Thursday, October 20

Today was a very busy day. I woke up running, then went to work, came home and took the dogs for a walk during lunch, went back to work, then had a coaches meeting followed by swim practice and now here I am. Feeling good now but I think I might go to bed soon. Here is how my athletic world felt today:

6:08 a.m. run. This was once again 2 miles. Drew decided to sleep in so it was just me again. Since the dogs were only 1/2 awake, I was able to get in a more consistent run. Also, the river path was opened up again which made it smoother. After doing some quick stretches (I think as my mileage increases I need to take stretching more serious), I was off running with the pooches. As always, the first quarter mile or so is the most painful as I get into my running mode. Some part of the trail is measured incorrectly so my pacing is somewhat off. As I looked at the 1/2 mile mark time, I wasn't impressed. As I approached the mile mark (where I turn around), I saw that my time was 11:10. Not too good. But still I wasn't going to pick it up because its all about pacing and being comfortable. The more I ran, the better I felt and my speed picked up without anymore effort. I finished my 2 mile run with my 2nd mile in 10:30. Total time 21:40. Good second mile. Since this is still officially my first week, I'm not complaining at all. Plus its such a nice way to start off the day. I feel like doing it more, but I know I should just stick with the program. Time for work.

Swimming was decent tonight. Just like in running, my swimming felt a little rusty after warm up. But it did feel better than Tuesday. I think the combined running/swimming are helping each other. Did a kick ass 200 free fast pulling on the main set, going 2:22. This was LCM. LCM means a 50 meter pool (olympic size), for anyone reading this who doesn't know. Here was my workout:

600 warm-up = 600 meters

8 X 50s (25 slow/25 medium/25 fast/25 slow/25 med/etc.... totaling 8X50s) = 400 meters

Main Set
200, 2 X 100s, 4 X 50s Do this set 3 times PULLED THIS = 1800 meters

Set #1 - easy 200, med 100s, fast 50s = fast 50s averaged 33
Set #2 - med 200, fast 100s, easy 50s = fast 100s went 1:11, 1:12
Set #3 - fast 200, easy 100s, me 50s = fast 200 = went 2:22

400 social kick = 400 meters

200 cool down = 200 meters

Total workout = 3400 meters

Very happy with the 2:22 200 meter free pulling. Considering I haven't been having that consistent of training, this is a good sign. I think my mental state is good and I feel better in and out of the water.

Weight - 185

Closing thoughts:
Today was a good day. Although I may not have lost any weight, I am beginning to feel more fit. I can actually feel my belly getting ready to say good bye!! :-)