New Coach, Triathlon Coming Up & Medical Issues

So I just realized that I haven't updated the blog in a while, and I haven't mentioned anything about something I'm pretty excited about.

I've got a triathlon coach now to help me reach my goal of completing an Ironman 70.3 next year.

I guess before I did that it was kind of a dream, but taking this step definitely brings the dream into the realm of reality. I know many, many people train and finish the race without a coach but I'm sure I'm increasing my chances of doing it successfully by having someone with a lot of experience guide me along the way. I figure a coach will make sure I'm doing things the right way and ensuring I learn from their experience to help prevent injuries and get from where I am now to the ultimate goal the most direct method.

One thing I really like about my coach (Brett) is that it's not just a program, but great advice and he shares a philosophy that is similar to mine...Kind of Zen-like I guess. In fact, he hosts a podcast called 'Zen and the Art of Triathlon' which you can check out on iTunes or you can follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/ZenTriathlon

I'm taking the approach that I wanted to start building a base for next year now and Brett agreed with that so I'm mostly doing very slow workouts for a while. The exception was the first weekend that I was getting coached when he asked that I do 30min all out run on the Saturday and a similar all out effort on the Bike on the Sunday (in addition to another 1hr run & 2 hr ride) in order to estimate my lactic thresholds on the run and on the bike.

Once we got those numbers by averaging the HR when breathing starts to become laborious and the average HR for the last 20minutes we're good to go.

From there we use those numbers to calculate my training zones (1-5). Then the program can be set up in a way that workout are prescribed by time in a particular zone for the running and biking. Pretty cool, although sometimes it's hard to keep yourself going so slow to stay in the base building zone. The idea is that you train your body to burn fat more efficiently and you end up getting faster at the low heart rates, then when it's time to so strength or speed work there will be a good foundation upon which to build.

Now on to the last couple of weeks. I've had some issues with organization and getting all my workouts in. It's taught me that from now on I'm going to have to be more organized to get them done in addition to all of my obligations at work and with my family (my wife and 2 young boys).

I also had some issues with my health, had a bit of a cold then last weekend I was getting PVC's (or skipped heart beats) at night after my long workouts. In fact, I've had those the last 3-4 weeks as my longer workouts have increased but this time I also got a pain in my heart area. That lasted all night and into the next day which was enough to worry me into taking a break until I got cleared by my doctor. I saw him this week and he told me there was nothing to worry about, although I got and ECG and am going for an echocardiogram next week just to be on the safe side. So, he gave me the all clear to train and said I didn't have to worry about not getting my HR too high...Good news.

Finally, my triathlon is coming up next weekend. I'm definitely not as prepared as last year as I only swam a few weeks before this one and last year I was in the pool every week since February. I'm pretty sure I can get through the swim even if it might not be the fastest I've done. I'm going to do the race and just have fun with it.

The best part is that my son, who just turned 3yrs old is going to do his first triathlon as well. I think I'm most excited about that. It's kind of funny that his aunt (my sister) and both sets of grand parents are going to drive 2-1/2 hours to see his 5 minute race. Going to be too cute.

Anyway, that's all for now.

Till next time...

Comments

[trijon]

Well said.

[TriShaman]

Hope the race weekend was a blast. Looking forward to hearing about it. Keep Rising - a coach potentiates the process.

[Brian Brode]

Best of luck in your training. You've made a great choice in hiring Coach Brett.

Stay tuned...

Brian "TriBoomer"

[TriWithMS]

Thanks Guys.

TriBoomer - Yeah, Brett's a great guy. Fun to have as a coach, lots of good advice (especially good for rookies like myself) and he manages to keep everything in perspective with a bit of Zen flavoring. :D

I listened to a couple of your podcasts for the fist time since last summer (I had take a break from all podcasts for a while), some good stuff... Keep up the great work.

Cheers,

Rob.

[TriShaman]

@TriWithMS - have been hoping for an update since your last blog post in September. Your journey and reflections offer much inspiration for many - including some of my own patients with MS whom I have directed to your blog. Hoping you will find the time to give us a windown into your evolution. If you are using TrainingPeaks with Brett, you can set up your TP account to be public viewable, and post the link on your blog or via Twitter to share your training, thoughts, insights and breakthroughs. Wishing you and the family well. Keep Rising.

Aleksandar "@TriShaman"