Triathlon training: Week 3

Well, I believe the habit of going gym almost every day has FINALLY set in! I actually look forward to going to the gym each day after work, which makes training so much easier. Maybe that 21 day habit rule is actually true!

Here is where I am at with each category so far:

- Running 3km

- Biking 10km

- Swimming 800m

Lets start with the running. 

I've haven't made much improvement at all in that category and I'm not sure if I'm just not running enough or what. I also play soccer twice a week which is great, but that is anaerobic cardio not aerobic which is what I need to train. You want to run sprints? I'm your gal. But you make me run consistent speed long distance? heck to the no. Will have to try and kick that up a notch here soon.

The biking has been a bit easier for me. Not sure if I'm just not working hard enough but I swear I could go longer than 10km. The problem is, my fiance and I are trying to do the biking and running while keep our heart rates low. That has been the most difficult part, trying to train our body not to freak out and make our heart rate sky rocket. I believe that 10km I did was in about half an hour and I kept my heart rate under 125. Could still use a ton of improvement, but I feel a lot better than when I started.

The swimming has actually been my favourite so far. But let me tell you, before we started this training, I hated swimming with every fiber in my being. I would swim 20m and feel like I'm dying. However, this has been my most improved area of training by far. I still can only swim 50m without stopping for a few seconds, but my biggest workout so far has been 800m and I am darn proud of that! Swimming is such a full body workout and I love the low resistance on my body. 

Overall,  I'm pretty impressed with how we are doing on only week 3. Tomorrow is a rest day, we are hanging with some friends and I will probably have a glass of wine. Oh how I've missed you!

Taking advantage of nature

Yet again I've had a lapse in posting on here. I swear I need to figure out a better way to work it into my routine. Summer is always so busy that writing seems to be the last thing I want to do after a long day.

Nevertheless, I took advantage of the gorgeous day we had in Edmonton today.  It reached +29 and nothing but sun all day.  I tend to forget the beautiful river valley we have in this city. I get so caught up in work and life that I don't take time to appreciate what is around me. Plus, it is free! Woot! 

Well, tonight I decided to go on a solo bike ride. Enjoy the sun, de-stress from my day and get some fresh air.  It was definitely worth it and I got a great workout in to boot!

To bike, or not to bike: that is the question

Since spring has finally sprung here in my hometown, I have been itching to get outside. I already love running, and I can't wait to do that and prep for my 2nd half marathon in September. But lately, I have been wanting to bike.  I live very close to trails and within biking distance of all major shopping areas. Yet, I'm unsure if this will be a worth while expense for me. Bikes can definitely be expensive depending on what you get.

Because of my job(s), I have to drive. That is something that I can't change, but I'm still struggling with the pros and cons of this expense, should I decide to purchase a bike.

Luckily, there are some cheap bikes out there. I could probably get a decent one that will get the job done for $300-$400 without any bells or whistles. I have also seen many very expensive bikes ranging from $2000+ which is just ridiculous in my mind, unless that is your primary mode of transportation or you are a professional rider or something.

The 2nd issue I am faced with is if I will even use it that much to make it worth while. I know I SAY I will, but things always change and I'm worried that it will just go to waste. I mean, we don't have a very long summer as it is.

We will have to see. I'll definitely have to budget for one, and If I end up scoring a great deal, I will let you all know!