Half-Ironman Training Day 1: Four "Showers" In 30 Minutes

Rain gauges love it this time of year.  They get so much attention and last night didn't disappoint.  A couple storms flew through and one hit right about the time I went to the gym.  Determined to start my Half-Ironman Training (HIM) training, I hoped in the truck and drove to the gym.  Normally I park pretty far from the entrance but today I parked as close as I could but I still managed get drenched, including my work shirt.  Not a big deal as it would have plenty of time to dry off while I swam.

I then noticed another issue.  Most of the lights in the gym were off.  People were still in the vestibule waiting for the doors to be unlocked but the pool lights were definitely off.  Kent, the cheery eyed front desk clerk, informed us that the pool was closed due to no lights.  Crap.  I was standing there in my jammers with few other workout options. I quickly did a mental "audible" and decided to get to work early so I could leave early and do my swim after work. I would then follow it up with my bike ride.  Sweet... I'm getting my first brick session in on day 1!

I hopped in the shower and as I got out, I noticed another guy in his jammers heading to the pool.  He told me that the lights are on.  Sweet!  I can get my swim in. Crap!  My towel is wet from my shower!  Eh, I can deal.  I did my "quick" 1000 meters and then back to the showers.

While it was annoying that my plan was adjusted a minuscule amount, I got it in.  I'm so glad I have a plan now after the first 6 months of just floating between swim, bike, run.  I'm sure that I would have just skipped the workout altogether had no plan existed.

So let's recap:

Shower #1: Running from car to gym
Shower #2: First Shower in the locker room
Shower #3: 1000 meter swim
Shower #4: Second Shower in the locker room

In roughly 30 minutes.  Go me.

Schedule Change
I have officially added the Kansas City Half-Marathon in October to my race schedule.  I plan to run the half where last year I ran the full.  I'm hoping to do a large brick session with this race in preparation to Beach2Battleship two weeks later.

I also have officially added The North Face Endurance Challenge (well, it's been on my list for nearly a month) but I have finally registered. This time we are doing it as a team but more on that in a few days.

If I Dress Like A Triathlete....

I've been slowly acquiring my triathlon gear for the upcoming season.  The biggest and most expensive purchase has been completed (Felt Z85 road bike) and now I've moved on to my next biggest need.  Big as in importance, not cost.  I ordered prescription swim goggles.  Having a road bike isn't going to do me any good if I can't find it in Transition 1.

In addition to the goggles, I purchased a pair of jammers.  I have no idea why they call them jammers but I guess it sounds cool.  I decided that spending 3 - 4 hours in the pool per week with my board-shorts probably weren't good on the fabric or my technique.

With the new equipment install, entering the pool today was a different experience.  The jammers made me feel like I was skinny dipping as I'm used to feeling the board-shorts fabric flowing around my legs.  I could at least confirm that no one else could see me since the entire pool area was in relatively crisp detail with the goggles.

Have you ever heard of people who have never worn glasses before and then are fitted for a pair.  They are amazed with the realization that there are leaves on trees.  That's similar to what I experienced today.  While I knew the black line in the pool was made up of small tiles, it was the first time I could actually see them speeding passing by.

With the more aerodynamic (aquadynamic?) clothing and actually being able to see the clock as I passed by, I finished my 2000 meter swim in 40 minutes.  Being able to see the clock helped with the motivation to keep pushing.  I tried to limit my rest time between 500 meter sets also.

I know that having the triathlon related clothing doesn't make me a triathlete.  I could swim in board shorts, rode my hybrid bike, and run in my marathon gear; however, I feel that this equipment is made/designed to make things easier on the athlete and I definitely experienced that today.

PS - This post at Falkee Triathlon Store helped me make my decisions on the jammers.  I recommend following him on twitter and reading his personal blog.  Very informative and motivating!