What a start into the new season…

Sunday’s mini indoor-triathlon was a nice little start into the season. When Anthony and I got to the New England Fitness Studio in Cromwell we signed away our life at the front desk. While doing so Anthony was asking the ladies if I could still start after my heart transplant a few weeks back. After that comment you could instantly see the ladies face turning pale and the discomfort was silently spinning in their heads.
Signup for the Triathlon: $10
Look on the ladies faces: priceless
They seemed relieved once we told them that I am in best condition and that they wouldn’t have to worry about me dropping dead in their gym.
Signed up and dressed in triathlon gear we walked into the meeting room where they already waited for us to start the pre-race meeting. After being told that Anthony and I messed up their entire starting list and starting times I was psyched to put down a great race time so that the entire extra 10min wait time were worth it for them at the end. The two of us got placed in the 5th wave of the race which meant that we had quite a bit of time to kill. While watching some stronger swimmers gliding through the water I got to talk to one of the ladies that organized the race. Dressed in a Team USA warm-up and wearing an Ironman Lake Placid 2007 hat I was correct to say she is a pure athlete. Trying to squeeze some practice tips out of her I already had to get ready for my swim start. I was sharing a lane with Anthony who shortly after the start hit me in the face and snapped my goggles in half. Luckily I was able to put them back together. 18 ½ laps later we had a short break to change for the bike “my favorite part of each triathlon”. On the bike I found some time to talk to the “pure athlete” about lactate threshold mentioning that I really want to test my lactate threshold to idealize my practice sessions. Now the last part was the run and since we were the last wave they told us that 2.25miles is the distance to beat. No way could I do that because I hate the run. After the race I was told that I dominated the bike portion (that’s the way I like it) and with a 2.14 mile run I was close behind the top.
Not only have I had the best bike result but also did I win the little indoor triathlon and a $30 gift certificate for www.trisports.com . J My first victory!
I am aware of the fact that my swim leg isn’t the best so I jumped in the pool for a 2000 yard practice on Monday. After a few minutes a woman joined me in my lane since the diving team had practice. She killed me…ouch. Damn she was fast. I felt bad that one time where she had to slow down behind me because our timing wasn’t perfect. Sorry fast lady in colorful bathing suit! My goal this semester will be to improve my swim by a few minutes from last year’s 1.2 mile distance. I think I am doing pretty good on achieving that goal.

damn winter...

damn snow...damn cold...when is winter going to be over? Can't wait to get on my bike to do those lovely 3-4 hour rides. My trainer has been a good companion but its time for some fresh air. Today I did my hour and a half on the bike inside with some minor knee irritation. Not sure where that is coming from but I hope it will be gone soon. I guess I gotta get out my German witch medicine to fight the pain...

Tomorrow at noon I will be putting my fitness to a small test at the Indoor-Triathlon in Cromwell. Its gonna be a 15min swim in the pool, a 15min ride on a stationary bike, and a 15min run somewhere.

Today I have been looking up some early year duathlons that I might be doing and I am really looking forward to do the Shamrock Duathlon in May. Over 200 starters will be paying to run for 2x 5k and to bike 28k. Gotta love the sport...

I am psyched about this season...I am preparing for the Ironman 70.3 Switzerland and my entire family will show up...

Haven't felt so motivated in months. I am just a bit mad that my stupid cold won't go away and the weather does not really help either. I finally got my ass back into the pool for an hour this Tuesday to get some time in the water. I was shocked how bad I felt swimming. That's why I am gonna jump in the pool again today.

I have started slow to get my body used to longer practice sessions and I now slowly increase my times. I am feeling pretty good on the bike and the run but after my first 30mile ride a week ago I was pretty dead. Shouldn't take long to find back to my shape. I can't wait until Spring is kickin in so that I can put my trainer in the closet and role around on the street. There is nothing more relaxing than a few hours on the bike towards nowhere...