Tri Training Has Begun

So today was the day. I finally got in the pool and was able to get started on the most intimidating part of tri training - swimming. Well, after one complete lap, I realized that I was totally justified in being intimidated by this part. After one lap I was winded and wondering why the hell I thought I could really do this. I pushed myself through the discomfort though, and despite my heart beating out of my chest and the difficulty in catching a breath after more laps, I found myself slowly hitting a stride. The issue is, by the time I hit my stride, I was pretty much wiped. (This is the point where I go "maybe my lungs aren't recovered from my cold" but I know it was more than that. It's been a long time since I've tried to legitimately swim.) Feeling wiped, sore, and only slightly relieved that I survived, I finished after 30 minutes and headed to the locker room.

Well, let's just say, SWIM CAP FAIL. While the swim cap DID successfully keep my hair under control while I was swimming (which I was honestly shocked by - if you've seen my hair you understand why I thought it wouldn't all FIT under a cap), I took it off to find that all of my hair was soaked. Oops. It doesn't so much matter but it was a little upsetting. I was hoping I wouldn't have to deal with chlorine head today.

After changing, I headed home to get on my stationary bike. Let's just say... ow. I felt like I was pedaling through quicksand, and whereas yesterday I maintained a pace of about 25 mph and went 13 miles in about 30 minutes, today I couldn't push myself above 17 mph and barely did 10.5 miles in like 40 minutes. Ridiculous. Apparently swimming killed me even more than I'd thought. The idea that by May I'll be physically able to swim 1/3 of a mile, bike 12+ miles, THEN run 3.8 miles is a little.. scary? But also, if I CAN manage to do that - and I WILL, I'll officially be the baddest of all bad asses. (And my body will probably look pretty incredible, too - a perk.)

So the things to focus on for the rest of the week:

Tomorrow I want to get a really good run in.
Friday I will focus on breathing in the pool - till then I will be studying breathing. Yes, that's right. Studying breathing.

Till next time...