HI there! May I begin by telling you that we are enjoying a most beautiful and warm, 80 degree day here in Chicago! The day is literally sunny, bright and cheerful! Thank God for that!
This week marks the 13th week that I have been following a schedule for preaparation of Chicago TRI 2010 to be held in August. Every day my brain and body are feeling something different, and every day I learn from my experiences.
Each week my schedule includes 4 workouts, 2 weight sessions and 2 cardio set up in 5 phases, Conditioning, Base, Intensity, Peak and Taper over a 32 week period. In week 13 I really am craving a good swim at the pool, but Lifetime is closed until Saturday, so I am doing more running. Traditionally, I like to cross train (thus the training for Tri) but I’ll wait for my Lifetime to re-open to get back in the pool. Yesterday, I went for a 37 minute run, at which point my knee started aching, so I took it down to a walk for 5 minutes. During my run, I felt strong and kept my heart rate in zone. Today, because my knee was a bit soar, I walked at an incline for 24 minutes followed by a 10 minute jog at 4.6 level all in heart rate zone. Plan is to do weights tomorrow and bike on Sunday.
While my workouts are going well, I am frustrated with my weight, which was sabotaged during vacation even though I had the best of intentions. In retrospect, I did not drink enough water, which slowed my metabolism down. Never, ever give up the water. Looking back, I ate pretty healthy, but my portions were too big, and I did indulge in some cocktails which also slow things down. None of this is detrimental, and truly, I did not go too far off with my program, but I do not want vacations or social gatherings to cause setbacks. My eating and my lack of water for 8 days, is each behind me, but I am stuck on the scale, so I’m thinking about it today. Last year I changed my set point, and now I’m set at another one. I must bust over to the other side. I will do that by drinking at least 2 liters of water each day, keeping my portions smaller, and next week increasing my levels and times during workout.
LESSON: Don’t beat yourself up if you are stuck in a funk, but DO re-work the program or simply get back on program. Drink the water, watch the portions of your food, and monitor workouts so that you yield results. Constantly, check and re-check your progress to stay on task.
Ok, that’s it for today, may the h2o be with you, andcatch ya outside!
xo
The Roadrunner
