Training has started

OMG! Most days I’m thinking what the HELL did I get myself into with trying to pull off a half ironman. I really think I’m fully crazy. The first week of the restart training has begun with changing gyms. Danny & I really needed to get into a spin class that was a challenge. The current gym we have been attending wasn’t cutting it. Due to childcare and work we are unable to spin with our teammates. Danny suggested we move over from our city aquatic center to the local YMCA. The Y had longer daycare times and more classes that fit better with our schedule and challenging.
The first few night classes I was like ”oh I got this, I can handle an hour long class”  Boy, what a wake up when I got to Saturday spin class. The weather in Texas is not as bad as some of my friends up north that are running outside at the moment. We are not -18* below, today, but we are under 40* which is our coaches cut off for group rides. When you add the wind chill is feels like 30*. Sorry, not Sorry, my butt is staying inside the warm gym.
Saturday spin classes happen to be the place that all the cycling teams meet up to spin when the weather is too bad to be outside. It was a bit intimidating at first because we are surrounded by guys that or true cyclist. I’m still thinking of myself as Dorothy with Toto in the basket on my bike.

 

 Danny has dragged me to class, but once I’m there I feel great and feel like the 5.5 hour bike ride for 56 miles is doable.
Here are a few things that happen to me while in class. I’m thinking this is training, oh my training. Midweek my stomach wasn’t feeling well, but Danny was very determined that we were going to spin class. One thing about night classes they are an easier hour long class. I can make it for sure. I went, halfway through class I wasn’t feeling all that great and just knew I was going to crap my pants. Really, I’m going there. I keep telling myself that I could make it class only have about 15 minutes left.  At this point in class I was just pedaling and not listen to the instructor. My mind was wandering off trying to think of other things just to get done with the class. I thought about my running buddies and stories I’ve heard about getting runners trot. It happens, sometimes when you run long distance you body says “what the hell are you doing to me.” Porta Potties are not always available; now what? While my mind is wondering, I thought if it happens, it was a good training experience. Nothing did and all is well with my stomach, but I finished that class. GO Pamela!
Todays class. You have to get to the gym 15 minutes early to grab a bike. The last two week class had to turn people away. I’m doing an hour ride 3 days a week and 2.5 hour ride on Saturday. Today I got on the bike and boy, my lady parts don't like me. Yep, going there now. I’ve talked to more ladies about this issue than I can count. Most important part of riding is in your pants with tons of padding. I feel like I’m wearing the biggest diaper there is for me. My female cyclist say don’t go cheap and with time your lady parts will get used to it. Really? Not sure if I’m believing that at the moment. We had the same instructors teach both classes and boy today I’m walking funny and my legs feel like jelly. In order for us to get the 2.5 hours of training we have to do 2 spin classes. There are a few that do this also so it’s not really a big deal and doesn’t make us stand out of the crowd. First class was tough and I’m doing great, things are working just like I wanted them to. Until walks in a girl close to my age and 70 pounds lighter than me with all the ironman gear on. Sweatshirt, Redman bike pants and the darn M. Dot tattoo.

 My all time dream of having after this is standing in front of me. I keep my eye on her for sure during the class since Danny picks the two back row bikes in the corner. I think it’s because I sing really loud, but don’t really know the words to the songs. #sorrrynotsorry. Turned out it wasn’t that bad and I just keep telling myself one day I would reach my goal. My lady parts  were screaming at me pretty much the whole 2 hours. 15 minutes till class is almost done my seat decides to move and shot for the stars. OMG< really?

 The only thing I really could do was stand and pedal because it’s dark and I needed the time to finish. I could not stop because it would stop, the computer on my bike, letting me know what I did speed, time, cadence, heart rate. I just keep pedaling standing up. I realized things were going to happen inside and outside and I’m going to have to put on my big girl undies and make it work. As always, it’s so never a dull moment at our house or in our training. This week isn't over we have a group run with our team that I'm looking forward to with the weather to be a warm 37*.

Pamela 