what a difference a little more daylight makes especially for the cycling portion of training. i feel like i haven't ridden the trainer in ages and that's a good thing. good bye trainer, hello open road! not to jinx myself but in the past, daylight saving time used to kick my butt for at least a good week. i would have the hardest time getting up in the morning and I AM a morning person. i can usually get up at 4:30am with no problems. i might need a bit of coffee to get going but i'm rarin' to go in no time. so far, so good though. i haven't felt that one hour we lost...the week is still young. i'm hopeful though.
yesterday, i was at the pool bright and early but not too early. although the pool is supposed to open at 6am, but every now and then something happens, like wind wreaking havoc on the pool covers and twisting them all up. so my new strategy is to get there about 15 to 30 minutes after the posted opening time and that worked out beautifully. i was suprised that there weren't more people swimming since it was set up for long course and it was neither too cold, nor too hot out. best of all, although i'm not a lane hog, i enjoyed a lane all to myself.
i tried these new speedo hand paddles yesterday based on a recommendation from my friend Pati. i must say that they felt very strange. the first lap i tried with them, i felt all out of whack and i thought to myself, "i don't like these stupid things." second and third time, not too bad, but nowhere near comfortable...yet. i need to practice a little more with them. i also need to remember to tighten the rubber straps. i think that was another reason they felt strange. i tried to tighten them between sets but for some reason, they would not budge. not easy to do when your hands are all wet. plus, i didn't want to waste time fooling around with toys when i need to be training. for me, time is always of the essence, especially training time. if anyone has any tips or tricks on how to get more comfortable using these things, i'm all ears.
speaking of training, on the training schedule for today: abs and stretching this morning, bike after work with jc, then run a few miles after (optional).
don't forget reader appreciation giveaway. i have 3 pair of Ryders Eyewear up for grabs. to get involved, go to my previous post here and follow the directions. friday at noon EST is the deadline, so there's still time and it's so easy to do.
the 3 lucky winners will also receive some goodies as pictured above from GU. GU recovery brew and GU chomps.
much love and peace out!
I find the time change kicking my butt this week!!! Ugh. Nice job on the swim, and with the paddles! My previous swim coach had talked to me about them, saying that they are great, but really accentuate the imperfections of your stroke. Hmmm, maybe that's why I haven't picked them up ;)
ReplyDeletehang in there with the paddles. They feel wierd at first, but really are great to help force you to fix stroke imperfections (especially in the first part of the pull) and build those swim muscles!
ReplyDeleteI am excited about the time change. Now if the weather will cooperate I foresee some outdoor rides in my future!
ReplyDeleteKC -- I swear you and me share a brain b/c we are always thinking alike! I got those same exact speedo paddles last week. I have used them 4 times now and it does take a little to get used to them. They have really helped my arm entry and pull. I will do an easy 100 with them and then remove and my elbow is high, my hand entry is smooth and my pull is strong. It is s pretty good tool - don't give up on em yet!
ReplyDeleteI still hate mornings, daylighht savings or not!! :) I do love the extra light in the evening to get some rides in, it is still coll here in AM to ride. You will find the paddles over time will help in a bnig way with your form. I have been warned to be cautious about form as you can get injured easily(shoulders) Enjoy the training!
ReplyDeleteToo funny Jeff, I've noticed that we seem to be thinking along the same lines a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteWell, I picked up your time change blues because this week has been brutal for me. I can't figure out why either - I get up at 4:30 when it's dark anytime of the year. Oh well, great job on the swim! I haven't used paddles yet so I'm curious to see what your final thoughts are on them.
ReplyDeleteI've never really become accustomed to using paddles, but suppose I should! BTW--I've been jamming to your playlist--a great one!
ReplyDeleteI find mornings are horrible year round. When I try training at stupid o'clock I find I'm nasty all day.
ReplyDeleteI come from a swimming background, and I never like the feel of paddles.
ReplyDeleteThe time change is really making it hard to get up. This morning we didn't get up until 7:20 and we all had to be at work/school at 8...yikes!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the paddles, but could probably benefit from them. I'll be curious to see how you like them.
I love using paddles, but I've only tried the simple, flat kind. Good luck getting used to them. I think that they can help a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding the time change more difficult than normal this time around. I can't seem to get to bed at a decent time (and then I want a nap)!
isn't just crazy to think that one measly hour change and it can throw you off so much. i'm usually ready to hit the pillow about 9pm but lately, i've been bright eyed and bushy tailed at 10pm. Usually takes a week to get accustomed. intersting comments on the hand paddles. i'll have to put them thru a bit more use and then i'm sure i'll have a lot to say about them. thanks for all the feedback on the paddles.
ReplyDeleteArnie and I made it by the Ironman store on Sunday after the ride. Thanks for the tip. Arnie dropped $350. I dropped $2.
ReplyDeleteWe will be at San Antonio park 7:15am on Sunday for our 85 miler. If you stop by he drives the BMW M3 and we always park in the far north corner.
4 more weeks of this (hills) and then after IMStG, back to the SunCoast to get ready for IMFL
Hmmm...GU...looks yummy! I am really going to have to try that!
ReplyDeletethe time change plus crazy jet lag is kickin my butt too.... but i will say i like the longer days. now if i can just go to bed before midnight :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe try some more manageable, smaller paddles, in the picture those look like boat oars. They would kill my shoulders!
ReplyDeleteI hope the paddles worked out, I need to get me some of those to work on arm form.
ReplyDeleteThree cheers for longer day light!!