First trail ride

Made my way over to Beverly Park today for my first single track experience. It was memorable for many reasons. Got my first taste of a high side but managed to save it. Need to work on better front end position, speed and gearing. It brings out the kid in you. Nature offers serenity amidst the obstacles of the trail. I enjoyed it and look forward to my kids joining in the fun. Hope to explore Sugar Bottom next. Finished the day with a leg and ab workout.

Testing the waters

Saturday went boating on the lake that I will be swimming so I took a little open water dip. Time to acclimate from pool to lake. You become easily disoriented and requires frequent checks. I'm anxious for the next opportunity. Had a change of scenery for my long run on Sunday. Ran a recreational trail near my brothers home in Ankeny. It was hot but rewarding. Starting to feel like my body is responding to this tri-regimen. Especially wonderful to see my family.

Back road inspiration

I'm 1 hr into my off-road trek on a quiet gravel stretch that goes for miles. My legs burning. You learn a lot about yourself when you're pushing thru pain. You start to question what brings you to this point. Why do this? I believe it helps you endure what life throws at you. It can be spiritual and enlightening. Times like these can take you back in your mind. You remember that feeling of being somewhere and the way it made you feel. My ride took me back to my roots. All my senses of being on that gravel road felt like home. Small town life. Simpler times that shaped me into the person I am today. It was inspiring and it carried me thru tonight.

Breathe.. Expel.. Breathe

Nothing worse than your face in the water. 40 min in the pool. I'm learning to relax but maintain form. Something about self-conscious breathing that messes with your mind. Lung capacity is getting a little better. I continue to build my endurance and some confidence. You have to respect the sport of swimming. Spent 30 min on core conditioning. I've noticed a jump in my appetite. Need to eat more carbs.

Day off to reflect

It's an off day giving me time to think of what I'm looking for on the other end of this challenge. 1. Overcoming fear. Not to be afraid to take chances and make sacrifices. 2. Living life to its fullest with everything I am. 3. Continue to grow in my faith. This is at my core. I have an incredible support system starting with my kids (Sydney 13, Griffin 15). Family, friends, coworkers have given me encouragement and I feel very blessed. Thank you. So I continue...

Core conditioning

Morning workout with Rachael. She introduced a great core conditioning workout to perform 2-3 times a week. This should impact all three disciplines. Tonight I'm back at the gym for a short swim followed by a 40 min bike ride down Beverly Rd. Rachael has also created a swim routine for both short and long days. Starting to feel more comfort in the water. Yesterday afternoon I worked on legs and abs: squats, good mornings, leg extensions, leg curls, leg press, calf raises, leg raises, russian twist, cable crunch. Back workout tomorrow even though it's an off day. Need to continue strengthening my right infraspinatus.

1 of 10 weeks complete

Friday night I put 60 min on a stationary bike at 142 hr. Made sure to stretch legs before and after. Tonight I pushed through 45 min of running. My achilles tightened in last 20 min. I feel mentally strong but the body is still trying to catch up. Hope in the next coming weeks that things become a little smoother. I pray for strength and guidance.

Rest day

It's 5 days in and I'm starting feel the effects of training. Apparently there are muscles that I have not used for some time if ever. I need to focus on leg and core conditioning. Body fat percentage is sitting at 16%. My goal is to cut that in half by Aug.

Swim lessons

The intimidation of swimming a mile has convinced me of the need for help. This morning I met with Rachael, an aquatic trainer at ActiveEdge Fitness. A little encouragement and coaching goes a long way. I am starting to believe I can do it. Things I need to work on: 1. consistent stroke thru my breath 2. Keep legs straight and kick from hips 3. Blow out breath under water 4. Swim, swim, swim

Day 2-3

Monday night I spent 30 minutes on the stationary bike @ 150 hr, which felt pretty good. Looking forward to my first single track ride. This morning I woke up to the most beautiful fuchsia sunrise. It was the kind of inspiration I needed for my short swim. After 2 laps of the pool it became all to real how daunting it's going to be swimming a mile. It's a fear I need to overcome quickly.

Day 1

Today was a short run. Only a couple of miles. Little sore but should be ready for long run this week. In the pool for laps tomorrow. The thought of completing this triathlon is my motivation at this point. Beyond that I'm not sure.

My first triathlon

On Aug. 1, 2010, I plan to experience my first triathlon. Xterra Sugar Bottom. 1 mile swim–13 mile bike–6 mile run. I'm excited for the challenge.