As I mentioned in my previous post, the most challenging aspect of training for my first sprint triathlon will be to learning how to swim correctly. I've been watching some online videos on proper form, balance, breathing techniques, etc., but I can't seem to get the hang of it. Combine that with my complete lack of patience, it's becoming annoying to get in the pool and struggle.
I should be taking a step back and realizing that it's going to take some time to nail something down that I've really never done before in my 32-plus years on this planet, but telling myself that isn't working. I'm the type of person who sees a goal and wants to accomplish it in the least amount of time possible because I expect a lot out of myself. When I'm having trouble with something, I get frustrated.
I'm balancing those emotions a little better and have tried to focus on the fact that even though I am not swimming as efficiently as I'd like, I am at least burning calories in a new way and getting a different workout, which will eventually help me. And hopefully in a few more weeks, I'll be doing much better in the swimming aspect.
I've made up for the lack of swimming progress by exceeding the biking and running goals listed in the training program. Yesterday, I biked from my apartment to the lakefront and rode to Navy Pier and back to my place, totaling 14.28 miles. I followed that with a two-mile run, completing my first Brick Workout a week and a half ahead of time. A brick workout consists of stacking two disciplines of the triathlon into a single workout to help simulate race day. It felt very good, though I know there's a long way to go to be able to do that consistently while also adding an almost-half mile swim along with it. But I'm getting there.
I weighed myself this morning, and here's an update on that progress:
Starting weight: 155.6
After Week 1: 150.4
After Week 2: 148.8
Race Day Goal: 143
Losing seven pounds in two weeks isn't bad, but I realize that's mostly the water weight I'm getting off me from eating poorly and not working out as much in the 2-3 months prior to the training. Dropping the rest of the weight will be much more difficult, so losing those five pounds to reach my goal will be tougher, especially since I plan to gain some muscle weight in the process.
Also factoring in is that I slipped a bit last week with a sandwich from Al's Beef and pizza the following night. While a couple of "cheat" meals aren't the end of the world, making them a habit is the problem. I've been eating rather well since, but there are more challenges this weekend.
I'm going to Indianapolis for my buddy Brad's bachelor party, leaving Friday afternoon and coming back Sunday morning. Along with not being able to complete a workout for two days, I won't be able to fall back on my salads and healthy meals I've prepared for myself. With alcohol involved, the urge to eat unhealthy, quickly and late at night will be something I'll have to do my best to overcome. I think I can stay away from the late-night indulging, but there won't be many healthy options available. It will be unavoidable to take in the calories of the alcohol because, let's face it, I won't be sober much at all.
Next week, I go back on the day shift and will have to overcome the obstacle of a completely different work and training schedule, which I have to figure out on a trial-by-error basis. I'll be posting updates on how that's going.
Thanks for reading!
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