Swim, Bike, Run!

 

As I am continuing on my quest toward the Door County Half Ironman this July, each week I am noticing small but significant changes in my body. This past weekend was my biggest training weekend yet. 

 

Swim- Let’s be honest, I have never been a swimmer.  In fact, when I first got into the pool after signing up for Door County, I didn’t even know how to turn my head to breathe.  Over the past two months, I have been watching YouTube videos, doing drills, and spending 2-3 days a week doing pool workouts.  Two months ago, I couldn’t swim 50 meters without getting winded.  This past weekend, I swam 1,200 meters!  I am finding my time in the pool to be a stress reliever.  I am amazed by the amount of improvement I have made in such a short period of time.  I am actually very excited for summer’s open water swims!

Bike- Since training began; I have been riding my bike on the wind trainer at home and attending weekly spinning classes.  This weekend, my gym held a fundraiser for Gilda’s Club, a cancer support community here in Madison.  This fundraiser was a 2-hour spinning class that included hills, intervals, speed work, and flat road.  This was my longest ride to date, and I estimate I went about 30 miles.  It felt great!

Run- Each day that I put on my running shoes I feel like I am making progress.  I notice an increase in my endurance and speed.  This weekend, I ran 7 miles for the first time.  Not only was my pace almost 2 full minutes faster per mile than when I first started, but I felt like I could keep going! The idea that a workout in one discipline assists you in another is fascinating to me. 

This time last year if you would have told me that I would be where I am today, I would have laughed at you.  The beauty in this is that I’ve only just begun.  I love the physical, mental, and emotional changes that are happening! I’m looking forward to sharing more of this journey with you.

Cheers,

Samantha