Week 4; Day 4: Thursday

Daily learning / random notes: Today is my weekly training day off. For some insane reason, I looked up a program some friends were telling me about called "One Hundred Push Ups". And then I did a bunch of push ups. And now my right shoulder hurts. Arg. As if training for a triathlon wasn't enough.

Total training cost: $89.50

Total distance swum: Update: 5450 yards or a little over 3 miles.

Week 4; Day 3: Wednesday

Daily learning / random notes: Never had a chance to walk today. Bummer.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 200 yards, Cool down 100 yards	22 laps of 25 yards = 550 yards.
Bike	Off	n/a
Run / Walk	Walk/jog for 20 minutes	Did not do this today.

Week 4; Day 2: Tuesday

Daily learning / random notes: I am very sore from yesterday's swim. I am not sure how I will fit in a bike ride today as I am really busy during the day and have an event tonight. I may have to go for another evening bike ride (with lights!).

I did fit in a quick ride today. I also checked to see if my bike seat post would fit on my friend's bike. I am happy to say that it does fit. However, I know I don't have it adjusted properly so that is what I need to work on next. I know bike fit is very important.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Off	n/a
Bike	4 miles	Rode almost 4 miles exactly. That was all I had time for.
Run / Walk	Off	n/a

Week 4; Day 1: Monday

Daily learning / random notes: I am going to order some triathlon books from the library. I did a boot camp class at work and I feel that it is a little easier. Well, as easy as someone intentionally kicking my butt can be. Maybe a better measure is to say that I am complaining less. :)

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 200 yards, Cool down 100 yards	28 laps of 25 yards = 700 yards. Today I tried to go a little faster and not take so many breaks. It is all well and good to push off from the wall to get a little break but there are no walls on a lake so I better be sure I can do the whole swim!
Bike	Off	n/a
Run / Walk	25 minutes	I skipped this today just because of the way my schedule worked out. However, I did go to boot camp class again which kicked my butt.

Week 3; Day 7: Sunday

Daily learning / random notes: I really, really, really, really, really didn't want to go for a bike ride tonight. I was tired and grumpy and very demotivated. My DH gave me a pep talk and a shoulder rub and I decided to go anyway. (Thanks W!). I am still tired and grumpy but at least I rode my bike.

I cannot believe that I am at the end of Week 3! I feel that I have done pretty well with my program so far. I am worried about money and I know that I will continue to have expenditures. Swimming in a pool will cost $234 - $507 depending on which pool I go to. Sadly - I am not crazy about swimming in the lakes and rivers around here. And even if I wanted to, I would need to wait until the weather gets warm enough so that I would not need a wetsuit. Also, there is an entry fee of $60. I am not counting anything else at all and I am sure there will be other expenditures (for example, I suspect that before this is over, I will need a new bathing suit). I wish I could find a free lap pool close to home open hours I am available...sigh.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Off	n/a
Bike	4 miles	Biked 4 miles on my mountain bike because I was biking at night and I have lights for my bike.
Run / Walk	Off	Hiked today with the family. While stopping for a snack ran up and down a hill a few times for the heck of it.

Week 3; Day 6: Saturday

Daily learning / random notes: Never got around to doing my walking training today. But I did get some exercise so it wasn't a total bust.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Off	n/a
Bike	Off	n/a
Run / Walk	Walk / jog for 25 minutes	Walked to the grocery store and back and ran around at the park but no intentional walk today.

Week 3; Day 5: Friday

Daily learning / random notes: I tried to keep track of my laps in the pool by moving my shoes around on the tiles. Sounds weird? Well, it didn't work any way. LOL.

Total training cost: $89.50

Total distance swum: 4200 yards (I will go with my lower estimate).

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 150 yards, Cool down 100 yards	28 or 30 laps of 25 yards = 700 or 750 yards. I lost track which I why I am not sure how many laps I did. How to people keep track?
Bike	3 miles	Biked 5 miles on the course I discovered last weekend. Not to many starts and stops and fairly level.
Run / Walk	Off	n/a

Week 3; Day 4: Thursday

Daily learning / random notes: Today is my weekly training day off. Today it is my intention to add a new section which is "distance swum". I do this for no other reason than it seems fun. Perhaps I will add other sections as I go.

Total training cost: $89.50

Total distance swum: 3500 yards or in other words almost 2 miles.

Week 3; Day 3: Wednesday

Daily learning / random notes: I decided against walking today because a) we had company and b) I thought 3 workouts in one day was too much. I want to be smart about this whole thing and I don't want to get burnt our or hurt.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 150 yards, Cool down 100 yards	26 laps of 25 yards = 650 yards.
Bike	Off	5 miles as part of Boot Camp class.
Run / Walk	Walk for 20 minutes	Did not do this today. What I did do was a Boot Camp class which was very intense. During the class I actually biked 5 miles (plus a whole lot more).

Week 3; Day 2: Tuesday

Daily learning / random notes: It took me a while to realize that I don't have to ride around every time I have to do bike training. I can utilize the stationary bikes at the gym. They are not optimal but it is nice to have options.

In three weeks of working out (actually longer since I was working out before I started training) I have not lost a bit of weight. This makes me sad. But perhaps I am turning fat to muscle. Right?

Seriously, I think my body is trying very hard to maintain its current weight. It is where I have been for 2 years and I think it is used to that weight. Consequently, I find myself unconsciously eating when I don't need to.

A few years ago I stopped eating after 7:30 pm at night (except on special occasions). This worked well for me to make better food choices and not eat for the wrong reasons (boredom, feeling low). I need to re institute this. I think it would really help.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Off	n/a
Bike	3 miles	Today what worked for me was to ride a bike at the gym. I rode for 6 miles. I chose the "racing bike" and I realized afterwards that is was really uncomfortable. I will not use that one again.
Run / Walk	Off	Just to test what it would be like I walked fast on the treadmill for 3/4 of a mile.

Week 3; Day 1: Monday

Daily learning / random notes: I got some more tutoring on swimming. B told me about the kick in breaststroke. It was hard but I practiced it quite a bit. I also practiced "grabbing water" which my brother was telling me about. It is interesting how that changed my freestyle stroke. I can't believe I just started week three of training!

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 150 yards, Cool down 100 yards	26 laps of 25 yards = 650 yards. Another personal record. I practiced bilateral breathing today along with freestyle and breaststroke.
Bike	Off	n/a
Run / Walk	25 minutes	Walked very fast for an hour. Good conversation and a nice night. What a way to train!

Week 2; Day 7: Sunday

Daily learning / random notes: Today I tried out John's bike. I felt like I was flying!!! It was a very fun bike ride (even though I wasn't that motivated to go). I do think either it is too small or I need to adjust it. My hands hurt a little bit. I guess I am just not used to leaning on them.

I am excited that I have made it through 2 weeks of training. This coming week the swimming continues to increase and the program says that you can choose to start adding in some running now. I am worried about my knees (too many years playing soccer) so I will likely take it very easy with the running. The bike distance also keeps increasing.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Off	n/a
Bike	2 miles	Biked a little over 5 miles. Felt like I could have done more but am glad I took it easy.
Run / Walk	Off	n/a

Week 2; Day 6: Saturday

Daily learning / random notes: Today I picked up my friend John's bike to try out. It feel much different than my mountain bike (obviously) but I fear it may be a tiny bit small. I am hoping to get my bike friends to help me fit it, if possible. I am very excited to try it out tomorrow.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 100 yards, Cool down 50 yards	22 laps of 25 yards = 550 yards. Wahoo! This sets a personal record for me in my training. I tried practicing bilateral breathing but it was fairly difficult.
Bike	Off	n/a
Run / Walk	Walk for 25 minutes	Walked 20 minutes to J's house. Also walked around the mall so I figure I am good.

Week 2; Day 5: Friday

Daily learning / random notes: I am inextricably hungry today.

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 100 yards, Cool down 50 yards	22 laps of 25 yards = 550 yards. Wahoo! I broke a personal record today by doing 22 laps. I practiced bilateral breathing but I don't think I did very well.
Bike	2 miles	Combined an errand with my bike ride today. I rode down to the library and back up for a total of 2.5 miles with a big hill.
Run / Walk	Off	n/a

Week 2; Day 4: Thursday

Daily learning / random notes: Today is my weekly training day off. I am still sore from my boot camp class on Monday but it is starting to subside. I know that having a day off is a good thing but I am eager to keep training. I think this is a good thing. I am super excited to try out my friend's bike this weekend. I hope it is a good fit.

Total training cost: $89.50

Week 2; Day 3: Wednesday

Daily learning / random notes: I may have found a bike!!! My friend John is going to let me try out his "old" bike. I get to pick it up this weekend. If it works out he will let me borrow it until the race. Thanks John!

I met the lifeguard at the pool today formally. She is super nice and gave me more tips on swimming. I was doing breaststroke today (to mix it up) and she corrected something I was doing which made it much better. I appreciate all of these people who want me to succeed. Thank you B!

Total training cost: $89.50

Activity	Distance	Results
Swim	Warm up, Freestyle 100 yards, Cool down 50 yards	16 laps of 25 yards = 400 yards. For the race I will need to go 1/4 mile or ~450 yards which is 18 laps in a 25 yard pool so I am actually close. My training is for a 1/2 mile so I am hoping I will be in good shape for the race.
Bike	Off	n/a
Run / Walk	Walk for 20 minutes	Walked exactly 20 minutes. Alone. In the dark. Not doing that again.

Week 2; Day 2: Tuesday

Daily learning / random notes: I need to remember that the first part of a ride is a warm up. Today's ride was uncomfortable for the first 1/2 mile and then lovely for the rest of the ride. I rode on streets with light traffic and was able to cruise along Alameda. Fun stuff. I am really glad that it was not snowing!!!

Total training cost: $89.50

Swim: off

Bike: 2 miles
Bike Results:
Got my bike map out and figured out a 3 mile route different than my last route. See notes above.

Run: off

Week 2; Day 1: Monday

Daily learning / random notes: I am still not sure what I am doing with respect to a bike. I continue to monitor Craigslist but don't really know what I am looking for. I had an idea that perhaps I can trade my Thule rack for a bike. I need to figure out what all the parts and pieces are.


I am definitely feeling tired today in spite of a great night's sleep. Am I overdoing it?


Total training cost: $89.50

Swim: Warm up, Freestyle 100 yards, Cool down 50 yards


Swim Results:
14 laps of 25 yards = 350 yards. It appears to be getting a little easier every time I go.


Bike: off

Run / Walk: Walk for 20 minutes


Run / Walk Results: I did a boot camp class this morning which had my heart rate up for a solid hour. Then I walked for 45 minutes at night with my neighbor and her dog. I had drank a bit of wine and wasn't totally motivated. Thankfully, P got me to go.

Week 1; Day 7: Sunday

Daily learning / random notes: Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I knew I couldn't do my bike ride late at night because I was having a band jam so I had to figure something else out. I like the solution I came up with. It got my butt in the seat anyway.

Total training cost: $89.50

Swim - off

Bike - 2 miles

Bike Results: Ended up riding my two miles on an upright bike with my daughter on her "tag-a-long" bike. LOL. I thought it would be easier with her pedaling but I didn't factor in the very heavy extra bike plus her weight. It was a good workout and I got to spend time with my daughter as well. Plus we ran an errand and bought a kid's birthday present as well.

Run - off

Week 1; Day 6: Saturday

Daily learning / random notes: I am glad I have friends to exercise with!!!

Total training cost: Holding steady at $89.50
Swim - off
Bike - off
Run / Walk - Walk for 25 minutes

Run / Walk results: I thought that I would get a walk in during the day but it just never happened. So I called my walking friend and she was available to do a late night walk with her dog. It was a little cold when we started but ended up being a beautiful night. Thanks P! We did a brisk 45 minute walk. I have been trying to stick to the program but in the area of walking, I have already been walking about 1 hour two times per week. It seems silly to walk less because the program tells me to.

Week 1; Day 5: Friday

Daily learning / random notes: There is so much to learn about training for a triathlete that I don't know where to start. I mean, how do I keep from turning into a dried prune after swimming? Will my hair get all weird if I don't do special things to it? How do I stay motivated? How do I put on a swim cap and what is it really for? How do I keep my ears dry and healthy (and what does that even mean)?
I got my body fat tested today. I don't think I will share it but now I have a baseline. I promise to share the delta after I get it re-tested after the race.

Total training cost: Today I purchased a punch card at the super nice pool. It cost $65.00 for 10 visits. This brings my total up to: $24.50 + $65.00 = $89.50

Swim:

• Warm up
• Freestyle 50 yards
• Cool down 50 yards

Swim Results:

14 laps of 25 yards = 350 yards. It seemed a tiny bit easier today. I am so surprised that I get sweaty from swimming - don't ask me why. I used my goggles today (which were awesome) and my swim cap (which I don't know how to use).

Bike - 2 miles

Bike Results: Oh, how I did not want to do this. I thought that today was a run / walk day and realized late that it was a bike day. I had a hard time getting motivated to go. But you know what? I love riding my bike. Once I actually got on my bike (with my 2 lights in front and flashing light on my seat stem and my very bright biking jacket with reflectors) tonight, it was wonderful.

Run - off

Week 1; Day 4: Thursday

Today is my training day off. Sigh. I am very sore and happy to take this day off....But of course I didn't exactly take the day off. I wanted to determine what size bike I need. So I rode my mountain bike to the bike shop and then I test drove a road bike. Probably all in all 3 miles - not enough to make me crazy.

Daily learning / random notes: I believe I need a size 52cm bike. They didn't have a 53cm bike for me to compare. I will try out some other bikes at other places so I can get an idea. My friend, N, said she tried 75 bikes before she found her current bike!!!

I watched a bunch of videos on YouTube.com and totally freaked myself out about the transitions. I guess I have to remember why I am doing the triathlon. I am doing it to try it out (and to finish it). I have to make sure my competitive nature doesn't take over and have me looking for ways to shave seconds off my transitions (especially since I know my swimming will be S.L.O.W.).

Total training cost: Same as yesterday = $24.50. I got my goggles and cap! Yay!

Week 1; Day 3: Wednesday

Week 1; Day 3: Wednesday

Swim

• Warm up
• Freestyle 50 yards
• Cool down 50 yards

Swim Results

Swam either 16 or 18 laps (over 300 yards). I lost count! I swam at a pool where my kids used to take swim lessons and saw the teacher. She gave me a few pointers which I practiced while I was there. She also let me borrow some goggles since mine won't be here till tomorrow. I realized that I am going to have to get used to goggles. Also, it looks like I will need to wear a wet suit in the actual race and some information I read says to practice in it ahead of time. This seems like a good idea.

Bike - off

Run

Walk for 20 minutes

Run Results

I walked to the grocery store and walked to the soaking pool and I figure that added up to 20 minutes. It was not 20 minutes of brisk walking which is what I would like to start doing.

Daily learning / random notes:
I feel like people want me to succeed. When I contacted the person who runs the gym at my work and told him about what I am doing, he was very encouraging. He is going to check my body fat on Friday (gulp).

I had assumed I would swim freestyle but the swim teacher said she thought you just had to get to the finish line. I will need to check into this.

My friend, N, might do this with me and she was wondering about transitions from one race to the next. I am curious too. Since tomorrow is my day off, maybe I will spend a few minutes trying to find something on You Tube.

Total training cost:
This pool costs $4.00 per visit so my total is now up to $24.50. If I buy a punch card, I will be able to swim for $3.00 per visit but I am not sure if this will be my primary pool or not so I am going to wait to make that decision.

Week1; Day 2: Tuesday

Week 1; Day 2: Tuesday

Swim - off

Bike

• 2 miles

Bike Results

• Got my bike map out and figured out a 2 mile route then I rode a little over 2 miles

Run - off

Daily learning:

• Don't wear wide leg pants while riding. I didn't have an accident but I was very focused on not getting my pants caught in my bike.

Total training cost:

• Didn't spend any money today so still $20.50 total. I am worried about what I will do for a bike though. I currently have a mountain bike which I understand will not cut it for a triathlon. Right now I am trying to manifest borrowing a perfect bike for the event.

Do you have a road bike to lend me until August?

Week 1; Day 1: Monday

Yesterday was Week 1; Day 1 in my triathlon training program. I downloaded a free training program called "Michael Pates Total Sprint Program" which I decided to follow. The subtitle of the program is called "22 week program taking you from the couch to the finish line". While I do not think of myself as a couch potato, I did think that it would be a good idea to be gentle with my body in preparing. I may find as I get into it that I can step it up but for now, this is my program.

Week 1; Day 1: Monday

Swim

• Warm up
• Freestyle 50 yards
• Cool down 50 yards

Swim Results

• Swam 10 laps. I thought this would be easy but it was not easy at all. The nice lifeguard at the pool gave me some pointers which is good since I have not had swim lessons for about 30 years!

Bike - off

Run

• Walk for 20 minutes

Run Results

• I did not actually do this. What I did do, which totally kicked my butt, was a one hour boot camp class. I don't feel like I cheated.

Daily learning:

• Some gear is worth purchasing. I have a swimsuit but I did not have goggles. Since I wear contacts, I really need goggles. I ordered them last night and they were very reasonable. I also ordered a swim cap which I am not at all sure I will need but only cost $6.

Total training cost:

• $20.50 for goggles and swim cap. Swimming was free the first time. (I am taking fee based boot camp class but I am not going to factor it in here as I would do it anyway.)

Where am I now?

Everyone has to start somewhere, right? So where am I starting on this journey to a triathlon? I am a 41 year old woman who has three small children and a super smart, funny DH. I work almost full time and am at least 20 pounds overweight. I live in Portland, OR. Because I have three small children and a cool job, I have not made it a priority to work out. I also love to eat. Subsequently, the weight has snuck on. I am conscious of it and I know it is not healthy. I am drawn to the idea of a triathlon because I believe cross-training will be good for my body.

My goals:
* Reduce my percentage of body fat. (It would be easier to say that I wanted to lose 20 pounds but I don't think that is the best assessment).
* Create long term work out habits. (Ones I can carry with me after the race.)
* Compete in a triathlon. (Date is set for August 1, 2009).

Have you ever done a triathlon?

Triathlete or Mathlete?

This year I am training for my first triathlon. One of the first things I had to do was to learn how to spell "triathlon". I kept putting an extra "a" in the word.

Anyway, my DH tells me that Tim Ferris says that the best way to make a big change in your life is to set a goal. The goal that I have set is to do a triathlon on August 1, 2009. I wanted to have a journal to track my training and progress. When I looked online, nothing popped out. (I am sure there are cool things out there, probably for the iPhone (sigh) but I didn't find them at first glance). Instead of creating one from scratch or using a super old one downloaded free from the web, I decided to utilize a blog as a journal. My plan is to discuss my experience training for the event and track my training at the same time.

Why is this called triathlete or mathlete? Well, partially because I am an engineer by training and therefore am a geek. Also, cause it rhymes. :)