Friday, May 28, 2010
Champion decathlete does not mean champion triathlete!
Another week is almost over, and I got some good training in. I still feel that doing an olympic distance triathlon in 6 weeks feels pretty far off, but hopefully that will change soon.
This week, I managed to get in the pool 2 times (30 min.), bike 3 times (64 miles), and run 1 time (3 miles). I am planning, however, to bring my wetsuit to Santa Cruz on Sunday for an open water swim. Swimming in the ocean is sooo much harder than in the pool. First, it's freeeezing!, second, the waves, and the current. It usually takes me 10 minutes to get used to the water so that I can swim without looking like a seal with it's head above water.
When I first started with triathlons, I thought that running would be my strong event since I had been running my whole life, but that was not true. I had never swam laps until I started my tri training, but somehow everyone seem to have the same problem with the water. I am not a very good swimmer, but it turns out that it's my best event compared to the other people in my age group.
After doing 3 triathlons last year, and now training for my 4th, I still don't understand how people have the time to train 8-12 hrs/week and still work some 50 hrs., and take care of their kids. I struggle to get my 6-8 hrs. in every week, and that is the bare minimum of what is required to do an olympic tri.. When I first started I thought that I could just go out and run for a few hours without breaking a sweat, but now I know better. I have had to retrain my body to be able to go for more than 5 min. at a time (remember, decathletes' longest race is the 1500meter as the 10th event). I have learned that it takes time to build endurance. Now I have great respect for the people who go out and do any activity that takes more than 1 hour.
This week, I managed to get in the pool 2 times (30 min.), bike 3 times (64 miles), and run 1 time (3 miles). I am planning, however, to bring my wetsuit to Santa Cruz on Sunday for an open water swim. Swimming in the ocean is sooo much harder than in the pool. First, it's freeeezing!, second, the waves, and the current. It usually takes me 10 minutes to get used to the water so that I can swim without looking like a seal with it's head above water.
When I first started with triathlons, I thought that running would be my strong event since I had been running my whole life, but that was not true. I had never swam laps until I started my tri training, but somehow everyone seem to have the same problem with the water. I am not a very good swimmer, but it turns out that it's my best event compared to the other people in my age group.
After doing 3 triathlons last year, and now training for my 4th, I still don't understand how people have the time to train 8-12 hrs/week and still work some 50 hrs., and take care of their kids. I struggle to get my 6-8 hrs. in every week, and that is the bare minimum of what is required to do an olympic tri.. When I first started I thought that I could just go out and run for a few hours without breaking a sweat, but now I know better. I have had to retrain my body to be able to go for more than 5 min. at a time (remember, decathletes' longest race is the 1500meter as the 10th event). I have learned that it takes time to build endurance. Now I have great respect for the people who go out and do any activity that takes more than 1 hour.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Status update!
Last week was a slow week with lots of excuses: my knee is not feeling well, my body hurts, I have chores to do, and .......
Truth is, the first week took its toll, and my body needed some time to recover. I know that I have the tendency to jump at things as soon as they are in front of me. I'm sure that we have all taken some time away from working out, and when we start up again we think that we are right where we left off. I am no exception to that. The body needs time to build up to longer distances and heavier weights (why do you think training for a marathon starts you out with walking?). Having said that, this week has started in moderation. Yesterday I ran for 3 miles, and today I did a small brick (18 mile bike ride, and 1 mile run). The good news is that I didn't cramp, but I still can't believe how hard it is to run after riding the bike. Tomorrow I have to go and buy a new clip card for the pool since I managed to wash the one I had (at least this time, it wasn't a check that a client has given me for payment). I'll keep you updated on how the rest of the week shapes up.
Truth is, the first week took its toll, and my body needed some time to recover. I know that I have the tendency to jump at things as soon as they are in front of me. I'm sure that we have all taken some time away from working out, and when we start up again we think that we are right where we left off. I am no exception to that. The body needs time to build up to longer distances and heavier weights (why do you think training for a marathon starts you out with walking?). Having said that, this week has started in moderation. Yesterday I ran for 3 miles, and today I did a small brick (18 mile bike ride, and 1 mile run). The good news is that I didn't cramp, but I still can't believe how hard it is to run after riding the bike. Tomorrow I have to go and buy a new clip card for the pool since I managed to wash the one I had (at least this time, it wasn't a check that a client has given me for payment). I'll keep you updated on how the rest of the week shapes up.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Just keep going!
This week, MichRoFit Circuit started its new season of classes. I have been so lucky to have clients who have stayed with me so long. I have always done my best to be at the forefront of the workout scene. One of the best feelings is when my clients hear or see a new workout trend, and then come to me and say: I read/saw this - you have been doing this with me for years already. This keeps me on my toes!
Today, one of our long time clients who has missed several seasons of MichRoFit Circuit came back. Unlike personal training, when you are one on one with a client, a group fitness class poses to a trainer/ instructor the challenge of ensuring that the class as a whole, as well as each and every individual, is getting the best workout, and more importantly a safe one. We are an era of recreationl athletes and weekend worriors, and along with that comes the unfortunate reality of injured (recovering from) folks. A good trainer/ instructor knows how to customize, personalize, offer alternatives without making a client feel disconnected from the rest of the class.
MichRoFit Circuits are small in size. We prefer it that way and we will always stay that way. We aspire to arm our clients with tools and knowledge of how to properly work out even when they are not at MichRoFit. We train them to be smart in their choices, but unfortunately, even the strongest and smartest of us all at one time or another get hit by an ailment or injury.
We have a slew of clients who suffer from every injury one can think of. Rowe, in fact, has a whole gamut of them: carpal tunnel, tendinitis on the wrists, chronic stress fractures on her shins & feet, a right hip and IT bands that are tight and easily inflamed. These are realities that most face and I am no exception. Now, having said that and acknowledged that, must we throw in the towel and give in to the injuries? We must not, we should not. Fortunately, there is a slew of brilliant healers, therapists of all sorts (and yes, trainers) who can help, you just need to let them!
Is it an easy road back from an injury? Ahm....wish I could say yes. BUT, there is a way back. It might have to take longer than what you were accustomed to, or want to...but there definitely is. If you've been reading my blog, you know that I speak from experience and I am one of those who is struggling just like the next "recovering" warrior. But we dig deep, we put one foot in front of the other, we breathe in and breathe out...and we don't stand still.
Today, one of our long time clients who has missed several seasons of MichRoFit Circuit came back. Unlike personal training, when you are one on one with a client, a group fitness class poses to a trainer/ instructor the challenge of ensuring that the class as a whole, as well as each and every individual, is getting the best workout, and more importantly a safe one. We are an era of recreationl athletes and weekend worriors, and along with that comes the unfortunate reality of injured (recovering from) folks. A good trainer/ instructor knows how to customize, personalize, offer alternatives without making a client feel disconnected from the rest of the class.
MichRoFit Circuits are small in size. We prefer it that way and we will always stay that way. We aspire to arm our clients with tools and knowledge of how to properly work out even when they are not at MichRoFit. We train them to be smart in their choices, but unfortunately, even the strongest and smartest of us all at one time or another get hit by an ailment or injury.
We have a slew of clients who suffer from every injury one can think of. Rowe, in fact, has a whole gamut of them: carpal tunnel, tendinitis on the wrists, chronic stress fractures on her shins & feet, a right hip and IT bands that are tight and easily inflamed. These are realities that most face and I am no exception. Now, having said that and acknowledged that, must we throw in the towel and give in to the injuries? We must not, we should not. Fortunately, there is a slew of brilliant healers, therapists of all sorts (and yes, trainers) who can help, you just need to let them!
Is it an easy road back from an injury? Ahm....wish I could say yes. BUT, there is a way back. It might have to take longer than what you were accustomed to, or want to...but there definitely is. If you've been reading my blog, you know that I speak from experience and I am one of those who is struggling just like the next "recovering" warrior. But we dig deep, we put one foot in front of the other, we breathe in and breathe out...and we don't stand still.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Let me know what you think.
I have been thinking about filming some short workout videos, and I would like your thoughts on that. I realize that there are many out there and wonder if you would like to see some from MichRoFit Personal Training. What would you like to see in them and how would you like it to be? I also want to get your input on topics you'd like to read about. I have an abundant list of ideas! I will keep on writing about endeavors, whether it be my triathlon, workouts and how I plan to stay in shape or others' hard work that inspire me too.
Send me your thoughts!
Send me your thoughts!
Monday, May 17, 2010
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