Trials and Tribulations of an age-group triathlete, dealing with his "Stupid Coach"
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Bike Day
Today is bike day. I rode slightly less than 20km to work, yummy chinese food at lunch, and will ride again after work. Lets finish off the day with a swim class and then not enough sleep. Of course, I am joking, I will try to get lots of sleep, but it just never seems to work out that way
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tri Resistance day 2
Another good hard workout. Interesting how the muscles are sore, and the tendons are twangy before the class, but when we use them, they loosen up and feel better.... that just means they are going to hurt later.
Set 1
Calf Raises (I did them as Calf Drops, as this is a workout my physio gave me) 20/side
Squats 115lb x 20
Deadlifts 80lb x 20
Repeat 3 times
Set 2
Hamstring curls, 90lbsx20
Adductor 130 lbs x 20
Abductor 130 lbs x 20
repeat 3 times
Set 3
boatman, hold 5 seconds x 12
pilates swiss ball crunch, 8x/side
repeat twice
Then lots of stretching a rolling... I will feel this tomorrow and friday for sure
Set 1
Calf Raises (I did them as Calf Drops, as this is a workout my physio gave me) 20/side
Squats 115lb x 20
Deadlifts 80lb x 20
Repeat 3 times
Set 2
Hamstring curls, 90lbsx20
Adductor 130 lbs x 20
Abductor 130 lbs x 20
repeat 3 times
Set 3
boatman, hold 5 seconds x 12
pilates swiss ball crunch, 8x/side
repeat twice
Then lots of stretching a rolling... I will feel this tomorrow and friday for sure
Swim Fit gets started
Swam last night with the swim fit group a shawnessy YMCA. My technique is still OKish, but my swim fitness has some hard work ahead of it...
Lots of kewl people in this class, and a lot more kids out than we usually see. It will be interesting to see how many stick with it.
Lots of kewl people in this class, and a lot more kids out than we usually see. It will be interesting to see how many stick with it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
First run in a month
I was expecting this to be a painful run, and it did not disappoint. As I said earlier, after spending the summer being fat and lazy (or perhaps being lazy and getting fat), and first runs are always a bear.
So the plan was, easy pace, and several stops for stretching. My heart rate was too high for the speed I was going, but it all felt better after the first stretching break. Then I notice that now my breathing is too hard for the speed and heart rate, and I fought to get it under control. Forced myself to keep runing to the next agreed walking point (under Crowchild, as Rob has said, the sattelites can't track you there anyway), and did some more stretching on the far side.
As I get ready to start the run, I see someone running on the adjoining pathway, wearing the same shirt, from this years police half marathon. Its always a good intro line to say "Nice Shirt", so I started running and caught up. Turned out to be Norm, who is part of the Triathlon Resistance weightlifting group. He was finishing a 16k workout, and wanted to keep it at about a 5 minute pace, or slightly over. Perfect I thought, as we ran along. Pretty soon, we are at, and holding, a 4:30 pace. I mention this several times, and yet we keep it up as the pace feels not so bad.
I forced us to slow down for about 1k, then we picked it back up to that pace and faster for the end.
Ended up being a great run, 7ish Km in 39 minutes, that included the stretching breaks. Great pace, and good hard run for the first one back. Hope that I dont have to pay too much for this later.
So the plan was, easy pace, and several stops for stretching. My heart rate was too high for the speed I was going, but it all felt better after the first stretching break. Then I notice that now my breathing is too hard for the speed and heart rate, and I fought to get it under control. Forced myself to keep runing to the next agreed walking point (under Crowchild, as Rob has said, the sattelites can't track you there anyway), and did some more stretching on the far side.
As I get ready to start the run, I see someone running on the adjoining pathway, wearing the same shirt, from this years police half marathon. Its always a good intro line to say "Nice Shirt", so I started running and caught up. Turned out to be Norm, who is part of the Triathlon Resistance weightlifting group. He was finishing a 16k workout, and wanted to keep it at about a 5 minute pace, or slightly over. Perfect I thought, as we ran along. Pretty soon, we are at, and holding, a 4:30 pace. I mention this several times, and yet we keep it up as the pace feels not so bad.
I forced us to slow down for about 1k, then we picked it back up to that pace and faster for the end.
Ended up being a great run, 7ish Km in 39 minutes, that included the stretching breaks. Great pace, and good hard run for the first one back. Hope that I dont have to pay too much for this later.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Triathlon Resistance for Sept 10
This was the first class back for the new session, with only Norm and Myself as attendees. Give the workout, it should have been easy, so there ya go.
First set
Box Jumps x 15
Chest fly on swiss ball - 20lbs x 20
Dead Lift w/ dumbbells 40lb x 20
Shoulder Press 15lbs x 20
Second set
Side Crunch on Bosu - 20 each side
Assisted pullups x 20
Ahh, there was one other in this set that I cant recall
third set.
This weird planky thing, where you start on hands and knees, curl your toes under, and raise knees off the ground by an inch. hold that for 60 seconds
pointers, with opposite arm and leg, 5 second hold, 1 minute total
First set
Box Jumps x 15
Chest fly on swiss ball - 20lbs x 20
Dead Lift w/ dumbbells 40lb x 20
Shoulder Press 15lbs x 20
Second set
Side Crunch on Bosu - 20 each side
Assisted pullups x 20
Ahh, there was one other in this set that I cant recall
third set.
This weird planky thing, where you start on hands and knees, curl your toes under, and raise knees off the ground by an inch. hold that for 60 seconds
pointers, with opposite arm and leg, 5 second hold, 1 minute total
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Time to get back to work
And we are back. After a tough spring of racing, combine with some personal lose to deal with, I took the summer off to drink beer, eat burgers and fries, and generally gain weight. Now that fall is arriving, its time to get back into the swing of things, get the training underway, set some goals, and as Nike says," Just Do It".
Monday, March 19, 2012
Resistance - Mar 19
First set
Chest Press - finished with 105 on the bar. Right side felt weaker, and had real trouble at 115 to do the form properly
Bent over row, with 65lb barbell
lateral raise - 15lb
second set
Side Steps, with tubing tieing legs
single leg, bend over balance, and twist with hands
rear delt fly - 12.5lbs
last
back extensions on ball
that pilates move where you hold the ball between your feet, raise bottom foot off ground, then do crunches
Good workout.
Chest Press - finished with 105 on the bar. Right side felt weaker, and had real trouble at 115 to do the form properly
Bent over row, with 65lb barbell
lateral raise - 15lb
second set
Side Steps, with tubing tieing legs
single leg, bend over balance, and twist with hands
rear delt fly - 12.5lbs
last
back extensions on ball
that pilates move where you hold the ball between your feet, raise bottom foot off ground, then do crunches
Good workout.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Long Slow Distance - March 18
Great weather for the run. Scheduled distance was 26K, The run is mapped out here . Pace was good, we managed to get everyone to slow down a bit. Eventually we had to split into three groups, and some were feeling the pace was a bit fast, and had trouble late in the run. We ended up walking the last 5K.
The important thing is, we did those miles, they count, even if they were a much much slower pace. We had another person in the front group have to finish the run with a long work, but they were injured and hurting when we caught up to them. Definitely too much speed.
The important thing is, we did those miles, they count, even if they were a much much slower pace. We had another person in the front group have to finish the run with a long work, but they were injured and hurting when we caught up to them. Definitely too much speed.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Racing - St Pats Day run - March 17
Good run, did about 44:30 (according to the garmin, but the official time says 44:37 I think).
I ran the last K in 3:55, and felt real good up to there, so I think that I could have run the last 5K faster, and did my finishing kick at the 7k mark, instead of waiting till 8.5 to really kick it.
Good times
I ran the last K in 3:55, and felt real good up to there, so I think that I could have run the last 5K faster, and did my finishing kick at the 7k mark, instead of waiting till 8.5 to really kick it.
Good times
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Swim Fit - March 15
We did relay races tonight, so I wore 'the suit'. What fun, the swimming felt great, still like work, but that the work was paying off as well. Of particular note was the last sprint we did, where I was the anchor leg, having to do 50m of freestyle, and I felt strong at the end, nearly as strong as the beginning.
Wonderful.
Wonderful.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Vive La Resistance - March 14
Today we moved into heavy weights on the machines.
did leg press, lat puldowns and chest press.
I think I peaked at 190 on legs, 150 on lat pulldowns, and 170 on chest press. On legs and lats, I did 21 reps, as Lindsay kept coming over just as I was done the 20, and saying 'you can do one more'.
On lat pulldowns, I tried 170, and it was absurdly more difficult that 130. Its possible that I was getting tired at that point, but it also occurs to me that it slightly changes the dynamic of lats when you are approaching your body weight.
Then we did a bunch of core, ab roller, back extension on ball, with straight arms, and side planks with some rotation.
I will absolutely feel this tomorrow.
did leg press, lat puldowns and chest press.
I think I peaked at 190 on legs, 150 on lat pulldowns, and 170 on chest press. On legs and lats, I did 21 reps, as Lindsay kept coming over just as I was done the 20, and saying 'you can do one more'.
On lat pulldowns, I tried 170, and it was absurdly more difficult that 130. Its possible that I was getting tired at that point, but it also occurs to me that it slightly changes the dynamic of lats when you are approaching your body weight.
Then we did a bunch of core, ab roller, back extension on ball, with straight arms, and side planks with some rotation.
I will absolutely feel this tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Swim Fit - Mar 13
Good workout, lots of kick and pull. 5x50m sprints with 15 seconds recovery. 3x100m IM, 1 kick, 1 pull, 1 fullstroke.
I admit I put the fins on for the butterfly fullstroke, as my dolphin kick is just not there yet. However, for everything else, no fins. I am really pleased with that.
I admit I put the fins on for the butterfly fullstroke, as my dolphin kick is just not there yet. However, for everything else, no fins. I am really pleased with that.
Steady run - Mar 13
Todays run was originally intended to just be a steady run, just to loosen up the legs after the long run sunday.
But sometimes, ya just gotta run until the desire to choke everyone in your office to death passes. Luckily, rain and wind made that take only 6k.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Resistance Training - March 12
I was the only one in the group that showed up today, so I had Lindsay all to myself. She tweaked the workout a bit, to take it a little easy on my tired legs, but we pushed hard on upper body stuff.
First set
- Ab Roller, really concentrating on form and tweaking methods
- grip exercise ball with feet, then do hip raises
- Balance, exercise like single leg deadlift, but twist hand to floor when in down position (no weights)
Second set
- Chest Press - 45lbs, then 50, then 45 again with concentration on form, taking 4-5 seconds to lower weight
- rear delt fly, first 15lbs, then 20's
- overhand rotation with tubing
Third set
- assisted pullups, first at 40lbs, then 25! tough
- track sideways step with tubing
- overhead rotation
Stretch and roll. I should (and will) fell this workout in the upper body
First set
- Ab Roller, really concentrating on form and tweaking methods
- grip exercise ball with feet, then do hip raises
- Balance, exercise like single leg deadlift, but twist hand to floor when in down position (no weights)
Second set
- Chest Press - 45lbs, then 50, then 45 again with concentration on form, taking 4-5 seconds to lower weight
- rear delt fly, first 15lbs, then 20's
- overhand rotation with tubing
Third set
- assisted pullups, first at 40lbs, then 25! tough
- track sideways step with tubing
- overhead rotation
Stretch and roll. I should (and will) fell this workout in the upper body
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Long Slow Distance - March 11
Started from Home, so I got 8k done in 45 minutes, then joined the Shawnessy crew for their 23K run. With a bit of back and forth between groups, I did 31.5K, thats close enough to 32k to count for me. It felt good. real good. The only problem I had was on one of the fast runs between groups, I could feel my left calf start to cramp. This was at about the halfway point, so if it cramped, I was gonna be in real trouble.
I ended up splitting off a group that was feeling the pace was a bit too intense, so we slowed it down just a bit. It was Cloe and Barry who were my running companions. Once we crossed into new territory, it was time for high 5's all round. Its fun to see them hit this milestone, as it makes me remember what hitting that milestone was like.
I ended up splitting off a group that was feeling the pace was a bit too intense, so we slowed it down just a bit. It was Cloe and Barry who were my running companions. Once we crossed into new territory, it was time for high 5's all round. Its fun to see them hit this milestone, as it makes me remember what hitting that milestone was like.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Tempo Running - March 9
After a day off, did a tempo run for a friday. Managed it well, felt good. I did it in three pieces, To crowchild, then to 10st, then to eau claire. Held 4:30-4:15 pace for the tempoing bits. I was puffing hard, but it was doable. Felt good when it was done.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Resistance Training - March 7
Started with a Tabata, then did easier upper body, core, rotator cuff exercises.
BTW, it was only myself and Paul at this workout. Everyone else must have known a Tabata was on the menu, and bailed :-)
BTW, it was only myself and Paul at this workout. Everyone else must have known a Tabata was on the menu, and bailed :-)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Resistance Training - Upping the weight - March 5
Resistance Training today. We did lots of leg work, and up the weight.
3 sets of
Squats - 95lbs for first 20, then 145lbs for next 2 (BTW, previous max was 135)
Chest Press - 65 to start, for 20, then 105lbs for 12 reps next 2
Lat Pulldown - 100lb to start, second one 120lbs but bad form, then 110lbs with good form for 15
3 sets of
Deadlift - 90lbs for warmup, then 2 at 110lbs for 15 reps
Single leg Squats
Glider (skater) single leg squats
some ab work (lay back on bench, grab bench above head. Legs straight up, lift hips toward roof)
Stretch and Roll
3 sets of
Squats - 95lbs for first 20, then 145lbs for next 2 (BTW, previous max was 135)
Chest Press - 65 to start, for 20, then 105lbs for 12 reps next 2
Lat Pulldown - 100lb to start, second one 120lbs but bad form, then 110lbs with good form for 15
3 sets of
Deadlift - 90lbs for warmup, then 2 at 110lbs for 15 reps
Single leg Squats
Glider (skater) single leg squats
some ab work (lay back on bench, grab bench above head. Legs straight up, lift hips toward roof)
Stretch and Roll
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Super Happy Tabata Fun Day - Tri Resistance training Feb 29, 2012
The key workout for today was Tabatas, and running ones at that.
For tabatas, it is very important to be good and warm, as you can hurt yourself quite easily, so a little longer on the bike to warm up, then we went around the track a few times doing various warm-ups. First one was called Karioke, where you kinda hop sideways, back foot in front then behind the other, so you are twisting the hips. Then butt-kicks for a length, then high knees, then the one where you bounce the knee straight up and then straight out the side... That last one takes some coordination, and apparently more that we had, although Trainer Lindsay makes it look easy.
We slightly modified the protocol, thinking that Rob's knee pain from last week was not a good result, and that a full lap was more than 20 seconds. So we did this as half a lap @100% effort, then quarter lap slow jog. This was probably now too short for the running, and still too long for the recovery, but it felt closer to the way the Bike Tabata feels (where we have a timer to look at, so know we are right on the times).
After 8 repeats, Nic Wiggins comment still held true, "The running was all right, I just could not get my mouth open far enough". Almost 2 hours later, I am still feeling the effect.
We followed that with some lighter exercises that we dont normally do
- Back extensions on the exercise ball x15
- Rear Delt Flys, 15lbs x20
- Rotator Cuff, internal and external rotation, using tubing, 15 each side.
3 times through the set
Next we did
- Calf raises on the machine, 50lb weight, x15
- Lat Extension, where you lay back on the exercise ball, under your shoulders, hips raised, hold a 35lb dumbell straight up, and with arms held straight, lower the weight above your head and back up. 20 repeats
- more internal and external rotation while waiting for machines, etc
3 times through the set.
Last, we used the Ab Roller, to work those abs some more. Lucky me, Lindsay made Paul do the pilates routines from Monday, and he had much the same comment. As in, "Crap, those hurt". If I ever thought that pilates would be easy, I dont anymore.
Did some foam roller work on the IT band, Quads and hips, and called it a fine workout.
For tabatas, it is very important to be good and warm, as you can hurt yourself quite easily, so a little longer on the bike to warm up, then we went around the track a few times doing various warm-ups. First one was called Karioke, where you kinda hop sideways, back foot in front then behind the other, so you are twisting the hips. Then butt-kicks for a length, then high knees, then the one where you bounce the knee straight up and then straight out the side... That last one takes some coordination, and apparently more that we had, although Trainer Lindsay makes it look easy.
We slightly modified the protocol, thinking that Rob's knee pain from last week was not a good result, and that a full lap was more than 20 seconds. So we did this as half a lap @100% effort, then quarter lap slow jog. This was probably now too short for the running, and still too long for the recovery, but it felt closer to the way the Bike Tabata feels (where we have a timer to look at, so know we are right on the times).
After 8 repeats, Nic Wiggins comment still held true, "The running was all right, I just could not get my mouth open far enough". Almost 2 hours later, I am still feeling the effect.
We followed that with some lighter exercises that we dont normally do
- Back extensions on the exercise ball x15
- Rear Delt Flys, 15lbs x20
- Rotator Cuff, internal and external rotation, using tubing, 15 each side.
3 times through the set
Next we did
- Calf raises on the machine, 50lb weight, x15
- Lat Extension, where you lay back on the exercise ball, under your shoulders, hips raised, hold a 35lb dumbell straight up, and with arms held straight, lower the weight above your head and back up. 20 repeats
- more internal and external rotation while waiting for machines, etc
3 times through the set.
Last, we used the Ab Roller, to work those abs some more. Lucky me, Lindsay made Paul do the pilates routines from Monday, and he had much the same comment. As in, "Crap, those hurt". If I ever thought that pilates would be easy, I dont anymore.
Did some foam roller work on the IT band, Quads and hips, and called it a fine workout.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sick Day - Feb 28
Called in sick. Bad Sleep. After 6 more hours, felt better, but felt that doing a swim workout was not wise.
So I got my TV watching in. Doesn't do much for the heart rate though....
So I got my TV watching in. Doesn't do much for the heart rate though....
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tri Resistance Training - Feb 27
Oh My God, we got worked like dogs today.
Training Buddy Rob and I were the only attendees today, and we are the advanced students, so that gave Lindsay free reign to work us.
First set - three times
- Medicine ball lunges on track. So, holding the 5kg medicine ball, big step into a lunge, get low, hold medicine ball straight out, then rotate 45 degrees left, 45 degrees right, then straight, then lunge with other leg and repeat the length of the track.
- Bounding with medicine ball. Starting at start of straightaway on track, drive upward with one leg, looking for vertical height, down the track, round the corner, down the other straightaway. Walk it off
- Hamstring curl, on machine, 110lbs, 15 reps
- jumping planks. Start plank position on hands, bring one foot up so that it is next to hands. Now bounce hips up and switch feet. Get the form and distance correct, then repeat for a 20 count.
second set, 2 times
- Gliding side lunges, 12 each leg
- Box Jumps, highest platform, 15 reps
- Deadlifts, with 50lb dumpbells, 15 reps
- squeeze big ball between feet, lying on back on mat, and extend feet outward to engage core, 12 times
3rd set - some pilates stuff
- On your back, hold big ball between your feet, stretch out keeping it off floor, pull it back, pass to hands, stretch it out over your head. Repeat
- hold ball between legs, one over one under, keeping lower heel off floor, now do crunches. This one beat, me, I could not do it, so we just held it for 15 seconds, which was close to killing me as well.
Wicked, brutal and fun workout :-)
Training Buddy Rob and I were the only attendees today, and we are the advanced students, so that gave Lindsay free reign to work us.
First set - three times
- Medicine ball lunges on track. So, holding the 5kg medicine ball, big step into a lunge, get low, hold medicine ball straight out, then rotate 45 degrees left, 45 degrees right, then straight, then lunge with other leg and repeat the length of the track.
- Bounding with medicine ball. Starting at start of straightaway on track, drive upward with one leg, looking for vertical height, down the track, round the corner, down the other straightaway. Walk it off
- Hamstring curl, on machine, 110lbs, 15 reps
- jumping planks. Start plank position on hands, bring one foot up so that it is next to hands. Now bounce hips up and switch feet. Get the form and distance correct, then repeat for a 20 count.
second set, 2 times
- Gliding side lunges, 12 each leg
- Box Jumps, highest platform, 15 reps
- Deadlifts, with 50lb dumpbells, 15 reps
- squeeze big ball between feet, lying on back on mat, and extend feet outward to engage core, 12 times
3rd set - some pilates stuff
- On your back, hold big ball between your feet, stretch out keeping it off floor, pull it back, pass to hands, stretch it out over your head. Repeat
- hold ball between legs, one over one under, keeping lower heel off floor, now do crunches. This one beat, me, I could not do it, so we just held it for 15 seconds, which was close to killing me as well.
Wicked, brutal and fun workout :-)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday Long Run - Feb 26
Shortish long run today, did only slightly over 18. Weather was ugly, cold windy, so at 6:30 AM, I decided that an additional hour of sleep was going to do me more good than an additional 8k. Hope I am right.
We took the west route into fish creek to get out of the wind. The groups kinda spread out a little bit more that it should of, so instead of 3 groups, we had like 5, with instructor and pacer (me) in the middle group. Less than an ideal situation.
I got my extra couple of K's in by running back and picking up the last group, continuing to give them encouragement as we ran along. I think that last group is running too slow, and by too slow, I mean well below their capabilities for a slow sunday run. They could and should be running faster, while still keeping the heart rate down to an acceptable level.
We took the west route into fish creek to get out of the wind. The groups kinda spread out a little bit more that it should of, so instead of 3 groups, we had like 5, with instructor and pacer (me) in the middle group. Less than an ideal situation.
I got my extra couple of K's in by running back and picking up the last group, continuing to give them encouragement as we ran along. I think that last group is running too slow, and by too slow, I mean well below their capabilities for a slow sunday run. They could and should be running faster, while still keeping the heart rate down to an acceptable level.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Fartlek Fridays - Feb 24
Decided that I had to run at lunch, and take advantage of the acceptable weather. It was chilly and breezy, but great to go hard. I had no real workout thought out, other than some tempoing.
I spotted Jerry, who is one of the regulars at Glenmore Running Room ahead of me, and pushed harder to catch up the him and his running partner. I then spent 10 minutes chatting and running with them, up to the crowchild bridge. They stopped for a walk break (it was supposed to be a recovery run for them), so I decided to tempo again until I caught up to some people. Put in a 4:28 km that felt nice.
I kept a good pace all run, with only one stop to re-tie a shoe, and another walk break at the princes island bridge. Got my 8k run done in 38:12, so I think that the tempoing goal was met.
:-)
I spotted Jerry, who is one of the regulars at Glenmore Running Room ahead of me, and pushed harder to catch up the him and his running partner. I then spent 10 minutes chatting and running with them, up to the crowchild bridge. They stopped for a walk break (it was supposed to be a recovery run for them), so I decided to tempo again until I caught up to some people. Put in a 4:28 km that felt nice.
I kept a good pace all run, with only one stop to re-tie a shoe, and another walk break at the princes island bridge. Got my 8k run done in 38:12, so I think that the tempoing goal was met.
:-)
Triathlon resistance - Feb 22
Not the usual workout today. Lindsay was delayed, so after a warmup, we decided to get started, and came up with what we thought would be a good first set, medicine ball throws on the wall, chest press on the ball, and crunches. We had just started when Lindsay showed up and said "tabata day"
we had a choice of bike or run. I dont think I was ready for the pain yet, so I chose bike, knowing that it always seemed a bit less painful. Everyone else did it running.
On the first one, I was pushing 650 watts! crazy. Of course, after that, I had trouble pushing 450 watts. I should have run it.
After a bit of cool down, we did
chest press on the ball - last set with 50 lb dumbbells
assisted pulls ups
Side crunches on the bosu (I think)
tricep extension, upright with dumbbell
!!! BICEP CURLS !!!
plank+crunch on the ball (feet on the ball, straight arm, plank, then pull knees up)
brutal but good workout
we had a choice of bike or run. I dont think I was ready for the pain yet, so I chose bike, knowing that it always seemed a bit less painful. Everyone else did it running.
On the first one, I was pushing 650 watts! crazy. Of course, after that, I had trouble pushing 450 watts. I should have run it.
After a bit of cool down, we did
chest press on the ball - last set with 50 lb dumbbells
assisted pulls ups
Side crunches on the bosu (I think)
tricep extension, upright with dumbbell
!!! BICEP CURLS !!!
plank+crunch on the ball (feet on the ball, straight arm, plank, then pull knees up)
brutal but good workout
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Swim Fit - Feb 23
So for tonights workout, we did relay races. It ended up being boys against the girls, so Sebastian and myself took them on. The first one was IM, which of course, starts with the butterfly. and I was not allowed to wear fins for this butterfly either. It was ugly. By the halfway point, I was kinda doing a whip kick rather than dolphin, so that I could get some kind of forward propulsion. And I had to do a flipturn/somersault before Sebastian could take off. He then had to do 2 lengths, back-stroke and breast stroke, and I got to finish it off with freestyle. It was a close finish, virtual tie. Well done teams.
Next relay, we decided that we should use a hand signal for when to take off, and not have someone do two in a row, allowing us some recovery time. This was an all-out freestyle race, and was a blast. I dont know if we finished that close, but doesn't matter.
Third time was for fun. We had to pick up rings off the bottom, which is very hard to do after you have been swimming hard. We had to do 10 bobs at the end after a hard length. fun fun fun.
next was 6x50 back then free sprint, on a pyramid. First three get progressively harder, then last three get progressively easier.
Then 4x100 IM. We did a length of butterfly, then one-armed on the way back, full again, one armed. We were running out of time, so we just did 50s for the breast, back and free.
A quality workout, and lots of fun beside.
Next relay, we decided that we should use a hand signal for when to take off, and not have someone do two in a row, allowing us some recovery time. This was an all-out freestyle race, and was a blast. I dont know if we finished that close, but doesn't matter.
Third time was for fun. We had to pick up rings off the bottom, which is very hard to do after you have been swimming hard. We had to do 10 bobs at the end after a hard length. fun fun fun.
next was 6x50 back then free sprint, on a pyramid. First three get progressively harder, then last three get progressively easier.
Then 4x100 IM. We did a length of butterfly, then one-armed on the way back, full again, one armed. We were running out of time, so we just did 50s for the breast, back and free.
A quality workout, and lots of fun beside.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Hills x8 Feb 22
Tonight was a hill workout. I had 8 on the schedule, and was ready to push hard. Taz ran with me to the hill, and then I pushed hard. Set off the heart rate alarm every time up the hill, and was able to push hard for that last piece at the top of the hill. Taz ran the last hill with me, and set a good pace.
Hills can be such a tough workout, but they are what gives me the mental strength to say "No quitting till the job is done".
And I was ready for sleep by the time I got home.
Hills can be such a tough workout, but they are what gives me the mental strength to say "No quitting till the job is done".
And I was ready for sleep by the time I got home.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Swim Fit - Feb 21
Was kinda looking forward to the swim, but not holding high hopes for it to go well. We did lots of kick and pull and drills. We also did what are called windsprints. This is where, one one breath, you sprint to the other end of the pool. It really is a bit of a mental game. Right on cue, when I passed the center stripe, my lungs started to burn, and I made it to the 2/3 point the first time, the flags the second time. Coach Elody says that you really have to push yourself, close your eyes! if seeing the line makes your lungs burns. just keep driving. So the last time, I started blowing some bubbles at the half, then each time my lungs started to burn, I blew some out and drove on, and made it!
The fins never came out of the bag tonight. very nice. I think I am starting to understand the kick now. You really have to snap your leg forward. The kick you do in running and cycling is a kick towards the back, to propel you forward. In the swim, however, you have to snap your leg forward. If you dont do this, your legs sink, and you have to drag too much water. Like I do, or should I tentatively say, used to do.
I used what I called a 3-beat kick, and I think I am using that terminology correctly. This is where I kick 3 times for each pull of the arm, and pause through the rotate. and it worked tonight. The strokes didnt feel like I was overworked, I was able to control the effort level while staying on the surface and not sinking.
It was fun. and work. lots of work. but fun...
The fins never came out of the bag tonight. very nice. I think I am starting to understand the kick now. You really have to snap your leg forward. The kick you do in running and cycling is a kick towards the back, to propel you forward. In the swim, however, you have to snap your leg forward. If you dont do this, your legs sink, and you have to drag too much water. Like I do, or should I tentatively say, used to do.
I used what I called a 3-beat kick, and I think I am using that terminology correctly. This is where I kick 3 times for each pull of the arm, and pause through the rotate. and it worked tonight. The strokes didnt feel like I was overworked, I was able to control the effort level while staying on the surface and not sinking.
It was fun. and work. lots of work. but fun...
Tempo Tuesday - Feb 21
So after a loooong weekend, 4 days off from work with just 1 workout over the 4 days, I am ready to get back into the training and building. On the plate for today, an 8K tempo run, around the crowchild loop. It is quite windy today, westerly chinook wind making lots of noise through the building.
The first three K are into the wind, and the same feelings are creeping in (and they are not good). Starting to think I am coming down with something, and tried to cough something up while walking under the crowchild bridge. Now this is getting sucky.
Enough feeling sorry for yourself, and with the wind at your back, just take it easy and run. It starts feeling good, and speed picks up, and next think I know, the heart rate is up, and I am solidly tempoing. I keep this up for several K, and kept a 4:35-4:45 pace for the next 3 K. I know I am wind-assisted, but the rest of the run felt great, and the sun on my face is wonderful.
Feels good to shake off that malaise, even if its just for a little while....
update: looking at the charts this evening shows me that my heartrate dropped by 37 bpm in the first minute the first time I stopped, and the second time, after a hard run up the ramp at princes island, it dropped from 177 to 126 in under a minute. That would be 51 bpm.... Wow!.
The first three K are into the wind, and the same feelings are creeping in (and they are not good). Starting to think I am coming down with something, and tried to cough something up while walking under the crowchild bridge. Now this is getting sucky.
Enough feeling sorry for yourself, and with the wind at your back, just take it easy and run. It starts feeling good, and speed picks up, and next think I know, the heart rate is up, and I am solidly tempoing. I keep this up for several K, and kept a 4:35-4:45 pace for the next 3 K. I know I am wind-assisted, but the rest of the run felt great, and the sun on my face is wonderful.
Feels good to shake off that malaise, even if its just for a little while....
update: looking at the charts this evening shows me that my heartrate dropped by 37 bpm in the first minute the first time I stopped, and the second time, after a hard run up the ramp at princes island, it dropped from 177 to 126 in under a minute. That would be 51 bpm.... Wow!.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sunday - LSD - Feb 19.
I have started training with the Shawnessy Running Room marathon clinic group. Now, they are about 6 weeks behind where I need to be on the schedule, so I am trying some tricks to make this work.
On sunday, I was up an hour earlier for breaky, and then started my run from my front door, and ran for 50 minutes to the running room, which is approx 8k away. Their scheduled run was 13k, so this gave me just shy of 22 k. This made for a nice buildup. I already know that I am a social runner, as the first 8k was kind hard, but once I was with the group, it felt much easier. The first few with the group were nice enough that I started to think that I should just extend my run back home.
But my the end of the scheduled run, some common sense prevailed, and I took the train home. My hamstrings felt tight, and I had spent a good portion of the run advising the newbies about getting to the starting line uninjured. So I followed my own advice.
On sunday, I was up an hour earlier for breaky, and then started my run from my front door, and ran for 50 minutes to the running room, which is approx 8k away. Their scheduled run was 13k, so this gave me just shy of 22 k. This made for a nice buildup. I already know that I am a social runner, as the first 8k was kind hard, but once I was with the group, it felt much easier. The first few with the group were nice enough that I started to think that I should just extend my run back home.
But my the end of the scheduled run, some common sense prevailed, and I took the train home. My hamstrings felt tight, and I had spent a good portion of the run advising the newbies about getting to the starting line uninjured. So I followed my own advice.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday Swim - Feb 16
Swimming tonight was kind of sucky. After the warmup, we started with sprints and IM, and I found that I was not recoverying, either quickly or at all. I had not done a workout at lunch, instead taking the opportunity to spend it with friends at GeeGong.
So after a few more attempts, and really not feeling good at all, I switched to kick drills, and did about 300m of kicking, with lots of rest between.
Kind of a bummer, as usually, even whent the swim starts out bad, I push through, and end up with a really good workout. It didn`t happen this time, and I will even admit that it may have been mental, and that I didn`t really have the desire to make it happen.
Friday is a rest day I think. Need some recovery.
So after a few more attempts, and really not feeling good at all, I switched to kick drills, and did about 300m of kicking, with lots of rest between.
Kind of a bummer, as usually, even whent the swim starts out bad, I push through, and end up with a really good workout. It didn`t happen this time, and I will even admit that it may have been mental, and that I didn`t really have the desire to make it happen.
Friday is a rest day I think. Need some recovery.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wednesday night hills - Feb 15
Ran hills tonight with the puppy. We had 7 hills on the schedule, but I ended up cutting it off at 6. This was the start of a trend to not feeling good, early fatigue, lack of recovery etc etc. The hills themselves were at a proper pace, and I was even pushing the pace at the top of the hill, like I like to run hills. But the breeze felt colder than it should have, the recovery not as good, and just not fun.
Funny story. When we went to run the last hill, the puppy didnt want to run, and just stalled. This usually means something in the foot or the fur. I checked his feet, thinking that it was snow balls that were causing the problem. He then reluctantly ran up the hill with lots of coaxing. The run back to the store was slow, and kind-of a drag, with lots of encouragement required. When we got in the store, one of the ladies saw him, and said "Oh you poor dog, you have a stick stuck in your fur" and proceeded to pull a big branch out from underneath him..... I must remember to check closer when he balks.
Funny story. When we went to run the last hill, the puppy didnt want to run, and just stalled. This usually means something in the foot or the fur. I checked his feet, thinking that it was snow balls that were causing the problem. He then reluctantly ran up the hill with lots of coaxing. The run back to the store was slow, and kind-of a drag, with lots of encouragement required. When we got in the store, one of the ladies saw him, and said "Oh you poor dog, you have a stick stuck in your fur" and proceeded to pull a big branch out from underneath him..... I must remember to check closer when he balks.
Weights Feb 15
first set, 3 times each exercise
Bench press on exercise ball
Ham string curls on the machine
squat and press
Side crunch on bosu
Second set, 3 times each exercise
Fencer lunges on track 15 each leg
Dead lifts
Bent over rows
Ball crunches
Extra Credit:
Pointers on bosu
Bench press on exercise ball
Ham string curls on the machine
squat and press
Side crunch on bosu
Second set, 3 times each exercise
Fencer lunges on track 15 each leg
Dead lifts
Bent over rows
Ball crunches
Extra Credit:
Pointers on bosu
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday Swim - Feb 14
Baby's gotta spit the soother sometime....
So I went to the pool for the regular workout, still feeling kinda bummed out from the bad lunchtime run. My intention was to see how it felt, and if it was not good, then just do a bunch of breaststroke to loosen up the legs, and sit in the hot tub.
Warmup
100m Pull
50m Kick
100m Pull
50m Kick - note, the kick was done on back, no fins
B/U
4x7m rotate(free, back, breast)
main
100m back fast/slow
100m breast fast/slow
100m free fast/slow
we were supposed to do that twice, but I was running out of time
400m endurance test. it was supposed to be as follows
50m hard
100m easy
50m hard
50m easy
100m easy
50m hard as you can.
didnt quite work out that way, I took slight breaks each 50m, and did it in 10:11. Now, this is way slower than the previous times, coming in at 7:20ish, but here is the key important difference. I did this workout WITHOUT fins, and the previous times were with fins. So way slower, but without aids.
Nice.
200m as cooldown, and then 20min in the hottub. great workout
And the pool swim on May 9 is looking even better.
So I went to the pool for the regular workout, still feeling kinda bummed out from the bad lunchtime run. My intention was to see how it felt, and if it was not good, then just do a bunch of breaststroke to loosen up the legs, and sit in the hot tub.
Warmup
100m Pull
50m Kick
100m Pull
50m Kick - note, the kick was done on back, no fins
B/U
4x7m rotate(free, back, breast)
main
100m back fast/slow
100m breast fast/slow
100m free fast/slow
we were supposed to do that twice, but I was running out of time
400m endurance test. it was supposed to be as follows
50m hard
100m easy
50m hard
50m easy
100m easy
50m hard as you can.
didnt quite work out that way, I took slight breaks each 50m, and did it in 10:11. Now, this is way slower than the previous times, coming in at 7:20ish, but here is the key important difference. I did this workout WITHOUT fins, and the previous times were with fins. So way slower, but without aids.
Nice.
200m as cooldown, and then 20min in the hottub. great workout
And the pool swim on May 9 is looking even better.
Tuesday Run - Feb 14
Run at lunch was disappointing. On the schedule was an 8k steady run, just get out, loosen up the legs. First 3K felt good, even though my thighs felt quite swollen. This effect is likely from the weights yesterday. But after a short walk, a stretch and a drink of water, it all went downhill fast. When running, I was feeling really tired, my stomach was feeling queezy, and just felt all out of sorts. I did several walk breaks, and did do some more running, but it never felt good again.
On the whole, not a good run. Possible causes:
- fatigue from heavy weights and leg workout monday
- poor sleep, 6 hours or less is not nearly enough, especially with this training load
- poor diet? last nights supper was fried ground pork with a toasted slice of sourdough bread before curling, then 2 beers, chips, peanuts, a date, some cheese... OK, I was grazing once I got home.
no worries yet, unless this starts a trend
On the whole, not a good run. Possible causes:
- fatigue from heavy weights and leg workout monday
- poor sleep, 6 hours or less is not nearly enough, especially with this training load
- poor diet? last nights supper was fried ground pork with a toasted slice of sourdough bread before curling, then 2 beers, chips, peanuts, a date, some cheese... OK, I was grazing once I got home.
no worries yet, unless this starts a trend
Monday, February 13, 2012
Monday Weights - Feb 13
First set, 3 repeats
Medicine ball squats x 20 (throw 5kg medicine ball high up the wall, catch at chest height and drop into squat, power out of squat to throw it back up)
Bench press 45lbx15
up&down planks x20
second set, 3 repeats
kettle bell squats 30lbs x 25
ab roller x 15
glider/skater squat x 15 each side. (one foot on glider disk, slid foot out sideways while dropping into a one legged squat)
third set, 3 repeats
side cable pull/rotate 15x22.5lb each side
Assisted pull ups, 40lbs assistance.
Medicine ball squats x 20 (throw 5kg medicine ball high up the wall, catch at chest height and drop into squat, power out of squat to throw it back up)
Bench press 45lbx15
up&down planks x20
second set, 3 repeats
kettle bell squats 30lbs x 25
ab roller x 15
glider/skater squat x 15 each side. (one foot on glider disk, slid foot out sideways while dropping into a one legged squat)
third set, 3 repeats
side cable pull/rotate 15x22.5lb each side
Assisted pull ups, 40lbs assistance.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Weights - Feb 10
Went to Shawnessy YMCA to do weights on a day off. A unstructured workout, so I did all my faves.
first set x 3
Chest Press on the ball 45lb x 15
bent over row 30lbs x 15
deadlifts 110lbs x 15
second set x 3
Roman chair, pike x 15
assisted pullup 40Lbs? x 15 (different machine, strange labels)
third set x3
squat&press 25lbs x 15
cable side twist - 17.5 lbs x 15 each side
first set x 3
Chest Press on the ball 45lb x 15
bent over row 30lbs x 15
deadlifts 110lbs x 15
second set x 3
Roman chair, pike x 15
assisted pullup 40Lbs? x 15 (different machine, strange labels)
third set x3
squat&press 25lbs x 15
cable side twist - 17.5 lbs x 15 each side
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Swim Feb 9 evening
So I jokingly complained on tuesday night that the workout had a disturbing lack of butterfly.
So tonights was all individual medley, with either drills and kick, or sprints. lots of butterfly. I did good on tuesday without fins, but had to have fins to do butterfly.
That kick will come eventually
So tonights was all individual medley, with either drills and kick, or sprints. lots of butterfly. I did good on tuesday without fins, but had to have fins to do butterfly.
That kick will come eventually
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Feb 8 evening workout
Hills Hills We Love Hills
Workout called for 5 repeats, and they were all good. never set off the HR alarm, but did get the HR up to 162 for the max. Interesting bit of note, according to the garmin, my heart rate will drop by 34 BPM (going from 162 to 128) in 45 seconds. This is not bad I think...
Workout called for 5 repeats, and they were all good. never set off the HR alarm, but did get the HR up to 162 for the max. Interesting bit of note, according to the garmin, my heart rate will drop by 34 BPM (going from 162 to 128) in 45 seconds. This is not bad I think...
Feb 8 workout
Weights
Do three sets of this
Side crunches on the BOSU - 15 reps per side
Side jumps, speed skater pose - 20 each directory
Chest press on the ball - 15 reps @45 lbs
Deadlifts - 15 reps @115lbs
(note on the deadlifts. Rob and I went to the other are to use barbells rather than dumbbells, as you can lift more on the bar. I found that grip strength was lacking when using 50lb dumbells)
Now, do three sets of this
Hamstring curls on the ball, one legged, 15 per side
Squat and press - 30lb dumbbells x 15 reps. Doing deep squats shows that we are getting ready for olympic lifting
Bentover rows = 35lbsx15 reps
Ball Crunches - 15 reps
Liking the chest press and deadlifts. Overhead press is getting better. All-in-all, great workout!
Do three sets of this
Side crunches on the BOSU - 15 reps per side
Side jumps, speed skater pose - 20 each directory
Chest press on the ball - 15 reps @45 lbs
Deadlifts - 15 reps @115lbs
(note on the deadlifts. Rob and I went to the other are to use barbells rather than dumbbells, as you can lift more on the bar. I found that grip strength was lacking when using 50lb dumbells)
Now, do three sets of this
Hamstring curls on the ball, one legged, 15 per side
Squat and press - 30lb dumbbells x 15 reps. Doing deep squats shows that we are getting ready for olympic lifting
Bentover rows = 35lbsx15 reps
Ball Crunches - 15 reps
Liking the chest press and deadlifts. Overhead press is getting better. All-in-all, great workout!
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