Lisa's Lost

Well, I've swam three days in a row now (6 am morning swims - Yuk - even with a heated pool I'm still cold!)

But I'm pleased to say that today I noticed some improvement. I wasn't quite so out of breath at the end of each lap and felt with some that I could have swam further if I didn't run out of pool (LOL) and some I managed to turn around and swim again with only a few seconds break.

I've been concentrated on breathing technique and rotation, and I've also been thinking that I'm not sure that I need to stop because I"m short of breath, as much as the fact that I take in water sometimes when I breathe - and this makes life difficult. From what I've read - it would seem that this is because I'm lifting my head (and hence sinking) rather than rotating my whole body, so I'm focusing on this. As well as trying to relax when I swim and not panic about the breathing! I think this is working.

Today I rode 8 kms after the swim, as this is the triathlon (short course) length. It was fine, but I took it easy as I'm feeling a little tired from my new sports. No need to push myself at this stage, just focus on covering the distances on a regular basis. I also have to focus on developing some confidence and balance on the bike so I can turn my head and reach my drink bottle (which I don't have yet, but may need if I do the tri). So I've been practicing some of the really mundane things like riding one handed, and mounting by swinging my leg over the back of the bike, in readiness for learning one of those running mounts!

The first day I swam, I cycled to and from the pool, and then did my 45 HITT session on the elliptical. But even with leaving at 6 am in the morning, there isn't enough time to fit this all in before work, not to mention the 15 mins of yoga stretches I have to do at the end for my hamstrings. So I have decided I might do my HITT cardio in the evenings, and alternate with my weight training. The only problem with this will be when its really hot....

I've also been looking around at bikes, trying to work out what I will need for the tri, but I really have no idea. Its obviously much better to buy your equipment once you are experienced in the sport, which I am not. For example, when I bought my first treadmill, I had no idea that I would quickly outgrow the 10 km/hr max speed, and that electronic incline would be really important to me. Hence 9 months later I was buying a new one..... So if anyone has any tips on what to look for - eg what's really essential - what people have been told is essential but you've never used, what's nice to have - I would appreciate any tips. I also want to buy a tri suit (there is no way I am running in my bathers!)- but I can't find any online - and there aren't any available up here - if anyone knows good online or other retail stores in Adelaide - happy to hear about it.

Cheers for now - I have a HIIT session to do and sleep to have before my next swimming session!