Coaching

After I got accepted into the Escape from Alcatraz lottery I tried to research training plans.  I could probably stick to the 70.3 training plan, but I know that swimming in the San Francisco Bay is going to be harder than any normal open water swim I've ever completed.

As I was reading my tweets the other day, I came across a link from Hypercat Racing.  They had Alcatraz training plans.  Interesting.  I did make an appointment with one of the coaches, but I am unsure if I am going to purchase the plan.  What if it is something I already know?  What if it's too much money?  It's a tough one.  If it's super expensive, well then there's my answer, but what if it's not that much?  What if it's less than the new cost of a pair of running sneakers?  I mean....I am really curious as to what their training plan is all about.

One thing that I did get was an email from one of the coaches.  Funny thing is that she mistakenly sent me the training guide, which is a guide on what to expect during the entire race.  That was pretty cool, but it didn't have the training plan attached to it.  Darn!!!!

I don't think I can afford a coach at this point, nor am I even the type of calibre of person that would require one.  Am I?  Nah!  But the idea of having someone that will call me once a week & see if I'm sticking to my training plan is tempting.  But I think the whole point of this triathlon experience is doing it yourself, right?  Digging deep?  Seeing how far you can push yourself?  I don't know.  I'm still a newbie!  Maybe I'll see what this coach has to say & see if it's really worth it.

All I know is that there isn't going to be much outdoor training any time soon.  Too much snow!  Although, I have seen a bunch of runners out on River Road the past few days, but it's too treacherous out there & half of the sidewalks are still not plowed.  That doesn't seem very smart to be running in the street in such a snowy mess.  Plus, my outdoor running gear is seriously lacking!  Another reason to get out & start shopping for new gear!

Keep everyone posted on Friday after my chat with the coach.

2011

The snow is melting & I spent the day at a party celebrating the New Year!  No workout today, which may be the first time in many years I did not start the New Year off with a workout!  I did run 4 miles yesterday & did a little stair work.  I am going to seriously have to learn to run stairs if I am going to master the sand ladder in San Francisco in June.

I did get a new workout outfit (including shoes - would you expect less?) the other day & I am ready to start the year fresh!  I am even considering some trail running shoes (they are really cool black & pink Adidas) & stepping up my outdoor running.  Anything extra can help, right?  & this way I can justify these really cool trail sneakers!

While I was stuck in the house all week due to the blizzard (I worked 3 1/2 days in the past 2 weeks - yay for me!) I started & finished a hat for Mike.  This is one of my favorite patterns because it really takes less than a day to make.  I think I may have to make one for my brother as well because it only takes on ball of Noro Kureyon & I have about 15 balls of the stuff.  Who else needs a hat????

It's hard to see, but it matched his outfit today perfectly too!  Well that's it for me today.  It's been a quiet week.  Not much going on when you're stuck in the house snowed in.  Here's to a great 2011!