1-14-09 Late start

I haven't been as diligent as I should in my posting after the Country's race last year. I'm trying to improve upon that - and to that end, I'll be trying to do more live-blog type postings this year. I'll be doing some of my blog updates via my phone and will try to include pics with them as they will probably be short entries. I really want to make an effort this year to document my actions (training and otherwise) on the net and establish more of an online presence - mainly because it's pretty cool technology.

I've started back to the gym - it's been cold, and the warm training room is a welcome blessing. I've been able to spend time on the treadmill, begin weight training again, and swimming in the mornings.

We said that we'd be careful this last holiday to not splurge on our diet. While I didn't go wild like I did last year, I still didn't do as well as I wish I had. I've felt the effects of good eating and bad eating. During a workout, I can tell you within about 10 minutes if I've eaten properly or not. This has led me to my mantra for this season - "Fuel The Machine". When I monitor my calories and get enough carbs before a workout, I feel well. If I eat too much protein, I feel groggy, If I eat too much sugar, I don't have energy during the workout. I've set a goal on Sparkpeople.com to loose down to 140 lbs before races start this spring.


I've also taken some steps to start exploring adventure racing with a small team, and I want to do more trail runs this spring and summer. I've been looking at some trail shoes like Asics Trail Attacks:
















Or a pair of Adidas Kanadias:




















I'm leaning more towards the Asics since I've had such good luck with them in the past. But I REALLY like the tread pattern of the Adidas. Either way, I'm going to need something with more grip than any of the other shoes I've had thus far.



Swimming: I've gotten back in the pool, and I'm starting to get my stroke back. This morning I learned that I need to worry less about what's in front of me - - it's just going to be more water. While I was doing laps this morning, I looked back (dropped my chin to my chest) and this caused my head to dip down lower and mounted me lower in the water. I think this is what the TI drills have been trying to get through my head since the start. When I keep my chin tucked (and thus, my head down), if feels like my stroke is more effortless, and the speed comes easier. I'm not planning on breaking any records during the swim leg of my races this year, but I do want to be sure I'm fresh when I come out of the water, so that I can make ground on the bike. I'm looking forward to my races this year.


I'm also going to incorporate speed work after my birthday in Feb. I'll use the time between now and then as a base building period and to get Steph established in the weight room and/or the pool. The speed work will be critical if I expect to break 20 minutes in a 5K. The 20 minute goal has me a little nervous - it's entirely possible that it's out of my reach - but I'm gonna give it an honest shot.

Okay, enough rambling for the time being - let's go break a sweat...

Fuel The Machine.