Training Week 8

September 5, 2010 Sunday, Rest Day: Coach Andie asked us to write a "Dear Diary" entry. It should be written as if the event is over. So here is my entry:

September 12, 2010

Sunday
1 pm

Dear Diary,

I made it! I completed my first official Sprint Triathlon. It took me awhile to decide to sign up. I am glad that I did. I am now confident to tell anyone that once we set our mind to do something, it can be accomplished!

I slept well last night. I slept like a baby. Once I hit the pillow, I just fell into a deep and restful sleep! My eyes opened at 4:55 am, 5 minutes before my set time. I felt rested. I was ready to give my best shot!

Breakfast was usual, just like what I had for the simulation race. I had a blueberry pancake. The coffee was good too. Since I already prepared my racing gears the day before, I left the house on time. It was 6 am.

I got to Rio Rancho Library at 6:30 am. I had plenty of time to find a space to park. With my bike and traveling bag, I took my time and got to our reserved space.

My planned completion time for the swim was 15 minutes. I got into the pool at 9am. The water temperature was just perfect! I leisurely swam the first 4 lanes. When I got to the 5th lane, I increased my speed. My arms and legs were strong. My breathing rhythm and strokes were well synchronized. I kept going from one lane to another. Every push off from the wall was forceful. It propelled me into a seamless glide. By the time I got to the ladder to exit, I surprise myself with a completion time of 13:30.

The trip to T1 was uneventful. I put my bike jersey on, then my sunglasses, helmet, socks and shoes. As I pushed the bike out, I grabbed the gel and gave myself a “shot”, just like what we did in training. Then I let the Gatorade bring the fuel to every cell in my body.

I took my time and slowly climbed the hill until I got to Idelia Street. The cops were at the intersection at Northern, so there was no wasted time. I was able to cruise through the rolling hills of Idelia at a cadence of 90 bpm. Going through the round about at Idelia and Iris was a piece of cake, again thanks to the law enforcement officers.

The short climb to Paseo del Volcan was easy. I guess I got my “second wind” after that. I kept climbing the hill until I past the Santa Ana Star Center. I was able to hydrate myself during that part of the ride.

After King and Unser, it was all downhill. The cadence was right, the speed was fast and my legs were strong. Going up Unser to Northern was a gentle climb. I made the turn into Northern still going strong.

As I approached the transition area, the cheers from the spectators were just as loud as it could be. It was a big shot of adrenaline to my systems! Thank you!

After I removed my helmet, I put on my running shoes, grabbed my water belt, race number, and gel. I was gone in no time.

I walked for 2 minutes, got some gel in and some Gatorade. For the rest of the run, I was able to keep up with the 1:1 run/walk cycle. With my own water supply, I stayed fresh throughout the run.


When I approached the finish line, my body come up with a “third wind” and propelled me right into the line where the photographer took my very first official sprint Triathlon finish picture! Yes, it was picture prefect!

Then, I found the best surprise of the day. My completion time was 2:10:10!!!

the red biker

September 6, 2010 Monday, Labor Day: it is supposed to be a biking day, but with my right calf injury, I decided to walk. Also, since the urge to use my camera has been great lately, I brought my camera along.

courtesy of the early morning sun

natives

September 7, 2010 Tuesday, Swim Day: I did not go to Rio Rancho. I went to Defined Fitness instead. So here's the plan for the swim: Lane 1 and 2, easy breast stroke to warm up; Lane 3 and 4, faster breast stroke; Lane 5 and 6, half lane breast stroke and half lane freestyle; Lane 7 and 8, freestyle. I will go to Defined Fitness again tomorrow to practice that.

September 8, 2010 Wednesday, Swim Day: tried the new plan, not better, so I am staying with breast stroke all the way.

September 9, 2010 Thursday, Rest Day: must needed rest! The right shoulder is sore!





September 10, 2010 Friday, Rest Day: Soba Noodles, Popcorn, "Eat, Pray, Love"!

September 11. 2010 Saturday, Rest Day: The walk and picture taking last Monday was addictive! So, I did it again!

Foothills by Spain and High Desert