Tuesday, May 08, 2007

TRI Update

Maybe this topic will bore you, but you would be surprised at how many people ask whether I'm still training for triathlons. The answer: yes.

Triathlons for me are all about goals. As such, I'm signed up for two races this year so far -- something for me to work toward. Both are Olympic distance races (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6 mile run). Over the last three years I have done the shorter "Sprint" distance races, but I did an Olympic distance last year and became emboldened.

I'm up to training about 6-10 hours a week depending on how much I can fit it. In the past I just kind of "did" each sport. This year I have made a conscious effort to improve in each sport with the help of The Triathlete’s Training Bible. It is paying off. I’m swimming more efficiently, my run times are better, and the bike -- well, still working on this one. As in the past, it's my weakest link.

I have also been working on diet. OK, not going overboard, but I’m continuing my avoidance of fast food (haven’t had it regularly for a year and half), and just watching how many calories I’m consuming in relation to how many I’m using. Is that a diet? I like to think of it more as developing better habits. I’m not doing any crazy things like the lemonade diet, Atkins, caveman, low-carb, or anything else like that. Fact is, I like ice cream on Sunday nights, and I’m not going to give that up. Oh then there’s beer too.

My first race is the Buffalo Triathlon on Sunday, June 3. Keep your fingers crossed for me and I’ll post results (good or bad!) sometime after.