Oww

So yesterday I ran in the VFFs, and I knew to expect muscle soreness, especially in the calves. Oh boy. While running yesterday I felt my left calf really start to tighten up and ache towards the middle/end of the run, so I took more walks during the run portions. Also, both pads of my feet were sore. Not really the pad, but the arch in my foot where the pad is? Does that make sense? Anyways, I stretched my feet out several times last night, figuring that would help with any soreness today.

I can't imagine how my legs would feel if I *hadn't* stretched. Both of my feet are sore, and my left calf is really tight and tender today. It's odd that my left leg is hurting worse; my left pad-arch is more sore than my right. This morning I could barely walk, and immediately started stretching my feet. They have felt progressively better throughout the day, but anytime I sit for awhile and then start to move, I can definitely feel my muscles. It doesn't feel like a bad pain, just an OMG these muscles haven't ever been used and you just ran 2.5 miles on them kind of feeling.

I survived!

Essential
Originally uploaded by Quest2Tri

So after personifying gluttony and sloth (eating too much and not working out), went for a run this morning. I left my tennis shoes at home, so I decided instead of not running, I'd try running in my Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs). I was really nervous about how it would feel, but overall I felt really good. I definitely can't cheat and land on my heel in these shoes, and it will take some getting used to if I decide to keep training in them. I did manage to get a blister on the bottom of my big toe, and my left calf feels rather tight already, but I think it is more of a sore muscle thing vs an injury. Time will tell. I walked a few of the run minutes, to give my feet/legs a few more breaks. Overall, though, I'm very pleased with how it went.

Additionally, I'm really trying to make it a habit to wear my RoadID when biking or running. I think it is a really great idea to have something with my name, emergency contact information, and essential medical information on my person while out. Just in case. Totally worth the money.

No time like the present...

vibram_prerun
Originally uploaded by Quest2Tri

So, I've been away from home this past weekend, and will not be home until Tuesday night (work travel). I thought I brought everything with me I needed to do my runs. And I did. Except for my sneakers. Oops. I'd been wanting to try running in my vibrams, but with the triathlon less than a month away I didn't want to "waste" a workout testing them. Apparently today is the day to try running in the vibrams, or give up a workout. We'll see how this goes.

15 minutes

Apparently, 15 minutes is what it takes for me to really question if it's worth getting up and working out in the morning. My alarm went off, and all I had to do was get up, get dressed, grab my already packed gym and lunch bag and head out the door. I ended up snoozing for about 15 minutes, and when I woke up, I really debated just staying in bed and getting more sleep. Because, obviously, being 15 minutes late means there isn't any point in exercising at all. ... Okay when I'm sleepy, it seems I can rationalize anything to myself. I'm happy to say that I did get up and hit the gym, and just cut my planned workout short by 15 minutes. Go me.

Back to the Grind

I essentially didn't exercise at all last week, being overwhelmed with the amount of preparation that was required for a weekend retreat I attended. I also knew the retreat was going to be insanely tiring, and I just didn't have the energy to go into the weekend already tired.

But this week, I was very good and got back on the exercise horse. Yesterday I ran, and today I put in a good swim. I'm pleased with how I'm feeling with my workouts. I feel like I have a long way to go to get to where I want to be, but I'm progressing nicely. I'm not quite as tired post-workout like I used to be, and I'm able to be a bit more efficient each time. Which is good. Only 40 more days until my first triathlon!!

Test...

Trying to test feeds...

Obligatory Introduction Post

I am a 26, soon to be 27, year old ex-jock and engineering nerd who is gearing up for my first triathlon (and triathlon season). I read a few books, looked at some plans, and decided to wing it. Using the couth to 5k program for running, and the 0 to 1 mile plan for swimming, I'm winging the biking portion and calling it good enough. I'm also trying to eat healthier, reduce my meat intake, and learn more about proper nutrition.

I'm currently signed up for two sprint triathlons so far this summer, one at the end of June and one at the end of July. I'm also interested in doing a Mud Run in mid-September, and I just found another sprint triathlon at the Outer Banks that looks like fun. Also in mid-September.

Date - Event
6/27/2010 - Celebration Sprint Triathlon (Registered)
7/24/2010 - New Jersey State Triathlon (Registered)
9/11/2010 - McGuire New Jersey Mud Run (Potential)
9/18/2010 - Outer Banks Triathlon (Potential)

I'm intrigued by people who do endurance and distance sports and who are also vegetarian or vegan. I'm especially following Matt at http://www.nomeatathlete.com/ and Caitlin at http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/