Needs vs wants

In Triathlon training there are lots and lots of workouts on your schedule. Usually you will have a  few runs, swims and bikes. What is also there is strength training. I'm sure it's no huge secret that to be a triathlete you have to be a bit of a cardio junkie. Surprise surprise right?!  Anyway that's my deal, if there was any workout that was going to slip off the schedule it was going to be the weights...the one workout I NEED to be doing. 

Last week, as any week would have it, especially now during these last few weeks in the coveted off-season I have 3 days a week in the weight room as well as my swimming, biking and now running. Which exercises do you think went down the drain last week? That's right...my strength days.

So when the doc asked me how the program went last week (you know the program he made from me, tailored to meet the needs of my knees and overall body, the one geared to make me a lean mean triathlon machine, ya that one)...I was  honest and told him straight up, it wasn't happening.  That's when I got the lecture. He made it very clear that strength training MUST be on the list otherwise I am going to need a second job to pay for all the sessions I am going to need over the next year. So with hearing that, strengthttraining has become the primary focus and three days a week you'll find me with the weights in hand doine the workout I NEED to do, not necessarily Want to do. 

What are you running for?

I was talking to one of the Chiro's this weekend about running, we were discussing the mental aspect and what some people get out of running.  He had made a comment that for some people, they are running away from something and that got me thinking about why people run or what it does for them.  

I know for myself, running is therapy.  I'm not sure if it's cheaper at the rate I like to expand my training wardrobe.  I have worked out so many things that use to drag me down while out on a run and  I have had some great realizations while my feet were pounding the pavement (now the swipe across the ground).  When I head out there, I feel as if I am running towards something, towards my next race start line and towards to ever evolving version of me.

Over the past couple of months while running was not on the plan (I know you know this already as I whined about it the whole time) I really began to feel it. Even though I have been able to swim, strength train and recently get back into spin class my mind has felt weighed down.  I was thinking too much, thinking about everything and letting my thoughts spiral downwards.   

Yesterday I was reading some articles and blogs about running and something I read really resonated with me and gave me a whole new perspective that coupled with a fantastic treadmill run was just what "the doctor" ordered.   I felt amazing after I wrapped up my 5 k, I don't remember the last time I felt so good during or after a run.

So for yourself when you lace up and head out the door, is there something you are running from or running towards?  Either way I hope you have a great one out there and enjoy every step of the way.  

got the green light

Last Thursday had me back at Chiro and I am very happy to say I got the green light for spin class and "supervised" running.  I bet you're asking "what the heck is "supervised" running". Well it's me being allowed on a very specific treadmill, the one at the Chiro's office.  So I have been doing a bit of running there and loving every minute of it!   Last night was the first real run I have done in almost two months...it was three set's of 3 and 1's and I didn't want it to end!

I hit spin last Friday & Saturday and was back for more this morning. Plans are already set for a swim tomorrow morning and back at Spin on Friday.  After my appointment tomorrow night I should also be allowed to embark on a real run...outside...on the road...by myself!  It feels great getting back to the running and spinning.  

I feel like things are starting to come together and I am feeling so much better about training for another ironman.  The road is going to be long and tough but I know I got this!