October - January: building my base

I've known for a while that this coming summer would probably be when I would want to do my first half ironman. So back in October after doing my sprint I already had it in the back of my mind.
I've always been a consistent runner, and was training for a half marathon on November 1st (Snow Canyon Half Marathon - so much fun and gorgeous!), but I also tried to start being better about biking and swimming. The biking wasn't too tough, until the weather really got cold in December I would commute about 12 miles a day to school on my bike and also started going to Spin Class 2-3 times a week. I love spin class. Like a lot. Seriously if you've never done it and want to try something new, challenging, high energy and time efficient - go get yourself on a bike TODAY!
The swimming was more of a challenge. It takes a lot for me to get into the pool. It's pathetic. I stand there at the end of the lane for at least 5 minutes, swim cap and goggle on just staring at the water, looking at the clock and telling myself ok in 30 seconds I'll get in...alright 1 more minute etc etc. This goes on for way too long. I hate that shock factor of the water being cold at first. And I hate having to dry my hair etc afterwards. But swimming is such a great workout! Talk about using muscles that I wasn't used to using all the time. (ouch). Through October - December I probably really only got in the pool once every ten days or so. but once January hit I told myself I HAD to kick it into gear if I would ever be able to swim 1.2 miles in open water (yikes). For the first couple weeks I made it in about twice a week. Now my goal is a minimum of 3 times per week.

I'm also doing a Triathlon Training program that the Provo Rec Center is offering. It's 2 hours every saturday for 12 weeks. We work on biking and running and going over things like nutrition and transitions etc. But more than anything we are learning to swim. Like really swim.
My stroke is NOT efficient. People talk about how swimming should almost feel effortless...well those people have never been swimming with my body that's for sure. Right now we are on our second week of the program and it's great, my stroke is very slowly improving and each day I am seeing more of things that I have to fix. But you've got to start somewhere right?

February 3rd was the first "official day" of my training program. Not gonna lie it's nice to have something specific to stick to that keeps me on track. It's not easy and is challenging me, but I'm excited about the time when I won't feel like such a newbie at these things. I will get there. I've promised myself that.

This is hard.
And hard is good.

Stay Well My Friends