Sunday 6 July 2008

Back in the Saddle (sort of)

That's a picture (through an RV screened window) of an Alaskan sunset - at 11:45 p.m.  And it still doesn't get dark after that!

After I wrote on Tuesday, I thought I just have to force myself to work out whether I want to or not.  I dragged my good bike to the bike store to get a few things done to it, and then hopped on and went to the lake.  I took my first open water swim of the season.  Heck, it was my first swim of any kind since last year's triathlon.  Then I hopped back on the bike and went home.  

On Saturday, I tried to run for the first time since the June 21 half marathon.  This morning after church, I took a 10 mile bike ride and a half hour open water swim.  I think the swim was approximately 750 meters, but no one seems to know what the actual length of the swim lane at the lake is.  

I think I have some decisions to make.  
1.  me + distance running does not = a fit Mary.  Really.  It just doesn't.
2. If I want to run faster, I am going to have to run shorter.
3. I can do that seriously on the treadmill... Oh NO! Not the Treadmill!!!
4. I really could walk as fast as I am running right now, and I would actually enjoy that.
5.  I can swim and bike and actually enjoy that. 
6. Maybe I can focus on the bike and swim training for my tri and let the chips fall where they may for the run portion.  

I could go back to what I was doing before I got bitten by the half marathon bug.  I was running about 40 or 50 miles a month and felt fantastic!  I was fit and much, much slimmer than I am now.  I have done nothing but gain weight since I started distance running.  

What to do?  

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I'd start by asking "What do you WANT to do?"

Wes said...

Maybe a nutritionist might help? Marni is a great sports nutritionist. She understands about running and tri-ing and needing to eat healthy!!

Jason The Running Man said...

Do what feels right, do what feels fun!:)

Marcy said...

Lisa is so wise! It's a good question . .so what do you WANT? ;-)

Jess said...

I agree with Lisa. Doesn't sound like you're into the running, so why push it?

J~Mom said...

I have read about some people that complete tris with power walking. Just from being a reader it sounds to me like you were much happier doing triathlons. Do what makes you happy and keeps you motivated! :>D

Adam said...

I have come to the conclusion myself that I am going to have to work harder on my shorter runs. I'm not losing or gaining weight.

Adam said...

I have come to the conclusion myself that I am going to have to work harder on my shorter runs. I'm not losing or gaining weight.