Only 6 days into 2011 and I already need to stop and reflect on my (lack of) training and reset my schedule (meaning, actually make one). The year has started very poorly in terms of training. I had a week off between Christmas and New Years. The plan was to swim each weekday and go for a ride or run after or before my swim session. I swam 3 out of 6 weekdays I had off, rode my bike only 2 days, and ran (on the treadmill) probably 5 or 6 days. I blame it all on the rain and perhaps a little bit on my desire to do other things while off work. Now that the New Year is officially here.. what have I done to help my training?
Jan 1: Slept in from the late night. Woke up and ran errands. Maybe did an hour on the treadmill.
Jan 2: Rain.. no workout.
Jan 3: Ran for 2 hours on the treadmill (rained on and off all morning). Did a good 45 minutes at the pool (kickboard intervals, and 25yd sprint intervals).
Jan 4: Hit up the HB Farmers’ Market.. no workout
Jan 5: 1 hour on treadmill… really really bad aggravated shin splints on left leg.
Answer to the question: NOT MUCH. It’s sad actually. I really want to hop on my mountain bike, but the trails are mostly closed around here due to mudslides and poor conditions (thanks a lot RAIN!). I would love to do some trail running.. or running outside.. but I don’t like running when it’s dark out (especially when I’m by myself), and with these shin splints.. it would almost seem like I need to lay off the running for a week or so. Luckily for me.. Groupon came to the rescue!!!
Yesterday’s Groupon was for 1-month membership to Los Caballeros for only $25. There are two reasons why this is more awesome than a 24 Hour Fitness membership, which has the bonus of being cheaper and more locations:
- Los Caballeros is right by my house.. within walking distance, less than a mile – don’t need to drive
- Los Cabelleros has a large pool that gets crowded, but has TONS of open lanes – don’t need to share with TWO other people (which is super annoying – splitting lanes is ok)
I’m actually excited to be getting a gym membership again, even if just for a month. Even though I can do weights at home, I usually don’t dedicate as much time to it as I would if I were at the gym. Also, I prefer using the machines than the freeweights I have at home. I’m hoping this will give me a good solid month to build up muscle to prevent injury and get me a bit stronger. It’s also nice that I can swim and then do weights without a big time delay in between.
First race is February 12 with Race #1 of the OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series, but the first MAJOR race is Kenda Cup West #1 – Sagebrush Safari at the end of February. I really want to be prepared for this, which means I need to get back on the bike (Rain, please stay away).. and build up some muscles so I can push harder. Hopefully I’m ready. A month is a long time.. but can also fly by very quickly.
Think Tran 