Overthinking

Anyone who has read my blogs know that swimming is my toughest discipline.  It scares me to death.  Recently I posted that I was going to try an open water swim class.

A good friend (from another state) reminded me that it would be better to start with a wet suit.  I understand why that was recommended.  Extra buoyancy, a little protection against whatever may be in the water, etc.  But here in NC the water temps are pretty much the same as a pool right now so I am not stressing too much about  that.

My biggest fear is that I can not tread water.  I also cannot back stroke.  My only swim technique is freestyle.  I also have this problem with sinking.  No matter how hard I try I cannot float.  Back to that wet suit thing again.  Not enough buoyancy.

I am not trying to be negative, just stating the obvious, no treading, no floating, will lead to tired arms.  Also and probably just as important, I have never even attempted to swim anything over 50. Meaning I always have been in a pool and had the luxury of walls to rest or stop at.

I know that I have to take the plunge and just do it.  I have to go to a class and be confident that someone will save me if I start to drown from stupidity or over exertion.

Signed,

Overthinking

Tuesday Thoughts

I have noticed that most of my recent blog posts are on Tuesday.  I guess Tuesday is my reflective day.

Today, I am continuing to prepare for my busy June.  Lots of races, both tri's and run races.  I am really excited about them all.

First, I am running in my first 10 miler.  It will be at a local military base and they are not allowing headphones.  It's going to be tough.  This will be my first race at this distance.  I have raced longer but this should be interesting with all the young soldiers pushing me.

Next will be a 5k with one of my "students" at the Komen 5k.  We are going to try and have fun and be competitive.  I am not concerned about my time, just pushing her to do her best.

It's an awesome feeling running with someone who's really excited about getting out there and trying.  It just motivated me even more with my own personal training.

Updating my schedule

As part of my continuing to assess and reassess my progress this year in Tri's I have revamped my schedule for the remainder of the year.

I think my swimming has progressed to the point where I need to further test myself.  Open water here I come (kinda).  I am really fortunate to have a couple of different options for Open Water swimming local to me.  Also a couple of awesome coaches that offer Open Water clinics.

With that being said, I am going to go for it and commit to my first open water tri.  I am leaning toward doing Mission Man.  The only issue is that it will be the week following my century for JDRF in Burlington VT.   I do not see it as a fitness issue but a issue with gearing back up that quickly.

So my new schedule as of today (subject to the boss's approval)

6/8 Army 10 miler - Ft Bragg
6/9 Susan Komen Race for Cure 5k
6/16 Three Pigs Tri
6/24 Smile Train Tri
6/30 Run for Heroes 5k
7/14 JDRF Ride - Burlington
7/21 Misson Man - Open Water
8/12 Tri the Worx
8/26 Ironman Louisville - Volunteer
9/8 Inside Out International - Open Water
10/13 Myrtle Beach Half Iron - Open Water
10/20 Myrtle Beach Half Marathon

Sounds busy.

Ride of Silence

Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacks
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride

- Mike Murgas

The Ride of Silence

DATE: May 16, 2012
TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Hundreds of locations world wide, click HERE to see an location near you
Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?
To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD


THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 16, 2012, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

I am riding, please join me.

Week Wrap-up

My schedule has become really pack and hectic.  I feel like I am running around constantly and I am not talking about on the track.

I have a part time job with a retail store.  I normally do not work there much, just once or twice a week.  Nothing too strenuous.  The store recently announced that it would be closing and was moving into liquidation.  That means everything in the store has been marked down up to 60% off.  Great, for the shoppers, not so great for the employees.  Because we are in liquidation the old scheduling rules no longer apply.  I have been scheduled for 20 hours per week since we started the liquidation.  That means I am working 4 nights.

**Whine Alert** With me working 4 nights a week plus my normal 40 hour job and another 13 hours of training, my body is just worn completely down.  Waking up at 5 and going almost nonstop until 11, wears on you.

Ok enough of that.  Just had to say it.  This will not last much longer than the end of May.  I am just in maintenance mode and waiting until I can get back on track with more training.

Tuesday's Thoughts

This season started off in a hurry for me.  With the marathon and 3 sprints already completed this year, I am assessing my direction for the rest of the year.  

I am enjoying my success in the pool.  My swims this season have been great and getting better.  Now to work on open water and speed.  Open water scary and speed is a funny thought to me.  I am working on drill after drill and spending as much time in the pool as I can.  I will get there.  

My cycling speed has really diminished.  I really do not have a good reason for it.  It is truly a direct reflection on the time I spend on the bike.  I have to get back to group rides and then more longer individual rides.  I really miss the groups.  

Running is still by far my strength.  Recently I have even increased my speed.  I think all the base work I did preparing for the marathon has paid off.  My "slow runs" now are averaging around 7:30 - 7:45 min miles.  My speed work is at around 7:00 min miles.  That is great.  Now to maintain that and increase the other areas.  

Time for new goals.  

Swim:  1000 continuous 2:00/100 pace

Bike:  50 miles average 18.5 mph

Run:  Sub 20 min 5k.  

My next tri is Three Pigs on 6/16.  I am planning on getting a Century completed in May and either a 5 or 10k in May as well.