Getting faster, or so it seems.

I am getting faster on the bike, or so it seems. I have ridden a few courses I am used to on the new bike and am faster. This could be because of the bike, or fitness increased. I am not sure. However, I am going to start a new training program, to hopefully get me in better shape and increase my overall fitness. I have been doing some weekly weight sessions and I have tried getting them done during the week too, but it has been difficult. 

I would love to drop 20 pounds in weight. That for sure would get me faster out on the bike. 

I am excited. Last week, I rode a trail with some guys that I have had a hard time keeping up in the past, but I was able to follow close behind. 

It will be great when the weather decides to switch to being cooler. 

The foot issue is still bugging me, but I am getting the exercises done to hopefully correct that. 

Progress is being made on the Mountain Bike

Progress is being made on the Mountain Bike 

The trail running I am doing is helping also pay off on the mountain bike trail. Well, I am able to keep my heart rate up. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable. 

I am gauging my progress on my timed laps on the mountain bike course. For my running, I am trying to keep my mile pace around the 12 minute mark, but with the hills and terrain it is a little difficult. 

Also using my Stryd running power meter to gauge myself. 

My weight/resistance band workouts are also paying off. My legs and upper body are feeling the strongest they have in a long time. 

In a few weeks I will give a full report on a sweet device, that uses resistance type bands to give a full body home workout. So hang tight and check back. 

 

Relive 'Afternoon Ride'

Somedays are better than others.

Somedays are better than others. It has been a long, long, long time since I did a ride or run and totally ran out of energy. Nothing left in the tank at all. I was 24 miles into a 30 mile mountain bike ride when it happened.  I had enough hydration and think it was pretty much a lack of replacing my nutrition along the way. It’s a little harder to eat while on the mountain bike because of the trail, but it can be done.  For the ride I was doing too, I went out a little hard to begin with and by doing so paid the price by not being able to complete the distance I set out for. For the little under two and a half hour ride, I burned 2757 calories and finished doing 26 miles. 

I was upset with myself that I was unable to finish the distance and focused on my nutrition and hydration the next two days afterwards. I started planning in my head doing the 30 mile mountain bike ride and finishing it. 

So Saturday I went back out to the same trails and headed out to get this 30 mile ride finished. Started off way better in the nutrition department and speed, taking it a little easier the first 15 miles. The weather was about 14 degrees cooler with some cloud cover every so often. 

The three hour 15 minute mountain bike ride came in at 32 miles burning 2571 calories.  200 fewer calories yet five more miles. The speed definitely helped maintain some of the calories. 

I mentally had to get out there and finish what I set my training goal for.  I was more relaxed and focused the second ride knowing to take it easier. 

For the past few months I have been reading “Maximum Overload for Cyclists” and using the programs for adding weight lifting into my training this year. 

I have always done weight training, but with this book and the program it has, I am more focused.  A good program, and I will focus more on a later post on how that is going and what it is all about. 

2017 is here. Many things I want to accomplish.

Over the holidays I took some much needed time off to spend with family and friends. Relaxed and started some planning of my year ahead.  2017 is here and I have many things this year I want to accomplish.  I have put in place a strength program I hope to build on.  I have done the program before and looking forward to take it to the next level. 

Focusing on strength workout while doing cardio

My training is going well for completing my own, self-supported Ironman distance race in October of this year. Along with my running, swimming and cycling, I have really focused on strength workouts I am doing every other day. The weights I am using are not super heavy. The weight fluctuates, depending on the body part being focused on, from 10 pounds up to 40 pounds. In the almost hour long workout I am working on my legs, shoulders, chest, abs as well as biceps and triceps.  The reps are pretty high for each body part being worked on.  I am looking at continuing this workout for the next few months combined with the regular training workouts. 

My HR averages to about 115 BPM burning just under 500 calories. 

First month completed with Ironman training

The first months training is finished. I have struggled to keep all my swim workouts, but with summer just around the corner, that should not be a problem. More pools will be open and hours will be increased to get my much needed laps in. All three disciplines are going well and the weight training workouts are great. A few challenging drills here and there. I have even had my daughter and son join in on some of the indoor workouts.  I think my daughters favorite is burpees and wall sits.  I feel my running is getting better, although a lot of my workouts have been kept in my Heart Rate of  Zone 2.  I started off on the indoor rollers, as the weather started off cold, but have been able to get miles in on the road as of lately. A few pounds have been lost and I can see more being lost along the way training.  I thank my family for working with me and helping me to obtain this goal.  If you care to join me on a ride, a run or even a swim in the pool let me know. If you are willing to help me out on my race day, I would love that too.  I am in the beginning stages of mapping out my course.

140.6 I'm coming for YOU!