MarkU
Well-known member
I'm racing in my second sprint triathlon next Sunday (I did my first triathlon back in February).
For the past five months I've been doing the following (when not dodging hurricanes):
Swim: 2 or 3 times per week, 1200-1600 yds per workout, alternating between long continuous swims at race pace and interval training.
Bike: 2 times per week, a 10-12 mile ride during the week and a longer 15-20 mile ride on the weekend.
Run: 2 or 3 times per week, 2-5 miles, again alternating longer continuous runs at race pace, with interval training, usually 800 yd repeats with 2 minutes recovery jogs between 800's.
The race on Sunday is a 1K swim (in the Gulf of Mexico), 20K bike and 5K run.
I am a bit concerned about the open water swim (the last one was in a pool). Not worried about the doing the distance, more about navigating and swimming in a straight line. Most of my swim practice at the beach has focused on being able to sight landmarks (high-rise buildings,etc) and other reference points while I'm swimming (amazing how difficult it is to spot marker buoys in the water with even light 2-3 foot swells).
I have to admit that I've become somewhat addicted to my workout schedule, but I'm also at a time in my life when the kids are away at college so I have more time for myself. I've almost totally eliminated any weightlifting from my workouts, maybe just once a week with very light weights (being able to bench press 300 lbs has little utility in triathlons).
My workouts were also good therapy when I was caring for my father who died of cancer in June (the main reason I didn't post here much for several months).
I monitor my heart rate closely while I'm working out, not because of my St. Jude clicker, but to keep myself close to my maximum aerobic heart rate (130-140/min). In fact, I very seldom even think about my valve when I'm working out (I do get some polite stares at the pool when people see my scar, that or when I wear my "ValveReplacement.com" t-shirt when I workout...). All-in-all, I feel very lucky and blessed about where I am just three years after my surgery (I know I'm in better shape than most of my "healthy" 50 year old friends).
I owe a lot to the support and encouragement I've gotten from this board over the years. Thanks. You all with be with me on Sunday.
Mark
For the past five months I've been doing the following (when not dodging hurricanes):
Swim: 2 or 3 times per week, 1200-1600 yds per workout, alternating between long continuous swims at race pace and interval training.
Bike: 2 times per week, a 10-12 mile ride during the week and a longer 15-20 mile ride on the weekend.
Run: 2 or 3 times per week, 2-5 miles, again alternating longer continuous runs at race pace, with interval training, usually 800 yd repeats with 2 minutes recovery jogs between 800's.
The race on Sunday is a 1K swim (in the Gulf of Mexico), 20K bike and 5K run.
I am a bit concerned about the open water swim (the last one was in a pool). Not worried about the doing the distance, more about navigating and swimming in a straight line. Most of my swim practice at the beach has focused on being able to sight landmarks (high-rise buildings,etc) and other reference points while I'm swimming (amazing how difficult it is to spot marker buoys in the water with even light 2-3 foot swells).
I have to admit that I've become somewhat addicted to my workout schedule, but I'm also at a time in my life when the kids are away at college so I have more time for myself. I've almost totally eliminated any weightlifting from my workouts, maybe just once a week with very light weights (being able to bench press 300 lbs has little utility in triathlons).
My workouts were also good therapy when I was caring for my father who died of cancer in June (the main reason I didn't post here much for several months).
I monitor my heart rate closely while I'm working out, not because of my St. Jude clicker, but to keep myself close to my maximum aerobic heart rate (130-140/min). In fact, I very seldom even think about my valve when I'm working out (I do get some polite stares at the pool when people see my scar, that or when I wear my "ValveReplacement.com" t-shirt when I workout...). All-in-all, I feel very lucky and blessed about where I am just three years after my surgery (I know I'm in better shape than most of my "healthy" 50 year old friends).
I owe a lot to the support and encouragement I've gotten from this board over the years. Thanks. You all with be with me on Sunday.
Mark
Open water can be a lot more challenging, I know.
