Well, it’s been a bit over a month since I gave everyone an update. It sure has been a whirlwind of a month! When last I posted, I had a difficult week with confidence and concern about my ability to complete the bike portion of my 70.3. Since then, I have had a one-on-one session with Coach Billy and numerous trips around a parking lot working on my handling skills.
I took a short break from training a few weeks ago to study and prepare for my Nurse Practitioner National Board Certification exam, which I passed! Since then, I have felt such a difference in my daily stress level and my ability to focus on training.
My most recent roadblock has been finding a pool to train in. Because of our current pandemic, none of my local pools are open and it takes nearly an hour to get to the nearest lake that allows swimming. So, after a lengthy discussion, Coach has me working on what he calls “dry land” swimming. Basically, extensive stretch cord and upper body strength work with a focus on shoulder mobility.
I have also started a new habit of weekly virtual yoga with some of my QuaranTinas. I tell you what, if you don’t have a supportive group of ladies in your pocket, I definitely encourage you to find some. If not for them I would have probably given up 6-8 times already. At the end of July, I had the opportunity to meet up with them during a training weekend outside of Atlanta. It amazed me that each of them was the same person that I knew from our online conversations. It was a relief to know that there was no pretense and that each of us represents ourselves exactly as we are. Those three days together really cemented a bond we had already developed.
Looking forward, I have progressively longer and more intense training weeks. I’m looking forward to a trip to Chickamauga Battlefield Park in about a week to try my hand at a long ride outside. I’ve been doing several training rides on my indoor trainer as well and that is helping to build strength and stamina. Coach Billy has been awesome about working with my schedule and helping me to learn how to push myself and also when to rest. It’s a balancing act. The next big hurdle on my list is balancing my nutrition. I have a goal to eat a more whole foods/less processed diet starting this week. I’ve begun meal prepping and planning snacks so that I don’t reach for the really bad for you, refined stuff. Here’s hoping it sticks. Looking forward to giving you an exciting update next week!
Thanks for reading!