That is right the start of the season is only two months away. My dad plans to (and has been training his brains out) complete not only his first triathlon but an Olympic distance! I really want to be there alongside him, but am not even close to ready. Today marked the day where I kick things off.
Off to the pool at 430, I swam a mile before jumping on into spin class and riding for 45 minutes. I was exhausted by the end, but it was a good workout and started off the day right. I took a nap earlier today, and so of course now I am up far too late (I'm starting to feel a little old).
I went grocery shopping and for the first time in a while, was proud of the look of my food on the belt as I checked out. Lots of produce, greek yogurt, shrimp, and the makings for a few side dishes. I am jumping in with both feet.
I learned a few things post-op that I am determined to guide this season and my training.
#1 LISTEN TO YOUR BODY-
If I'm tired, I need to sleep. If I'm hungry, I need to feed myself- but only real food(more to come in later numbers). More of this, etc etc. Seems common sense, I'm a little crazy, and busy, and well, crazy, so I don't listen. This season will be different. I will slow down and listen. I have done a lot of reading into heartrate training, and it really makes sense. So I am going to slow down, listen to my heart (and my monitor), and try to be the best athlete I can be.
#2 FEED YOUR BODY
With real food. Lots of it. Produce, produce produce. Protein. Less Process. Post-op, I lay around and did nothing and ate whatever was here. The problem was, not much of it was good... and when I ate crap, I felt like crap. I had worse days, I had more pain, I recovered slower. When I finally ventured out and did a little grocery shopping and brought home veggies and fruit, I felt better. I have every intention of letting myself have the good stuff I crave too (neat, very good burger place by us that has all organic, and grass fed ingredients). Everything needs to be in balance, but I plan to try and give my body and my training the fuel it needs, not just insert shovel when hungry.
#3 DON'T LET YOURSELF GET THIRSTY
Thirst is bad, thirst means your behind, don't let yourself get behind. This is simple, I know this. There was no earth-shattering moment that told me this one, just one I need to verbalize in order to get myself to pay attention.
#4 TRAIN HARD- YOU CAN HANDLE IT
I have done incredible things, I am capable of amazing things. With the right training plan, the right training partners, I can do anything. I am so excited about this season. It starts today.
So the caveat to all of this is of course that I won't just be training this season, I will also be planning a fall wedding, trying to fit into a dress, and perhaps taking some new steps in my career. So with the best of intentions, day one has passed. Day two looms after a big glass of water and a good night's sleep. Hoping for the first outdoor ride of the year tomorrow, finger crossed for a little bit more spring-like weather.
