Race Schedule and Results

Monday, December 6, 2010

At least I didn't die...

I learned a tough lesson today. Not swimming for nearly 2 months means that the first time back in the water, I'm going to feel like a fish out of water.

OMG

Good news is I didn't die and didn't drown. That's about all the good that came from the swim.

I did go to kickboxing before hand and am totally using that as an excuse (as if I can actually dismiss the fact that I've lost any of my "speed" in swimming because I haven't, uh, swam - I've never really had speed, but now if you saw me from above, you'd wonder if I'm moving forward). No, it's not that bad. I put my SWIMP3 on and decided to just swim a straight 1500 - it took me 27:46. But at least I have a base to go from and I can't get anything but faster if I actually stick with the swimming plan. :) But really, it was all the kickboxing - one hour before swimming of punching a 110 pound bag and doing pushups and planks.

Can I get away with using that as an excuse?

Tom gave me an early Christmas present. I've been bitching and moaning about my weight gain since the Ironman (and I know that there are others of you out there sharing in my pain). It's there... I can see it and the scale isn't being a good friend and lying to me. I've gained nearly 6 pounds since August which is bad. Anyways, Tom bought me the book "Racing Weight".I just started reading it last night. I got uber depressed when I read the first chapter and it was talking about "normal" body fat percentages for runners, bikers, swimmers, and triathletes. Humph...

But, I am interested to keep reading. I know that the book has gotten a ton of great reviews. I hope that it kind of gives me that "aha" moment that I need. Obviously I know that my body fat percentage isn't going to drop to the "normal" range over night. And I'm not overweight, but there's always room for improvement.

Tom said to me that he wishes I saw what he sees. We are usually our own worst critics aren't we?

Oh, and two more random things - first, I found the "All I Want For Christmas Is A PR" ornament! The best part is, I told the company who makes it about me dropping mine last year and they are sending me a replacement free of cost. I'm so stinking excited! Second, RunningSkirts told me that they were going to send me a running skirt to test and review on my blog after the discussion that I started on here about over a month ago (the one about finding a running skirt with shorts underneath that don't ride up). Well, they never sent it and now I can't get an answer from them. :( I'm so sad... I was totally hoping to find a skirt that I can rock for once. Oh well...


21 comments:

Shannon (IronTexasMommy) said...

It was definitely the kickboxing that slowed you down. You took all your aggresion out on the bags! :) And a 1500 isn't shabby after awhile out of the water! You're back at it... Off-season be damned!

Rebecca said...

Girl, I haven't swam in over 2 months and now with two sick kids I won't be going to the gym for a couple more days. It's killing me .I am right there with you with the dreaded potential weight gain , or at least feeling like it is happening. Worst time of year to not be working out. That book looks interesting. I might have to check that out here soon.
Good job on the 1500!

Jon said...

Your post title totally got my attention! Glad you are still "alive"!

Give us a review of the Racing Weight book once you are finished.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I have read Racing Weight, good book, a bit dry, but alot of good information.

When you get to the Nuval part of the book and you are interested in it, I will save you a little research, Meijers is the only store that does it, Kroger does not. And it is not on every food item, its hit or miss on brands, but all the meat, fruits, veggies and lot of the grains have it

Christi said...

I am swimming on Thursday and I am scared also. I have not been in the water for awhile and I know that I will be slow. But getting back at it is a must! Congrats for doing that and yes kick boxing did slow you down!

Anne-Marie said...

I think swimming is the hardest sport to get back into after an extended time away. I'm sure kickboxing took it's toll - that's an intense workout! You'll be back where you want to be in no time, I'm sure :)

A few of my cycling friends have read and recommended "Racing Weight" but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet... you should write a review when you're finished!

Pahla said...

Wow, your "slow" swim speed is what I wish I could swim in my speedy swimming dreams! It's all relative, huh??
I'm looking forward to hearing more of your opinions about that book. I've wanted to buy it, but somehow haven't yet.

Caratunk Girl said...

I have that book and started reading it. I am still working on it. It has some great information, but is a bit dry.

My Life said...

Okay... you're inspiring me to get back in the pool. That's slow for you? Oy. And I'm not worrying about weight until Jan 1. I mean, don't throw all caution away, but just don't get too down about it. The Christmas season is too wonderful to worry about a few pounds... that will surely come off once we're back training solidly! :)

Derek Hill said...

Great job getting back in the pool. I for one, probably won't be, but then again I just want to ride more like I did 2 years ago, so thats my focus for 2011

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

Kickboxing before swimming, you are hardcore. Glad you didn't drown:) Sorry you are struggling but girl you are so strong and beautiful and I wish you could see what we all see (okay I only have seen pics but that doesn't matter). I have seen that book...do you recommend it thus far?
P.S.
GLEE is so my favorite too, even better with hot brownies and ice cream:)

Wes said...

Oh, umm, yea, that's like slow for a 1500 meter practice swim {rolls eyes} :-) I have that book too! I think I will read that one after the first of the year though. I've only gained 1.5 pounds since Ironman. In need to try HARDER!

Unknown said...

I'll be curious to hear if you continue to like the book. I am trying to decide between that and Nancy Clarke's book on athlete's nutrition.

Aimee said...

I say it was totally the kickboxing before the swim that made it so hard!

You're so right...we are our own worst critics. Don't be so hard on yourself about the weight you gained after Ironman. We all go through ups and downs with our weight.

Alisa said...

OMG me too! I got back in the pool last night I thought I wanted to die. I used to swim 2200 yds in 40 minutes no problem, last night 1800 and I thought my arms were going to fall off.

Please tell me what you think about racing weight!

Also, I soooooo want to try kickboxing but don't want to go alone =(.

Velma said...

I hope they send you a skirt - I want one as welll. I have that book, and I like it. Pretty basic good clear info. If I could just stick with it!

Kim said...

i havent swam since september. um. i definitely will drown! way to get back in the game though sister - and kickboxing is totally tiring so dont stress!

RunToTheFinish said...

hate it when companies tell me one thing and do something else!! I get all excited and then major let down, also reallllly gives me a bad taste about ever buying from them again

Today's Triumph said...

Good work in the pool - even if it was killer, that's awesome you got in there and did distance, and after kickboxing - rockstar!

Also, thanks for the note about the dawn phenomenon. I hadn't heard about that before, so its good to know its not just me : )

Beth said...

That's totally lame about skirt sports! Can't wait to see the ornament.

Unknown said...

I am with you on the weight gain. I have about 5 I need to get rid of. I'm re-reading "Runner Diet" and will change my eating habits come Jan. 1 (yes, I need time to figure out what I need to do) so hopefully I can be a faster runner! My first borns name is Colleen also!