A Fresh Start

Today marks two weeks in the bank with my new coach.  While a little startling to my body, since it had previously been in hibernation and R&R mode, I definitely missed training and that feeling of "good tired" after a workout.

My workouts have been a LOT different from what I'm used to BUT I love it.  In the two weeks, other than perhaps going to Masters, no two things on my Training Peaks schedule have been the same.  Did I mention that I LOVE the variety?  Needless to say, I'm trying lots of new things, new crazy run drills, new cycling workouts (big gears and standing), yes. . . the MTB, LOTS of strength focused workouts and my favorite new thing, the TRX.

STRENGTH is a big focus of my winter workouts.  Strength training is usually something that I skip and have not traditionally focused on in the past.  As a result, I also think it has been one of my limiters in triathlon racing and performance, particularly on hillier courses and has made me more injury prone.  SO STRENGTH is no longer a CAN SKIP workout but instead is a MUST.  TRX training under the direction of my good friend SanDee and accompanied by my training buddy KATE is making it even more enjoyable.  I am fortunate that our basement space has allowed us to hang 2 TRX's next to our "cycling room" so that both of us can train at the same time.  AND, I am even more fortunate that SanDee is willing to come torture us once a week bright and early in the morning.

Other than keeping up with training, work has been keeping me PLENTY busy with a few day trips here and there to Virginia Beach, Chicago and this week Raleigh.  One of my goals this year is to do improve fitting my workouts in with work.  Consequently, I'm getting used to early morning workouts and even the occasional lunchtime run around Belle Island.

And finally, my food notes for the post.  I've started using a new protein shake made by Vega - the Whole Food Optimizer.  LOTS of yummy plant based protein and other cleansing things.  While I had some "cleansing symptoms" of the worst kind associated with my first two uses of it (and particularly the ChlorEssence in it), my body is now acclimated to it.   One half serving (one scoop) is only 120 calories,  3 g fat and 13 g of protein.

Lastly, after an incident last Thursday night eating out, I have confirmed that I absolutely CAN NOT have ANY gluten in my diet.  Will post more about "The Incident" later.

So. . . here's to a fresh start and new things.  Try something different out this week.