The training continues - but the goal is uncertain

I headed out for a swim last night. The evenings are getting a lot darker and it was quite eerie swimming in an almost empty outdoor pool during sunset. Finding billateral breathing tough, but still wanting the balance of breathing each side, I swam my usual rythmn, but alternated sides with lengths. I felt a bit worn out to be honest.

I aimed for 30 lengths of the 50m pool. The whole workout took about 45 minutes. Half way through the 29th length I had my first real swimming cramp experience. Not the twinges you get in your foot, full blown muscle contraction right up both calves which caused me to double over - not an easy swim position! I was approximately 1 inch out of my depth and managed to hop to safety with a lifeguard calling out 'are you okay?'. I answered 'yes' and them some expletives under my breath, pulled myself out and pummelled my calves on the side for a few minutes.

When I explained all this to Austen he asked if I had a thing for lifeguards. Only female ones it seems.

I spent a bit of time thinking about this. I don't think this is an electrolyte issue. I think I might be overtraining. My doctor mentioned this last week when I went to him with unexplained nausea (ongoing). He suggested training with a heartrate monitor to keep me within sensible limits. One of the results of overtraining appears to be a build up of lactic acid in muscles - which sounds like it might cause a bit of cramp.

Highs and lows of triathlon training

I've been feeling low since my experience with VOWSA on Monday. However, they were so welcoming, and insisted I go back and try again. I went back this evening and a different volunteer was expecting me. The other woman had told her all about me. She paired me up with another volunteer for my swim. I took it slow, concentrated on relaxing, had a small goal (the first buoy) and made it around the whole 1.2km course in a choppy ocean. I came out shivering and wobbly but elated!

Before I left for the swim session I wrote this, which describes the highs and lows of training so far...

The High...

Running, in the trails at hornby, deciding to take a second loop, getting back after injury.

I was on my own, at my pace, no music. I felt efficient. The run was almost effortless. I had biked there and would cycle back as part of my tri-training. I felt slightly tingly with heat/sweat. But not uncomfortably hot.

I felt in control and strong.

The Low...

Unprepared, taking to the ocean in a wetsuit with a group of swimmers braver, more confident. Into the water, unable to get a stroke/rythmn going with waves slapping in my face. Bobbing around like a cork, feeling out of control. Feeling panic and the constriction of the wetsuit around my chest and interpreting it as asthma. Realising I was being left behind and wanting to give up. Going back to the shore, as the rest continued round the 1km loop.

I felt weak and scared.

Now...

Now, waiting to head over there to swim with VOWSA. My heart is already racing. Knowing I can do as much or as little as I like, but still afraid. Of what? I'm not sure.

Physio appointment and injury prevention

The first week of training is going well so far. I'm on track for what I committed to. Here's a summary:

• Swimming. This has been tough, shoulders and neck very stiff. Need to remember to warm up and stretch too. Not necessary to do 30 lengths each time, just concentrate on good posture and getting used to the routine for now.
• Biking. Only one bike session at the gym so far. Tomorrow is a bike commute day. More to come.
  
• Running. Got two personal bests this week (according to nike+)! Fastest mile and fastest 5km in separate workouts. Trail run was fun on Sunday.

This morning I saw a physiotherapist with goal of injury prevention. He complimented me on my very strong calves, and then said my glutes / thighs are letting me down! Lots of squats and lunges for me. He recommended some stretches and exercises for my ridiculously tight muscles. Here they are:

• One legged squats, concentrating on keeping my knee from falling inwards.
• Stationary lunges, upper body upright sinking vertically into lunge.
• 4 key stretches (glutes, hamstings, calves and quads).
• Running, swimming, biking all require an upright posture, chest up - shoulders back and down.

The plan is to get on with this, then in a few weeks go back for some variation in the exercises.