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January 30, 2007
And So It Starts...
Yesterday was my official first day of my new training program and boy did I start off with a bang - a day off! :) So I guess today was really my first day, at least my first day where I did more than sit on my butt.
First, a general overview - my new program currently involves 14 workouts over the span of 6 days (as I choose to continue to have 1 day/week off). The 14 workouts include 4 swims, 4 runs, 4 rides and 2 weight lifting sessions. Of the 4 workouts in each sport, one is a long day, one an easy day, one a moderate day and one a speed day...at least for now in this base period that I'm still in. This all translates to more running volume and more riding volume (especially so in this category because not only are there more rides but the rides are longer) but actually a little less swimming volume. Swimming was a big focus with my previous program as it was definitely my weakest of the 3.
Training is training you know? It's not very difficult in the grand scope - you work really hard, rest a little, get stronger, work really hard again, rest, get stronger, etc... and hopefully in there you don't get injured and you don't break down. But each training program has it's own thing. The main difference between what I was doing before and what I'm doing now is the use of HR zones. This new program really stresses the development of an aerobic base so that in the end you can move very fast without going anaerobic - a.k.a you develop a killer aerobic engine that gives you an endurance base like none other.
Well that sounds great, but it's not without growing pains in the beginning. I noticed right away when I looked at my first week of workouts that the HR ranges I was to stay in for my rides and runs were looking like they were on the low side. As in very low side. I inquired about it and much to my interest, those ranges were to stay. Walk on your runs if you have to but do not go above the HRs prescribed. Ouch. That, my friends, requires you to swallow your pride a little. I want to be a professional triathlete and I may have to walk on my runs? Oh boy. And I severely lack patience so this is definitely going to be a test of my determination.
Well it wasn't as bad as I thought. I swam this morning, 2000 yds total with some 100s in there. Then I rode this afternoon - 1 hour on the trainer and didn't have too bad of a time keeping my HR in the right area. Every once in a while I would notice that it was drifting up and I'd have to take it back a few notches.
But the running - that's where the HR was going to be an issue. After my ride I had a 50 minute "moderate" run on the schedule where I was to keep my HR under 148. Oh boy. So I start off and right out of the gates I have to run up a hill and I look mid-hill and my HR is 159. UGH! So I slow it down, look, 157. Geez! I'm convinced I'm not going to walk but I probably should have on that first hill. The rest of the run really wasn't that bad though. I was definitely running slower than I usually do but I didn't have to walk and it wasn't that slow - maybe about 8 minute pace which isn't that bad. I could cruise on the downhills and if I kept myself somewhat in check on the flats I was fine. It was the uphills that got me. But that's okay. I trust the plan. And the idea is that once the aerobic engine develops a little I'll be back to 7:15 pace in the same HR range and it will be better because I will be aerobic at that pace and not anaerobic. It all makes sense, I just need to keep reminding myself of that. The other benefit of not hammering myself every day will be the fact that I'll be less likely to be injured and much more capable of handling the higher volume that is my new schedule. It will be interesting for sure. And so it starts...
Posted by beth at January 30, 2007 8:55 PM
Comments
i am so mad at heart rate training right now!!!!! it's so hard! my heart rate is so high!!!!! i feel your pain!
Posted by: Audrey at January 30, 2007 9:53 PM
Congrats on completing Day 1 of your new training program!
Your heart rate is just going to keep on coming down as your aerobic base goes up. Soon you'll be running 8 minute pace up hill, downhill, whatever, and it'll stay under your goal heart rate. Next, same will be true for 7:45 minute pace. And so on.
Posted by: Meghan at January 31, 2007 6:49 AM
It is great to keep yourself in shape
Posted by: geminihot2 at February 3, 2007 9:51 AM
It is great to keep yourself in shape
Posted by: geminihot2 at February 3, 2007 9:53 AM