Day 3

Day three of my "nutrition cleanse" is almost to a close. So far, I haven't been particularly hungry or craved anything with the exception of COFFEE! Normally, I don't drink more than about a cup and a half of good coffee each day and so I didn't think I would miss it at all when relegated to tea . . . but, alas, it is the thing I miss most. Both Monday morning and Wednesday mornings when I came home from my pre-work swim to shower and change and breathed in that wonderful smelling fresh brewed pot of Southern Pecan coffee Bart had just brewed, I had to conjure up all of my strength not to cave. But then I reminded myself it was only 28 days and that I could do anything for 28 days and started to get ready for work.

Other than craving coffee and trying to get back in the swing of things at work, I've been getting back on plan this week with retesting for both VO2 and technique. I managed to survive Monday's run VO2 max test (my least favorite) and while I don't know exact scores, I don't think I lost too much during the off-season and am certainly starting better than last year. The run technique assessment which followed Tuesday morning was far more interesting. I learned I don't bend my legs very well when on the recovery part of my run which leads to very little knee drive and sort of a "chicken run." It gets slightly better as my pace increases, but not by much. We worked on some drills to fix the problem, but it doesn't flow naturally for me so this will definitely be an area to work on. Its odd to see yourself run on video, but very informative. Thankfully, I wasn't youtubed for either, but there are lots of great VO2 videos out there if you have some web surfing time.

Last night I got to goof off with cycling class at EF. I still struggle with the one legged drills at 90 rpms, but am starting to get the hang of them and can hold on for a few seconds at that pace before my form deteriorates. I've at least got the 70 rpm and 50 rpm drills conquered. We did another fun set this week that I loved - 9 minutes tempo alternating every 30 seconds between 110 rpm high cadence, 50 rpm hard gear and standing. Definitely got my heart rate going but also kept my mind engaged focusing on different muscles and aspects of form.

This morning's workout was a swim in the Endless Pool. I was excited to check it out and see if my form has improved after a few months of guppies with Karen Holloway. Swimming in the Endless Pool is different than swimming in a regular pool and much more like open water swimming. Because of the current, you can't take breaks and loaf and you also have to keep a fairly constant pace. The current moves you around a bit and accentuates any weaknesses in your stroke, just like real current. That said, I think I'll return - its a good workout and would be a good place to do a constant swim or even intervals. If I can do it in my wetsuit, even better. I learned that my technique has improved but that I still have a dead left pull when I breathe to my right and could stand to improve my catch on both sides. Coach Harlow walked me through some drills that I hope will improve it (including my favorite breathe away drill, aka the drowning drill from guppies) and introduced me to the VASA trainer to work on the strength and muscle memory of my catch.

All good things to work on this spring. Tomorrow. . . the bike VO2 test and time on the spin scan. 25 days from now. . . a good cup of coffee.

Saturday with the Gals

Since Naylor's, and the end of my 2007 season, Saturdays have primarily been spent at football games, catching up with things on my weekend "to-do" list and training with my husband. Lately, the two of us have either treked outside for our Saturday morning cycle at West Creek (testing our new cold weather gear) or spent time on the trainers in our basement workout room. While on the trainers, I try to pass time more quickly by watching one of my favorite TV shows or a DVD from our cycling collection (Breaking Away is my favorite). Even still, time spent inside on the trainer seems to tick away slowly.



Consequently, I was looking forward to this Saturday's workout -- the first session of indoor cycling at Maramarc. The only part I wasn't eager for? The 7 am start.



As I had hoped, this Saturday's session on the trainer flew by. Surrounded by twenty some other training partners, the hour of cadence drills and one legged spinning seemed to last only minutes. It was great to meet some new people I'll be sweating it out with over the next few months, catch up on everyone's race calendars for 2008 and even catch a glimpse of some brand new pink tatoos. Soon enough, the bike was over and we were headed to my favorite part of Saturday training with the gals.... post-workout coffee at Starbucks! A few good laughs, lots of smiling faces and plenty of time to catch up over a good cup a coffee..... it is definitely good to be back!