Uphill track repeats
Last weekend was our local Tri-Camp – two days of hard work in an effort to boost one’s fitness as the new race season approaches. My reason for taking part had less to do with the upcoming racing and was more about pushing myself. And running. With other people. Here’s what I learned over the course of the two days:
- Swimming first thing in the morning is a GREAT way to wake up!
- Doing things on my own schedule isn’t as scary as I thought.
- A winter away has not made my love of track workouts grow. Which leads to the corollary:
- Tracks are uphill. Both ways. Not a flat inch on the entire 400m.
- Even easy bike rides can feel hard.
- I swim much better (read: faster) if I have a trail of bubbles to chase.
- Who knew jumping off your bike without shoes wouldn’t hurt?!?
- Hurting yourself while fooling around doesn’t hurt any less.
- Running after biking never seems to get any easier.
- Sometimes you can do so much more than you think you can.
Easy ridin'
How’d everyone makeout with the flying dismounts?
Actually, really well! Once broken down step-by-step they were pretty easy to do. And we had ample opportunity to practice them on the million bike/run intervals that afternoon.
For those that might not have tried before:
1. Sight a spot approx. 300m from the dismount line.
2. Loosen your right shoe strap. Pedal to keep up speed.
3. Loosen your left shoe strap. Pedal up to speed.
4. Pull right foot out of shoe. Place on top of shoe. Pedal.
5. Pull left foot out and ontop of shoe. Pedal some more.
6. Within 10feet of dismount line, swing right foot over the back of saddle so only your left foot is on the pedal.
7. Drop down with right foot, followed by left foot at a run.
Repeat until second nature.
Having tri-shoes makes this MUCH easier!
Wearing gloves makes this MUCH harder!