know how it is coming along!