Training Underway

Before I knew it, winter has disappeared & the triathlon season is upon us!

In March & April, I jumped into a couple of indoor tri's at the YMCA.  It was great to have the push in my training from others.  I participated in the "Long Course" events that consisted of a 20 minute swim, 60 minute bike, & 40 minute run. Results were tabulated on mileage covered.  Thank you Kris & all of the volunteers for putting on such a great event!  I strongly encourage everyone to give one a try!

In the off season, I have worked hard on my base training to get my body ready to work hard through this summer.  The last full week of April marked the first week of my 20 week training plan.  To end my first "official" week of triathlon training, I finished with my first race of the season.

On April 26th, I returned to Morris, MN for the 30th Annual Tinman Triathlon.  This is the first year they added a sprint distance (had they done that while I was in college, I may have started my addiction much sooner).  I entered into to Olympic Distance.  We were greeted by cooler temps (mid 30's overnight) and a "slight breeze" (25 mph gusting to mid 30's) straight out of the east.  I had a great swim (4th fastest OA) with a relaxed pace.  The bike was a bear!  9 miles straight east, 9 miles straight west.  I set my watch to see my HR and cadence only on the out leg.  Good thing, as I would have been very discouraged watching my speed!  On the way out, I took in my nutrition of GU Chomps and GU Brew.  Despite the temps, I knew I was loosing fluids fast!  On the way home, I was flying as fast as my tired legs could go (averaged 28 mph!). The run was a nice new course to accommodate the sprint course.  I really didn't start running until March, so I was happy holding my pace.  I found a new love when I took a shot of GU Salted Caramel at the half way point.  Boy, did that hit the spot!  Overall, this was a slower time for me than 2013, but the only place I lost time was on the bike.  You can't fight Mother Nature & everyone is fighting the same conditions! 13th OA

2014 UMM Tinman Triathlon 

One week later I was back at it in the Chain of Lakes Triathlon in Alexandria, MN.  Time to work on some speed! This was my first race of the season with some of my LAMS teammates.  It was great to have the group out there pushing each other!  I had another fast relaxed swim (8th fastest OA).  Again, there was wind on the bike, but it was a mere 18 mph this week!  About 5 miles in, One of the people in the heat ahead of mine had crashed entering onto the bike trail portion of the ride.  Ambulances present & cleanup happening along with the warning to be careful!  At about the 9 mile mark, we turned directly into the wind.  Again, the focus was on cadence & heart rate.  Again, not my best bike, but I was still happy with my time.  The run was a different story!  I knew this was a short run (2.8 miles).  All of my running to this point was low HR, steady speed.  Time to shake things up!  I ran my fastest run splits in any triathlon I have done!  Course PR!  It was a great day! 19th OA.

The next week was the first "Hard" week of my training plan.  It was tiring, but I can feel progress. I am welcoming this week of recovery, but am also ready to start round number 2.  I have a few weeks off from competition.  My next adventure is at my return to the Liberty Triathlon 70.3.  I am looking to tackle this course & make huge strides over my finish there last year!  I have still not tested the open water yet this year, but at least the water is open!

Enjoy the journey!