Wednesday, February 28, 2007

And So It Begins...

Last night marked the start of the triathlon training class at the YMCA. The last session there was one guy in the class and last night there was 10 of us! Most of us beginners. Tuesdays are swimming so the first thing they had us do was go down and back to watch our strokes and breathe control. And lucky me? I was moved to the advance group. Which was awesome and EXHAUSTING. It took me to a whole new level of swimming which left me breathless. Or shall I shall short of breathe. At one point the lifeguard who has taught me a few things looked at me, smiled and said "Welcome to swimming!"
In all I think we did about 500 meters, focusing on different strokes and breathing each time. I was surprised how much I had improved because the last 50 were easier than the first 50. I would consider this is a very good thing.
Today I went back to the pool and did about 400 meters focusing on some of the things I learned last night. My goal of going the full 400 meters with forward crawl is looking much more feasible than before. I have a lot of work ahead of me but I think I CAN do it.
After my swim I headed up stairs for 15 minutes on the bike, some weights and a mile on the eliptical. I knew it was not going to be a piece of cake but I think the care provider at the Y put it well when she said she felt like "a wilted flower." After a good lunch I am revived and full of energy but that immediate period of time following the workout was slow moving.
I am eager to see what the bike and running portion of the class will be like. The run is still proving to be challenging for me at this time. I am in desperate need of some running shoes. These $10 Wal-Mart specials and not cutting it. Yesterday I checked out a few shoes at the mall. I am still uncertain what I want or need. So if anyone has some recommendations, I am all ears.

Have a great day!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

As for good running shoes...I'd recommend going to a store that is knowledgable and can "fit" you for your shoes based on your feet and what you plan to use the shoes for. I bought a very expensive pair of walking shoes ($100) and within a few months of breaking them my feet were really sore after walking (mostly my heel). Later I found out after talking with a shoe rep that they were designed for a person w/ flat arch feet. I do not have flat arch feet so this is why they hurt so much.

LESSON I learned - It pays to buy quality...but more importantly, it pays to be fitted properly.

Give me a call - I can explain the differences if you are flat foot or have a high arch. I can also recommend the store I was properly fitted.

Anonymous said...

You should go to Playmakers. A doctor came and talked to my husband at school and recommended they go there. From what I've heard they really know what they are talking about.

Anonymous said...

There is a triathlete in my church. She has been doing them for a long time. YOu can.

Anonymous said...

New Balance

Anonymous said...

I love Nike low air. Nikes are good for narrow feet, and Reboks are good for wider feet. Find the best fit for your feet. My sister runs 3 miles a day and wears New Balance. Never buy cheap shoes. It can cost you thousands at the podiatrist office to fix your feet.

knittindaisy said...

i echo what marcy said. go to playmakers. got to playmakers. go to playmakers.
investment in a good running shoe is so very worth it. their staff is able to analyze your stride and foot balance to determine the best shoe for your foot.