Baby steps ...

I may not have posted in about two weeks but know that a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes. I've turned into an information whore -- scouring the internets for triathlon training plans, tips, forums, support groups in the area, etc, etc. I also found some inspirational Ironman videos.

Example :

As luck should have it a colleague at work has a brother who's in the business of coaching triathletes and I'm meeting with him tomorrow. I'm hoping to talk to him about how to structure my training (i.e. do what, when and for how long). I think it will take a load off knowing I've got an experienced Ironman telling me how I should train instead of trying to figure it out myself and worrying it's not enough. 

I've also got an experienced swim coach as a colleague and she's offered to get me started in the pool (i.e. take a look at my stroke, correct any bad habits, etc.) I have yet to take her up on her offer though. It will sound ridiculous saying this considering I've signed up for the Ironman but ... I'm dreading getting in the pool. 

The last time I swam was in my late teens as part of lifeguard training. As part of the NLS certification  we had to swim 'x' distance -- I can't remember what 'x' was right now, but it's safe to say it wasn't anywhere near 2.4 miles -- and I never could get comfortable with my breathing, so never quite felt at ease swimming long distance in the water. Needless to say, that will have to change. 

Training this past week:

Monday : CrossFit

Tuesday : CrossFit

Friday : CrossFit

Saturday : CrossFit + 5k run

Sunday : 50 km bike

That 5k was my first real run since ... April(?). It felt good. Real good. Especially after a tough CrossFit WOD (the universally dreaded 'Fran'). And I managed to pull off a pretty decent pace (5 min/km). 

As for my bike, I've been biking regularly over the summer. The 50km is a regular weekend ride along Ottawa's parkway. This time though, on my own, I was thinking I'd really "Punch it Chewy" but I didn't really see a noticeable pace difference. 27km/hr -- only a bit faster than my historical 25 km/hr pace. Hmph. 

As for nutrition ... it's not horrible but I could be a lot better I'm sure. CrossFit preaches Paleo which in theory makes sense (cut out processed foods, diary & grains, eat more natural veggies/fruit and meat. However I've also read a few books about endurance athletes and they all seem to follow vegetarian diets. And it obviously seems to be working for them ... More research required.
For now though, I'm happy with my success of significantly curbing my sweet tooth. Baby steps.