Monday Swim..so so

Mondays seem to come quickly after a Saturday morning session. Alessio seems to be letting up a little...maybe its the summer, the Cubs or he is having good weekends. Here was for the most part our workout:

• 200 freestyle with pull buoy
• 100 back
• 5x25 freestyle (2x drill, 2x progression, 1 all out)
• 5x25 anything but free (2x drill, 2x progression, 1 all out)
• 50 easy
• 10x50 freestyle in .50
• 2x200 freestyle (150 with pull buoy, 50 backstroke)

We are schedule to swim against the University of Chicago Masters Swim. I have signed up for a half marathon the next day so I don't know what I will be swimming, if any. Alessio suggested a 500...500...what? I have to think about it.

Saturday Bike Ride...not too bad

After swim and breakfast, I got on the saddle and completed a short ride...25 miles at an average speed of 19 mph. Since it's early, I need to get accustomed to sitting on the aerobars. Before, I really get into the cycling I need to get fitted for my bike and have it tuned up. The next few posts will talk about the bike fitting and bike tune ups.

Saturday Swim

Now that tax season is over, I don't rush to the office to see clients. Now, I have breakfast with some of the team, go home and do a ride. I need to remember to right down what did that morning. On Saturday, Leah coached us. She likes to do more distance and drills. I can't really remember what we did...sorry.

Thursday Swim

Alessio wasn't too bad on us today:

• 4x75
• 4x75 with pull
• 6x25 freestyle – (25 with pull almost catchup, 25 fast)
• 6x25 anything but free (25 with pull and crossed legs, 25 fast)
• 4x75
• 2x50
• 3x75
• 3x50

When any of the coaches give us the workout set, they normally give us a time to complete it (e.g. 50 free in 1:10). I kind of understand it but because I normalyl don't swim first in the lane, I really just watch everyone else...I know...really bad...keeping track of time helps understand pace. Yesterday, Mandy was in the lane next to me and helped me keep pace....Thank you Mandy!!!

Sunday Run in the rain.

Some of the members of the Swim Team asked me to run the Ravenswood 5k. I opted not to so I can focus on my running at my own pace and to complete a 7 mile run. I have less than a month before the Geist Half Marathon.

Last Sunday I ran 6 miles in the rain. In the middle of the run, it just started to downpour. I used to not like to run in the rain because of the blister potential. Last year, I competed in a the Muncie Endurathon - half ironman - and it rained the whole time. During the run portion, I developed blisters after 3 miles...it was so painful, that I walked the 10.2 miles. It was horrible.

For whatever reason, I felt stronger during the downpour and loved it...you should try it sometime.

Saturday Bike Ride...finally!

After the not-so-great swim meet, I decided that I needed to take the bike out for the first time. I didn't thoroughly clean or lube it but just sprayed the chain and free wheel with some lubricant to get me through the short ride.

I did a 13 mile ride...not very long but I really wanted to get a feel for the bike and I did feel it because my butt hurts!

During the ride, it started to rain which is fine but stopping becomes an issue...remember to give ample time when stopping and making turns.

Monday Swim...a 400...are you kidding me?

What a better way to start a work week and a Monday with a a 400, 300 and 200. Alessio had us focus on balance and distance:

• 4X50 (Catch up with Drag)


• 4X75 IM (50 FREE, 25 Reverse IM Order)


• 6X25 with pull buoy 2x25 UP, 2x25 KNEES, 2x25 ANKLE)*


• 100 EASY


• 400 with Pull (That's right...400!!!)


• 100 faster
  300 with Pull


• 100 faster


• 200 with Pull


• 100 faster

* I dont understand this one...my legs sank...and I kept losing the pull buoy.

Before joining the team, I would just swim....70, 80 lengths but since joining the team, we have swam shorter distances. It is nice to swim the longer distances, since it helps in preparing for the races.