Santa, I've Been Good...

I believe in Santa Claus. I believe that if a girl is good-intentioned, well-mannered and behaves throughout the year, that good things will come to her.

It is therefore my hope that he will take into consideration my devotion to my family and to my good health. I would like a treadmill for Christmas. I'm practical. No diamonds or pearls, but a treadmill.

My training plan called for 2x4 miles at tempo (8:13)... I opted to do the workout at the gym as a schedule conflict (my own) would otherwise mean I'd be pushing the jogger. It is impossible for me to hit the target pace while pushing 100+ pounds.

Like many, the treadmill isn't necessarily fun (it can be boring). However, it can actually help me to stay on pace. I program the settings for the desired pace and then just need to be keep my legs moving. Besides, it would be so convenient! I could run whenever I wanted to ... and watch TV while doing so! I'm not a big TV watcher but there are several programs that I record regularly (CSI, CSI Miami, Survior, Grey's Anatomy, Shark, and the new Cane). I digress....

Upon arrival, I did a 1.5 mile warm-up on the stationery bike (basically equivalent to about a 1/2 mile run) to alleviate some pounding and provide variety. I then began the run ... modifying to 2x3 miles.

I completed the first 1/2 mile at 8:13 and then slowed to 8:20. When I completed 1.76 miles, one of the ladies in the Kids Corner came to inform me that my buddy was scratching others (2nd offense - he did it yesterday as well!). I thereby had to stop in the midst of the tempo run and have a talk with the little culprit!

When I returned, my heartrate had come down and so I opted to begin the 2nd 3 mile set at 8:20. It was a little struggle the last mile but I pulled through ticking off each tenth of a mile as I turned pages in a Sunset magazine to distract myself. I rested for a couple of minutes by walking to the drinking fountains and jotting down what I had thus far completed. I then resumed my workout and did a 3rd set... 1.75 miles at 8:13. I cooled down with another 1.5 miles on the bike. Total = 7.5 miles.

I feel very good about the workout but my foot aches (the bursa) and thereby am pleased that today is my rest day. :)

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Mondays swim workout consisted of the following:
350m mixed stroke warmup (4th length skull)
10x25m backstroke drill (dolphin kick down/palms down on return length)
50m 100m 150m 200m pull
200m 150m 100m 50m freestyle
250m freestyle cooldown
Total = 1850m

Previously, we have not done pull sets when I've been present. So, this was new to me. Upon completion, it was evident that my strength is in my legs. Proof that I need to work the core and upper body more.

I also signed up for 4 swim clinics (one for each stroke). For $15 each, participants will be provided with individualized instruction...including videotape!! My girlfriend has done 2 clinics already and really enjoyed the experience. I'm looking forward to it... my first clinic is on the 26th.