Here are my options:
1) Be honest.
2) Create some crazy story.
3) Something in between.
I tend to go with option #3, and reply with a comment like "not much" or "same ol' stuff." Why am I so unwilling to tell the truth? I've come up with a few ideas of why it's become uncomfortable to come out and really say what I've been doing. Part of me feels guilty for having free time and using it in the way I do. I also feel like I'm bragging about what I've been doing and, lastly, I don't think people really want to hear it. So if you really want to know... here goes.
So, Terri, what have you been up to?
Short answer:
Swim, Bike, Run - Repeat
Long answer:
I'm in full swing training for my olympic distance tri in April. My mileage is really starting to increase and the training is getting harder and longer.
Swimming was my sport growing up, and getting in the water has always been second nature. I'm not as fast as I was, but I'm pleased that I have no problems doing the longer distances, working through drills and even speed workouts. Currently I'm practicing sighting (breathing and looking forward for open water swims). Right now my current speed should put me near the front of the pack for the race. Olympic distance triathlons are weighted heavier in the swim than any other length, that gives strong swimmers advantages! On my long swims I find myself thinking of my old swim team days... good times. I am in the market for a wetsuit, and I'm really excited about getting one. I enjoy getting gear, so fun. Some funny things happen at the pool, people ask me for swimming help, it's funny, and a flattering, and it happens almost every time I swim! I'm also a bit of a freak, I saw some guy swimming in the lane next to me, I thought it was weird that he was wearing a wetsuit in a pool... but it turned out that he was a black man.
Biking is fantastic, I love it, I wish I had been doing this all my life. I haven't gotten over my fear of cars, but I have become a more confident on the road. I've learned a few tricks from other riders. My long bikes are now over two hours, and really have to be planned out ahead of time, things like weather, wind, school, and commuting times all need to be factored in. Plus it takes me just as long to get ready for bike rides, with gear, shoes, food, helmet, air in tires, sleeves, gloves etc, just thinking about the prep makes me tired. Not to mention things like cold weather gear (you can get hypothermia in 50 degree weather on a bike) and "stuff" to help you not get sore in and around (cough), nevermind. I found I have calluses on my hands in between my thumb and first finger, weird I know! On one of my rides I did see a man (a large man) in skin-tight purple leggings, it was awesome. I wish I would have stopped to take a picture. Oh, and I love seeing people picking up pecans by the side of the road. It's so strange, they just pick the nuts off the ground. Who said there was no such thing as a free meal.
Running, ugh, not my strongest sport. All my attempts to become faster have been fruitless. The best part of my runs are the fact that I'm not doing it as often as when I was training for my half marathon. That's not to say that I don't enjoy it. I like my long slow runs, when I don't worry about pace, I enjoy my music and just taking in the scenes.
Yes, that's a swimsuit hanging by my purse, sad I know!
My most expensive shoes! Running and my biking shoes, I love my both pairs, running in a pair that fits is so nice, and riding with cycling shoes is the best.
Road ID!!!! It's a must! If you bike, run, climb, ski, hike, walk anything, get one! Seriously it could save your life! Roadid.com
Yummy snacks
Look how reflective I am!
My phone has been such a wonderful help during my trianing. I use the Runkeeper app on my phone, combined with my GPS it keeps track of my speed and distance, it uploads it online so you can track your workouts, and Matt can track me from home. Plus I can call to have him pick me up ;)
So overall, triathletes over train for their event. If you've ever trained for a marathon or half marathon, you don't actualy do your milage until the race, but in order to put them all together you overtrain your body to keep going in its darkest hour (usually the run portion of the race) Oh, and I forgot to mention all the weight training. At least I have a hubby to do it with me, and a sister with tons of knowledge about it (and even some of her workouts). And with all this exercise my weight is still the same, my waistline hasn't changed, but I'm sure my heart loves me (and my leg muscles rock)!
So that's whats going on. You asked, and now you know when I say "not much" I'm really doing you a favor! Also, I hereby promise to stop making my facebook posts about my workouts. I'm sick of it, I just can't help it, I tend to live in the moment.
