A long update...

I have been spending a lot of time at the gym and running outside. I am little worried about running after the bike though. Reason being, I caught a cramp in my right calf earlier this week while training. This is what happened...

I did not have much time, so I was doing a 15 minute sprint on a spinning bike, then I stretched a bit followed by moving directly to a treadmill for 15 minutes at 6.6 mph. About a minute into the treadmill I had to jump off to stretch again thanks to a shooting pain in my calf. I worked out the cramp and there remained a dull pain, but I was able to run through it and finish my 15 minutes.

Lesson Learned: Sometimes, when pressed for time, something is better than nothing- but not at the expense of hurting yourself.

I have also gone back to weights, but focusing on machines vs. free weights. While I prefer the free weights, it feels like I get a better more rounded workout using the Express Line at the gym which provides a nice full-body circuit workout... I enjoy doing my strength training as a circuit workout as it keeps my heart rate up and seems to enhance endurance vs. straight strength training with the typical reps/sets.

This week at home I focused on doing more core exercises and pushups than usual. Regardless of whether or not I exercised earlier in the day I did my situps and pushups before going to bed. I didn't even bother counting - I just went until I started feeling a little tired and then stopped so as to not get the heart going to much before bed.

Monica and I have been getting outside running together. This week we got outdoors twice and she is now runing a mile non-stop. At this rate I will have he doing triathlons with me next season.

Diet was offf this week with a few days of cheating, but I have been able to beat back the pounds and cravings again. I am at currently at 178 lbs. and would like to get to a steady 170 by May 1. Some things to note gentlemen, losing 30lbs. will cost you about 4 pants sizes. I have gone from a 40 inch waist to a 34, but I am sure that if I hit 170 I will be buying new jeans again. Not to mention shirts, t-shirts, shorts and bathing suits... Essentially, I am in the process of replacing my entire wardrobe because everything I own is way too large.

As always, I have updated my Trimble Trip info in side bar to the right... You really should check out their site and see if your phone will work with the application. If not - GO BUY A NEW PHONE! I really like getting outside and using my phone to track my speed, elevation changes, time etc. Quite simply, it works and it's easy...

Well, the counter says the race is 60 or so days away. I am sure I can finish, but I want to get stronger. I am focused on endurance: longer, steadier runs, more biking and lots more swimming. I am managing my pace by watching my heart rate and it really makes a difference. Seems like my optimal pace falls with my heartrate at about 60-70%. In this range I can just keep going... If I need to sprint and my heartrate hits 85-95% it is ok as I am able to get back down pretty easily through controlled breathing and slowing my pace. My posture running is totally relaxed and I have shortened my stride which makes running much easier. Today I hope to bike and swim, but not too sure as I have not been feeling well this weeked... We'll see what happens...