Picking It Up

Well I've been on a kick now for about three weeks, which means that I've worked out approx. 4-5 days out of the week, every week. Whether that be swimming, biking, or doing Orange Theory classes (which incorporate strength, endurance and running), I've kept it up pretty well. Can't say that my motivation has improved much, however, and it's been hard to get up in the morning to get going - especially on those days when I don't have an accountability partner. I did end up getting a new tri bike a few weeks ago, but since it's Winter here in Kentucky I haven't been out on it, and did a 45 minute spin on the road bike on my trainer last week. I'm still a little intimidated by this whole "tri bike" thing, since I've never once used aero bars and I got a new type of shoe and clip - which means that my right of passage of falling over within the first month of riding is inevitable. Still, I know I need to get more workouts in before the "real" training begins. According to my calendar, my 6 week base building really doesn't begin until January 12th, so I'm just trying to get a little bit of the three sports in when I can. The half IM training starts February 23rd, so I'm looking ahead at that to see what it will entail, so I can go into it pretty confident that I can keep up with the workouts. I don't want to be swimming 1000 meters at a time thinking I'm crushing it, when the first workout has me doing 2500 meters total (which, by the way, it does). The swim doesn't really concern me though, although I do plan on a lesson or two to make sure my efficiency and form are what they need to be (my goal is to not get in "junk miles" - or meters in this case). My biggest concern is the bike. 112 miles just seems so daunting at this point, and thinking of being on a bike for 6-8 hours when my booty gets sore after just 45 minutes is intimidating in and of itself. Not to mention the physical endurance needed to go that far within the cut-off, as well as the hills. Oh, the hills. Not my strong suit by any means. And although I've completed 5 marathons, none of which were spectacular, I know that I can do a run/walk method and get by on that. Again... it's the bike. With that said, I'm just gonna have to force myself to get on the trainer more. Maybe get some DVD's that will guide me on some good workouts rather than merely watching a Netflix film and peddling just to pedal. Who knows, maybe I'll even get up the nerve to do some spin classes and go from there. All I know if that after that first 45 minute ride last week my legs felt like steel - for 20 minutes at least. I just need them to feel that good ALL the time.