Thursday, May 8, 2008

Swim/Bike/Run

This post of a shout out to my bike…

The bike was my mental savor while I rehabbed during my IT Band issue in March and April. No one could have convinced me that riding could make me a better runner. That riding all of those hills would have helped me maintain some type of running strength once I began to run the hills again. And my pace….I am having some of the fastest training runs ever. Just Tuesday night following my ride I ran 7 miles of rolling hills at a 9:10 pace. Amazing stuff and I continue to want more!!

So I am taking better care of my bike these days. Had a great friend show me how to clean my chain and do some periodic maintenance to keep it riding smooth. My chain is so clean and makes zero noise now. Scott even put new, more efficient performance tires on it this past week. These little changes are making differences that even I can see.

On the swimming front…. I am following a swim program now and actually enjoyed the workout last night. I am a person who thrives on having plans so this week’s new focus is working out great. Scott has even joined me in the pool some. Nice to treat ourselves to a relaxing soak in the heated whirlpool following the drills.

I have also added back in the weight training. That was a must. I have a routine that goes rather fast so it will work for now. One thing that has slipped is YOGA. I am super sad about this and just am not sure how to fit it in. With a swim/bike/run week it does not fit in the schedule of things right now.

So tonight I will run, weight train, and swim in the order. Should be a great workout!! Saturday Scott and I are joining a group for a 50 mile bike ride. This will my furthest distance to date. An adventure for sure.

Robin

17 comments:

Wes said...

If you had but asked ;-) Enjoy that bike and stamina! Rock it, girl!!!

Unknown said...

You sure have a full plate in front of you. Enjoy!

jen said...

Great work! I need to learn some bike maintence stuff also. Keep up the good work and have fun on the 50 mile ride!

Marcy said...

50 miler, huh? Are you sure the "area" is ready for that? :P LOL JK!! Why do I always think of the "wrong" things? You'll totally rock out, I'm sure ;D

Kevin said...

Its great to be able to work on your own bike. When I first started riding, I picked up Zinn's Book and it has been a real help. I have also found some good videos on yourtube as well

Chris said...

You know Robin, I am continually amazed at how you fit all of this in to your days!

Are you secretly getting extra hours added to your days?

I know that you are VERY proud of your oldest heading to Parris Island and into the Corp! God Bless him.

Anonymous said...

Your running improvement is awesome and inspiring! I guess hills are good after all :)

Great job on taking care of your bike. I really need to learn that stuff, too...cleaning my chain, etc.

Jeff and I enjoy sitting in the hot tub after swimming, too :)

Have fun on the 50 miler! I have a feeling you're gonna do great!!

J~Mom said...

That is so exciting!!! I am so glad you know how to work on your bike! I am still learning. :>P

David said...

Yes, love the bike and it will love you right back. Don't love the bike, and it will love you in a prison sort of way.

Thanks for the discussion on off-road running shoes last night. I looked them up on Road Runner Sports, and they actually get rave review. They are, however, geared more toward off-road/cross country than mountain goat trails and boulder hopping. I think I may give them a try.

Stuart said...

Busy busy busy, sounds like a grand day out and a half century at the weekend as well, you go girl!!!

Nice pace on your hills and kudos for learning how to love your bike. Treat him well and he'll look after you ;-)

Phil said...

Great run!. I'm a believer on the bike. I finally got off my duff and started riding regularly and it really seems to be helping.

You're come back has been outstanding.

KK said...

Ugh, sorry to hear about your former IT Band woes. I'm glad to read that they are (hopefully) behind you.

Great training this week. I agree, having a plan to stick to is a must! I hope the 50 miler went well, too.

zanne said...

ok. now i know we are living parallel lives! i too just did my longest ride ever on saturday ... can't wait to read all about your adventure!

Mendy said...

David's been telling me for a while that riding will help my running. I know it will once I up my mileage. You're doing awesome! Keep up the good work, as I know you will.

Mendy said...

BTW - Happy Mother's Day!

surfie999@gmail.com said...

Glad to see the bike has been important........cannot resist saying - "I told you so!"

Journey to a Centum said...

Clip crashes are the worst! I've had several. The best was at a cross walk in Seattle with about 75 people watching as I just fell over when I couldn't get my shoe unclipped. I think I've fallen about 7 times at red lights. The drivers in cars around you just laugh. It's about all you can do too.

Be careful out there on your bike! Pay attention! You are invisible, cars can't see you.