It's only Tuesday

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 74

Activity: Run Group Training Session in Central Park

I was sitting at my desk all day today focused on work. When one is working a lot the best thing to do is to take a break and get a workout in, but the last thing you want to do is get a workout in. You'd rather crawl home and curl up with a glass of wine. That was my state of mind today, but I knew if I did not go for my GTS run I would not write about it, that would break my routine and it would feel awful. I would have made an excuse and the title of the post would be "Overworked Tuesday" but I did not succumb to the devil on my left shoulder who was trying to help me justify my laziness. I got up from my desk and marched myself to my run session.

Our session started with a nutritionist who spoke to us about how to fuel pre, during and post racing. The workout we did was an intensity run, which meant running one mile intervals as fast as you can four times. The one mile stretch was extremely hilly and very difficult. I am hoping that before my race running becomes easier. I am a fearful of having to run ten kilometers after swimming and biking! Please make my legs feel light and let me move like the wind. It just feels so difficult at the moment, but I am sure I will conquer the run eventually.

The Two Beat Kick

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 75

Activity: Swim Group Training Session

At our swim GTS we focused on kicking. Up until now we have focused on the upper body and stroke, today we learnt about the two beat kick. The first exercise was swimming using just one side of your body and focusing on coordinating your arms and legs in order to get the timing right. It felt very odd to swim this way but I eventually got the hang of it. I learnt a few other things, first if you stay absolutely vertical in the water and tilt your head a bit back you will float. Second, eighty percent of the effort while swimming comes from the upper body and your legs only contribute to twenty percent of the effort. That brings us to the two beat kick. Most people kick far too much and expend too much energy. You only need to kick once every stroke you take two strokes and you kick twice. These two kicks are the most powerful and it helps conserve your legs, remember one has to bike and run after the swim. Another way this was illustrated today was by swimming 50 yards kicking really hard with a board, this was very tiring, I was out of breath by the time I finished, in comparison when I did the two beat kick with a nice even stroke I went faster and was not at all exhausted. I learn the most during my swim GTS - my coaches are just fantastic! Looking forward to the next week. Below is a video demonstration of the two-beat kick.

Taking Control.. Sort Of

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 76

Activity: Bike ride in Central Park

I decided to take control and sleep in this morning! It had been too long, almost a month since I woke up naturally with the morning light and chirping birds. I exaggerate, there are no chirping birds in Manhattan.. but you get what I mean.  Last night as I was having dinner I thought the only person who is stopping me from having a lazy morning is me. I had a race today, but I had gotten my miles in this week and I actually needed to ride my bike. So why was I moaning and groaning about waking up early? All I needed to do was not run my morning race and go for a later bike ride instead. Decision made, I took control and ditched my race for a nice long bike ride in Central Park. Sometimes you just have to listen to what you really want. I REALLY wanted to sleep in.

The park was gorgeous, weather was perfect and with the above two come hoards of tourists in Central Park. Also I was biking later in the day, due to my need to sleep in. Every time I got into my biking groove I had to slow down because of the horse carriages, people or pedi cabs that were in the way. I am not complaining I am sure I have been that tourist who walks around aimlessly while the natives of the city are rushing to get to their destination. I did 15 miles on the bike, my goal was to do 20 miles but the people in the park were too much to handle, next time I am going to have to bike earlier - so much for sleeping in!

I Miss Lazy Mornings

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 77

Activity: Run Group Training Session at Riverside Park

I miss sleeping in on weekends. I just want one day where I don't have an alarm waking me up. The entire month of April I have had Saturday morning group training, and Sunday morning races. I am waiting for May where I may get to sleep in on Sunday if I don't sign up for NYRR races. Let's hope I don't get carried away.

Today's training was at Riverside Park. This location is very important as the transition areas are here. The transitions are from swim to bike and bike to run. The triathlon became more real as our coach surveyed the transition areas (OMG). After surveying the race day route we did a few out and backs in the park for 40 minutes. Post workout we had some core exercises and nice long stretches. Once I am out and done with the workout It feels so good and waking up early feels worth it, but I still would really like one day a week to be lazy in the morning.

The Gym

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 78

Activity: Core Training at the Gym

I do not like working out indoors. Running on the treadmill, weights, eliptical, stair master etc etc are all things I find thoroughly boring. My prefered workout will always be outside. This fits perfectly with Tri Training as you are always doing different things and they all need to be outdoors. Despite my aversion to the gym, I visit my trainer once a week . I am told that doing weights and making your core strong is essential for an injury free Triathlon. This morning I met Erick (my trainer) at 7 am. We did a lot of twisting, turning, planks and ketel bell exercises. I discovered that my right leg is weaker than my left, which is weird because I am right handed.

He gave me a workout that I should do at least three times a week - details below:

Hip Lift - Single Leg 10 x 3
Hip Lift Double Leg 15 x 3
Hamstring Curl (Heel on Ball while lying down) 25 x 3
Plank with Hitchhikers 30 sec x 2
Hip Rotations 20 x 3
Transverse (rotational) Lunges 10 x 3
Transverse Step Ups 10 x 3 

Half Successful on the Road

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 79

Activity: Morning run in Philadelphia

I have been on the road, visiting two cities in three days. The plan was to go running each morning. I was mentally set to wake up early on Wednesday and get my run in. I mapped the route I was going to run the night before. The sun came up at 5 am but I slept right through my alarm. I was really pissed off when my eyes opened at 2 hours later! What I learnt from this was I need to have my alarm (phone) placed at a spot that needs me to get out of bed to put it off.

I was in Philly today (Thursday) and despite having a late night I was up early and got 4 miles in. The phone not being within arms reach worked well. I ran past the museums, fountains and art structures till I reached the 'rocky steps', I ran up and down a few times and felt like I had conquered the world or at least the morning. Philadelphia is a beautiful city with great architecture. Below are some shots I took along the way.

It is Going to be a Long Week

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 82

Activity: Swim Group Training Session

It is only Monday today and I feel the rest of the week looming in front of me. When I walked down the steps towards the pool this evening the warmth of the gym and the familiar smell of chlorine enveloped me, melting away the stress of the day. I had a fun swim, we did a similar workout as last week; swimming with fists, doing the half stroke and swimming while breathing every seven strokes with no kicking. We added a new drill which was the tug and pull, you hold on to your partners legs who pulls you to the end of the pool and then you change roles where you do the pulling. All of these drills try to make you more aware of your stroke and be more efficient with it. My swim GTS always goes so fast, before you know it the hour is over and I am back on the train writing about the workout.

I am on the road the rest of this week. Flying out tomorrow morning at six am. I decided to take an early morning flight out so that I don't miss my Monday swim. Travel has been light this month but it is going to start up again. I am hoping to keep up my training on the road and at least run twice. My schedule puts me in two different cities this week where the weather is nice enough to run outside. Hopefully the change in city keeps me motivated to get those runs in.

The below picture is of the entrance to the pool where I swim.

The "Boston Run"

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 83

Activity: 4 mile NYRR Run for the Parks and Boston

It was a cold and windy morning. Just when I had gotten used to Spring temperatures the cold winter-like weather came back again. Hopefully this is the last cold front we have to face.

The run today was for the Parks, but due to recent events there were far more people running for Boston. It is always great to see so many runners unite together for a cause. Everyone was wearing signs that said "I run for Boston". There were definitely more policemen around today as well as sniffer dogs. It was sad to see so much security for a run, though I understand why they had it. A race is supposed to be stress free and energizing, having the NYPD at every turn made me feel like I had to look over my shoulder incase I saw something. I was definitely more alert while running this morning. I do hope the security eases and the weather gets warmer as the weeks go by. 

Lesson Learnt on a Lazy Saturday

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 84

Activity: Biking on the Westside Highway

The one thing about training for a triathlon is that staying out late on weekends becomes non existent, and if by chance one does get carried away on a Friday night then that most definitely results in a lazy Saturday and missing the Group Training Session (GTS). Oops, yes I did it, we were out late last night engaging in some very bad karaoke singing which led to my sleeping in.

I did do the workout that was assigned by the Team in Training coaches; but first I went to the shop to get my bike tuned up. One of the tires needed to be replaced and the brakes needed tightening and alignment. Post bike check up I ventured onto the Westside Highway and biked to George Washington Bridge and back. I rode for longer than I would have had I gone for my GTS. The guilt of sleeping in made me bike longer. The ride was very tiring as I had not gotten enough rest. It was a tough ride, I rode a little over 17 miles. Note to self: staying out late for the next few months may have to be curtailed. Below is a shot of the beautiful pink flowers that were radiant this afternoon against the blue new york skies and grey Hudson River.

Five Mile Friday

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 85

Activity: Morning Run In Central Park

The weather was perfect this morning, Sixty degrees at Six am with a light breeze. I did a few stretches and headed east from Columbus Circle. The last few runs have been good but as soon as I hit the 3.5 mile point an aching pain would start in my shoulders, my posture would go for a toss, and the toe near my big toe would start to hurt. Today, I never felt better at 3.5 mile mark, I diagnosed my shoulder pain to be as a result of a tense upper body, which in turn effected my posture. This morning I was relaxed and magically enough no shoulder pain, I was flying at mile 3.5. My toe though is still a problem, I think my shoes are too tight. Project for this weekend is to find new shoes - I've been saying that every weekend but have not gotten down to it. I ran 5.20 miles today, first time this year that I hit the five mile mark. What got me through my hills was repeating a nursery rhyme "one, two buckle my shoe, three four shut the door, five six pick up sticks.." the rhythm of the words helped me put one foot in front of the other and kept me going at a steady pace.

Spring is definitely in the air, there are different shades of of green, pink and purple in the park. The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom and look delicate and pretty. There is a patch parallel to the reservoir on the west side that has the most beautiful cherry blossoms clustered together. I remember it from a few years ago, I had gone running early in the morning, all the pink flowers had fallen on the ground as a result of gusty winds, and had created a beautiful soft pink carpet. It was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen in Central Park. I am really hoping to see it again this year as I run by that spot. It keeps me motivated for my morning runs.

All About my Core

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 87

Activity: Core workout with Trainer

A strong Core is essential for a Triathlon. While one trains to Swim, Bike and Run, one must also strengthen thier Core in order to prevent injuries. This morning I had a session with my trainer Erick, all we did was work on my Core. The workout consisted of all kinds of exercises, starting with planks to throwing weighted balls to push ups. Love how he keeps it interesting and intense! I am planning on doing these workouts once a week. It is also great to get my workout done in the morning, this leaves me with free evenings, which is awesome specially as the weather is getting warmer and the sun stays up later. Tomorrow is break day. One week of training and blogging is done!  

Run Alef Run

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 88

Activity: Run Group Training Session

Running is the most difficult activity for me. It's not something I enjoy very much, I need to reach the point in my training where I feel that runners high. Who knows when that will be or if it will ever be. This month I've been running about 4 miles each time I train or race. The key is to start doing some 10K s on a regular basis in May. I find the best way to push myself is to sign up for races. There are at least 2 races every weekend in NY, so that makes it very convenient and takes the excuses away.

Today's training was pretty simple we ran out and back, 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back in Central Park starting at Columbus Circle heading West. There was an injury clinic pre run, where a physiotherapist talked to us about how we can do simple exercises to understand which part of our body is vulnerable to injury and how to take precautions to prevent any serious hurt to our bodies. We had a minute of silence for those effected by the bombings in Boston. Many runners were wearing signs pinned on their shirts that said "we are all Boston Marathoners at heart". It gave us all a bigger purpose for our short run.

Post run the group met for a beer and signed our re-commitment forms - there is no backing out now! I have to mention how lovely the weather was today. Usually New York jumps from winter to summer in a heartbeat, I think this year we are going to have a beautiful spring that doesn't feel neglected :).

I Love To Swim

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 89

Activity: Swim Group Training Session

Less than three months left till race day. Now is the time to start getting serious and sticking to the training plan that has been laid out. Mondays are swim Group Training Sessions (GTS). Between the three -> Swim, Bike and Run I love swimming the most. I attribute my love for swimming to my swimming teacher, my dad and my high school. My teacher taught me how to breathe right in the water and helped me strive towards what a perfect stroke should be. My dad took me swimming every weekend when I was a kid and my high school gave me the chance to participate in swimming competitions throughout my teen years.

Every Monday night I trek to Long Island University in Brooklyn to practice with my TNT (Team In Training) coaches who push me to swim harder, faster and better. Today we did drills which involved sculling, swimming with hands that are made into fists and swimming on one side while doing half a stroke. Sounds weird, but all these drills help us be more effective so that we are expending minimum energy for maximum impact. Today I had a breakthrough. All the drills lead me to elongate my stroke and bend my wrist and elbow at just the right time. It was magical! I could feel myself go much faster and smoother. Even the coach commented that I looked as though I was having too much fun in the water. Now I just hope I remember what I did today for the next time I am in the pool.

On another more somber note, today was the Boston Marathon and bombs went off near and around the finish line. I cannot imagine who would want to do such a thing. It is awful to associate violence and death with an endurance sport where most people run to raise money for benevolent causes. My thoughts and prayers are with all those in Boston who were effected by this heinous act.

Running on the Tarmac

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 90

Activity: JFK 5K Run

I ran 5K on the JFK runway today. What a fun way to do a 5K race. There were about 1,000 people running, which comprised of going up one way, making a u turn and coming right back. The only difference between the two segments was the wind - which was brutal when you were running against it. The route was flat as a pancake and every 5 minutes you would have a plane fly right above your head. I wonder what the people in the plane thought as they looked out of their window and saw people run right below them, I would have been pretty freaked out. Six of my friends ran with me this morning - an extremely fun and unique experience. Some pictures below.

Maiden Bike Ride of 2013

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 91

Activity: Team In Training Group Bike Session

I have finally taken my bike out of the dungeon. It was cold out this morning, when your in the saddle going at 12 - 15 miles an hour the cold multiplies very quickly. My toes and hands are the parts that are most effected by the frigid temperatures, I must get some gloves and toe warmers. We biked round Central Park. The park is blooming. There are pink and white flowers everywhere. I love training during this time when you see the trees wake from the slumber of winter.

The ride was pretty uneventful with one exception. Till 9 am dogs are allowed without a leash in the park. This is also the time when there are many bicyclists wanting to get their ride in before the crowds descend. Dogs love to run and they run without a care in the world. I see this dog charging onto the road and there is a cyclist biking towards the dog. Of course the cyclist is looking the other way and cannot see the dog coming. The dog banged his face against the wheels of the cycle. It made this loud sound and the dog let out a squeal. I thought both the dog and the cyclist were going be badly hurt. Surprisingly no one fell and the dog seemed fine. Either way was a wake up call that one has to be super careful while riding - be it in the streets or in the park. Rode 14.31 miles today.

Summer Spring and Winter All Rolled Into One

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 92

Activity: Morning Run - Westside Highway

This entire week has been absurd. It was hot during the beginning of the week, mid week we had spring like temperatures and today is icy cold rain. New York is always changing and that is why I love it! Training in ever changing weather can be difficult. There are too many questions that need to be answered before the sun rises - How many layers should I wear? Do I wear gloves? Do I cover my ears? Should I wear my thin T shirt or the thicker one? etc etc... I always wear less than I think I should and it usually works out fine by the end of the run.

I decided to get my training out of the way in the morning and headed at 6 am (yawn) to meet my running buddy Priya. We always run in Central Park so today we decided to change it up and run on the windy west side. The Run is pretty flat but if you looking to put some hills in (which of course I am) you can meander through riverside park. I've done this run a few times with my team in training group. On my own though I was bound to get lost. We ended up taking a turn into boat basin which looked very peaceful at 6 30 in the morning. Other sighting was a dead rat - the first thing that popped into my mind was who actually kills rats? I can't imagine a human with a knife going after the rat. This poor guy was probably killed by some other rats. It looks pretty awful (picture below to prove it). Other than the rat and getting lost it was a pretty straightforward run. It started drizzling towards the end; the light mist like drizzle was most welcome as it cooled us off. Day 93 done with a 3.5 mile run - below are some pictures I clicked with my I phone this morning.

Riverside Park

Dead Rat

Boat Basin at 6:30 am

Not So Successful Spinning

I haven't really written here in a long time. Hopefully writing motivates me to train harder and regularly for my tri, I will write only when I do some kind of triathlon training. Hopefully reading this fun and interesting, it may get a little introspective at times, I will ask big worldly questions like - "What the hell am I doing awake at 6 am in the morning running while everyone I know is asleep!" That actually was the question I had yesterday. I will definitely be writing about my frustrations, trials and tribulations when it comes to triathlon training.

Days left till NYC Triathlon: 93

Activity: Spinning Class at Gym

The weather has gotten much better in New York. I should be taking my bike out for a ride but I have not had the time to get it out of storage (bad me!) I Have to get it out before Saturday for my group ride with Team In Training.

Spinning class was a disaster. Let me have you know, I've been to spinning many many times in my life. Today though due to an insane work day I did not eat any lunch. I got home and downed a yummy smoothie an hour before class. 30 minutes into spinning I got a cramp in my left calf and did not know what to do, I couldn't stop moving because it would hurt like hell. Finally I stopped got off my stationary bike and hobbled out of class jut as everyone was reaching their peak. My husband told me the lack of food made me cramp up. Well thank god I was not on my "real" moving bike, beacuse I would have definetely fallen off. Lesson learnt must eat then work out, I guess a child would know that. Oh well 92 days to go - wish me luck!