Triathlon Training is Intense

Okay, so much has happened since I last blogged. I have been training for a sprint triathlon. In particular, the Danskin (Yes, I got in.)on August 17th, but I hope to do others. Okay, at least one additional tri. As I mentioned in a previous post, I joined Raise the Hope with Raise the Bar. It's been interesting.



I've had some training challenges:

I am working on my swimming. I joined one of our technique classes. I think I joined it too early, as I really need to go back and relearn the basics of swimming. So, I am suspending my technique classes and picking up a twice a week swimming class.
I tried to pick up speed with my running and developed shin splints. In addition, I learned that I wasn't really stretching properly or icing my shins. So, I'm heading back to the track after a two week break tomorrow. I will need to start slow and build up.

I haven't been back on my actual bike, but I have been riding the stationary bike. I am taking the lessons learned from running and working out using Podfitness - Polar Heart Rate workouts.

This last point is very important. I believe that I am overworking and burning sugar instead of fat. I am not losing weight, but I am working out a lot. So, I am working for the next two weeks at a lower hear rate. While I was running, I would spend most of my workout with my heart rate above 160. Intense, but not smart.

I hope to report back a healthy shin and a little weight loss.

Still Vegan and not exercising

Photo is from 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia (King Memorial).

I'm not sure what it means, but I have basically stopped exercising since I became vegan. I did a 12 mile bike ride the very next day, but that was it. I have no desire to go to the gym. I want to start jogging, but I can't jog in neighborhoods. I'm terrified of stray dogs. So, I must find a track. Perhaps I will do that this weekend.

Oh well, it doesn't really matter because I have taken the first step towards my first Triathlon. I joined a club, Raise the Bar, in Kent, WA. They start beginner swim lessons in October. They have runs during the week and weekends. So, despite my own lack of desire to hit the gym, I have joined the elite.

The world of eating as a vegan is fine. I have less desire to eat out, as most restaurants are a hassle. It is amazing how little I know about food preparation. Why are eggs and cheese in everything? Life would be easier as a vegetarian, but I wouldn't have lost any weight. I can see why there are fat vegetarians. Most veggie meals in restaurant include a generous helping of cheese. I suppose the chefs are trying to make up for the reduced animal protein. Yuck!

Oh yes, today I purchased a superfood supplement, Barleans Greens. Despite my plant based life, I am not really eating that many green vegetables. So, I'm going to start the day with a green drink.

In addition, today I tried my first meat replacement meal. I purchased BBQ Tempeh at Greenfresh Market in Renton, WA. It was okay. The baby seemed to like it. I wasn't blown away by the taste, but the texture was fine.