January Workouts: Part 3- Headlamp Runs

Running was never something I really enjoyed. I didn't mind workout out and going for a jog every now and then but that is not running. With the stuggle of my knee hopefully behind me and the holiday season finally in the past, I have taken a new approach to my run workouts and I hope it pays off.

If I were to say I needed to focus on any one of the three sports in triathlons, I think running is where I would start. It is the final test in each race and after a few terrible finishes in my half-ironmans last year, I want to make sure this doesn't happen again. THere was more to it then just the training but you have to start somewhere.

Since early December the Gallaghers have offered up their home for us to meet at and run a few loops around their neighborhood. Once again in true Tri-Fusion style we finish it up with a awesome dinner and chit chatting.

A great group heading out for a run.

Last week I really wanted to test myself and see how far along I was in my training. I hadn't really ran much over the holidays and just wanted to get an idea on where I was at physically and mentally in running.

After a brief discussion with Nate and Eric we were off to run a 8-9 mile loop and a fairly fast pace. My legs were feeling good and I wanted to test them. Our pace slowly picked up until we were cruising right along at sub-7 minute miles. I would have thought we were flying except for the fact that Roger passed us like we were standing still.

Enjoying some post run dinner and dessert. And yes triathletes love ice cream, brownies and cookies.

Overall the run was great and I know for a fact that I have never ran that far at a 7:04 pace especially this early in the season. As long as my body allows me to improve I am going to keep a strong commitment to running and hope for some strong results.

I also joined 2 of the 3 best A+ workout partners (Jessi was doing a swim workout that I am kinda glad I missed:) for a run on the centennial trail.

Myself, Tiffany and Tim before the run.

Acting tough, since we are running outside in some crazy weather.

Tiffany, Tim and I scheduled a run downtown in hopes of encouraging some more Tri-Fusion members to join in. Since the weather was beginning to warm up the trail had a great compacted path to follow.

The centennial trail we ran on for about 30 minutes.

The run was definitely not the longest or most difficult run I have done but it was an absolute blast. We were dogging MOST of the puddles and it was nice to change up the scenery and try something new.

Standing in one of the puddles along our run.

What goes up!

Must come down!

With a new focus on getting stronger and faster at running, I know without these workouts I would be right back at the beginning.

I would like to also thank the Gallagher's for hosting our headlamp runs every Thursday. They open their house to all of us week in and week out. They provide a great dinner and the social aspect is top notch. I can't count how many great stories have been told and how many more have yet to be shared. Stan when are you coming back?

January Workouts: Part 2- Master's Swims

Last year when I joined these Master's swims I really had no idea what to expect. I knew there were a ton of great athletes and then there was me. When I first arrived I really didn't know what lane to join or really how to attack these workouts. After a brief time in Lane B (medium distance) I jumped to the back of Lane A. These are the fast swimmers so I really don't know what I was thinking but there were to many people in Lane B, so go big or go home right?

Swimming our sets at OZ Fitness!

Jump forward to this year and I have yet to leave this lane. The workouts seem to be getting tougher and everyone is definitely getting faster. I know that I am much faster than last year but I am still struggling to keep up with everyone in this lane. It is difficult to get dropped set after set, swim after swim but all I know is that if I don't stick with it I will never get better. And just like last year, if I don't make it through the whole workout with the group, I am off to finish it at the end. Rule 76!

I think we had 23 or 24 people at this swim.

One of the only things that keeps me going is the awesome encouragement by my teammates. They can tell we you are feeling good and they can tell when you are suffering. They know when to push you and when to let you be by yourself.

Some of my awesome workout partners.

It is not that I wouldn't get in the pool by myself but I can definitely say that there is no way I would work as hard as I do if I wasn't surrounded by such awesome athletes and even better people.

January Workouts: Part 1- BATS

With the new year beginning and a big day in June quickly approaching, training is in full force. I am entering my 4th season of triathlons and I can honestly say that I have never been in this good of shape this early in the year if not EVER.

18 People on bikes in the Thompson's basement. CRAZY!!!

Over the past month or so I have been joining a bunch of my Tri-Fusion teammates in the Thompson's basement for BAT's aka- Bikes and Trainers. When you enjoy riding outside so much the last thing you want to do is sit on a trainer, in a basement with a bunch of stinky people. But we make the most out of our winter workouts and I actually look forward to these workouts. Not so much for the pain of sitting on my bike for a couple hours but the great people and the awesome food that follows.

Getting ready to listen to some music and start the workout.

Monday nights consist of about a 1.5 hour ride and delicious homemade soup, while Saturday mornings are 2 hour rides followed up with an huge buffet style breakfast. I can definitely say the food might just help a little when trying to get to the end of each workout. This week we throw a wrench in the mix and will be riding at 5:30 am. I am pretty sure I will be half if not all the way asleep as I get on the bike but that is why these are group workouts and we all help each other make it through.

Enjoying some soup after another tough workout.

As these shorter workouts become distant memories and my rides times start to average my nightly sleep in college I will look back on these days and know that all the hard work has paid off.

I would like to send a special thanks to the Thompson's for opening their house to all of us night in and morning out, allowing us to get in our winter workouts. I have a feeling there will be a lot of people that will owe a good portion of their season results to Jessi and Roger. I know I will. Thanks again.