First Brick, and other progress

[HappyAnika]

I had really been debating on whether or not to start training for a triathlon this year. First, DH and I decided to start trying to get pregnant soon. Second, I was really bummed when I found out that we have to be out of town the weekend of the triathlon I had my sights on (only a 5k run with a pool swim). After doing some research, talking to my doctor, and to my best friend who is a resident, I’ve decided I think I can do a triathlon if I’m pregnant depending on how I feel, and as long as I take it really easy (I figure I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, even if I can’t do it, I’m still going to train for it). Finally, I found a triathlon in my area with a short run and a pool swim in July. Most of the tris around here are in open water, which I don’t want to do for my first time.

So thanks in large part to all of you ladies for inspiration (I love reading about everyone’s training progress), I’ve finally gotten off my butt and started training. Swimming will be the biggest challenge for me, I’ve never swam (swum?) laps. I’m still working on getting comfortable being in the water not holding my nose. I found a beginning swim class and went for the first time last week. It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work. I’ve been twice on my own now, and I go to the class again tonight.

Two weeks ago I tried my first brick, just to see how it felt. The goal was to ride the trainer for 25 min, then run outside for 10 - 15 min (finally, it was warm enough out!). It took me about 10 minutes of running to find my groove, but once I got it I felt great and ended up running for 25 min. Whoever thought that would be so much fun?

Last week I got to ride outdoors for the first time this year!!! Oh how I have missed the open road. Did a quick 11.2 miles at lunch. Went for another short ride on Sunday, my coldest ride ever at 38 degrees, which I know is nothing compared to what some people ride in, but I’m a cold weather wimp. Winter is not over, but hopefully the worst of it is. Thankfully that 2+ ft. of snow we got in Dec. is mostly gone.

I’m comfortable running for about 25 min (I only run about 12 min/mi), but I need to start increasing that. Unfortunately I slipped and hurt my back a couple of weeks ago, so I’m not allowed to run for a few more weeks. Luckily I’m allowed to swim and bike, and that’s actually when my back feels best. So I see this as time to focus on swimming and developing good technique.

Speaking of swimming, I have a dumb question. Where can I buy a swimming cap? Just a typical sporting goods store? And are there any tricks to putting them on? Such as, do I get my head wet first, do I get the cap wet, etc. . . Thanks!

(Sorry that was so long!)

[Grog]

Speaking of swimming, I have a dumb question. Where can I buy a swimming cap? Just a typical sporting goods store? And are there any tricks to putting them on? Such as, do I get my head wet first, do I get the cap wet, etc. . . Thanks!

Hey Anika! Good job on starting to train for your first triathlon! That's exciting!

Regarding swim caps, you can buy them anywhere you buy swimsuits, usually. I like to get my hair wet before I put it on because once the hair is saturated with water it's less likely to absorb the highly chlorinated water from the pool. I just tie my hair with an elastic to keep them in line, and pull the cap on. I try to be careful when I remove the cap because wet hair is fragile and tends to break more. It's not the most pleasant thing to wear, to be honest with you, but my hair really gets in the way otherwise. (Plus they are mandatory at most pools...)

[Jones]

Great work on training for your first Tri.

About the swim caps, I agree with everything Grog said and would like to add, silicon caps are way more comfy than rubber.
Jones.

[rocknrollgirl]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to our crazieness. It is so much fun!

[KSH]

It's so nice to see you so excited about this new challenge in your life!

Sounds like you had a great brick and you are going to love the training process (getting to ride outside, etc.).

I wish you the best in getting pregnant, but until then... have fun training!


Swim Caps:

Well, I just use the plain old plastic kind. They run about $3. You can keep the cap from sticking together by drying it and storing it in a ziplock baggie with baby powder. I keep caps for a good year that way. I learned that from being on my swim team in H.S.

I tried the silicone type of swim cap before... but it just slipped off my head too easily. Wasn't worth the extra cost.

[Veronica]

I like using a cloth cap. It's a little easier on my hair.

V.

[Pika]

Sounds like you are going to do great with your triathalon training- my DH and I are both training but we haven't tried a "brick" yet so you are way ahead of us.
I just use a plain rubber cap and to put it on I fill it with water and then I bend over and dump the water on my head and pull the cap on at teh same time. It is a bit of torture but then I find it easier to get in the water and my hair isn't pulled as I try to get the rubber cap over my head. I have tried the lycra caps as well but I found that they didn't stay on very well.
Good luck and have fun swimming

[Wahine]

Or...

You can turn the rubber cap inside out, fill it with water, hold it above your head with both hands like a trophy, (it has to be aimed directly above your head), and let go.

The cap falls, still holding the water, hits the top of you head, turns right side out from the water pressure and ...

Voila!! Your cap is on.

Very dramatic.

This takes a little practice, so you might want to try it at home in your shower a few times before showing off your new technique at the pool.

[Pika]

LOL wahine: I am envisioning all sorts of misadventures with this technique- if you had your head tipped back the cap would slap you in the face- reminds me of when people blow up surgical gloves to wear on their head I am definitely going to get DH to try this When I see it successfully executed then I'll give it a go. ( Good thing I have a DH i can say- "nooo- you go first- it'll be funnn" to.

[eclectic]

Congrats happy Annika on the great training progress.
We are getting the snow you are losing (forecasted for 8-12 inches today and tomorrow)

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who runs slowly. Reading the other posts and hearing that some people walk part gives me MUCH more confidence that I can do this.

Good luck on the baby making

re swim cap
I guess I don't care that much about my hair. I just ponytail it, pull the cap on front to back and tuck my ponytail in. Baby powder inside a dry cap works wonders for keeping the cap from sticking all together but I don't do that either I just pull it out of my bag, peel it apart and slap it on.
I buy the cheapies and they always last me over a year swimming 2-3x weekly, they eventually stretch out and are easier to get on (i keep a new spare one in my bag along w/ a new pair of goggles because when they go it is right now and I don't want to waylay a practice because of lack of equipment)

I have left them in my bag in the car in -20° F and +90°F weather and never have had a problem

[HappyAnika]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

Went to the swim class again last night. I was talking to DH about a swim cap and he said he still had one he had to use for his first tri last year, a cheap rubber one. I had a little trouble putting it on, I had to kind of turn it inside out and hold the front to pull down the back. Although I must say, I rinsed my hair out before getting in the pool this time, which really helped cut down on the chlorine smell. I'll try the rubber one a few more times, might look into a silicon one. Whahine, your method sounds really cool, but I'd probably find a way to injure myself doing it. Even with my hair tied in a pony tail, some of it always comes loose and it just creates a mess, so I think I'll stick with the cap.

I swam 200 yds continuously last night, I'm amazed I could do it. It wasn't beautiful by any means, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of breathing without bringing my head up so much.

I shouldn't have said anything about the weather yesterday. We now have 4 more inches on the ground. That's ok, wouldn't be able to ride this weekend anyway, we're heading to the mountains for skiing and snowshoeing.