February already??

I cannot believe that it's February already! Wow!

OK, let's see. Last Tuesday I did my run as planned. I did a 14/16 run/walk combo with 3 and 4 minute running intervals (alternating). I also did 6 minutes of barefoot running at the end. I did 2 minutes in my new Vibram Fivefingers, then 2 minutes barefoot, then I walked for one minute and then did another 2 minutes barefoot. I do my barefoot intervals at a 5.0 mph...so that means I'm up to running a half mile barefoot. Yay!

Wednesday was swim lesson #2. The instructor did come more prepared, and another guy joined the class who was pretty much at the same level as me and had the same goals, so that was kind of funny. He, my H and I all did different drills while the instructor worked with the other swimmers. It was better than day one, but nothing earth shattering was learned. I did pick up a bunch of things/improvments that I can work on for the next class. I'm glad the class was more of a workout than the first one because this time, we didn't have time to swim on our own afterwards because my H had to leave for Seattle.

Thursday I was exhausted and had to work late. I had been sleeping poorly all week and it started to catch up with me. I managed to do another PowerFit workout, but that's all I had energy for. I did do it barefoot though! Actually, I did it in my Vibram Fivefingers which was actually better than barefoot because it kept the bands from either slipping off my feet, or from pinching them. I also opted to run on the treadmill for a bit barefoot. I just did 6 minutes (in 2 minute intervals) totally barefoot. I barely broke a sweat, but I want to make sure my feet and calves are getting consistent work.

Friday ended up being a rest day. I actually slept for 9.5 hours Friday night...so I think I needed it.

Saturday was supposed to be a swim workout but when we got to the pool, the place was mobbed and closed for lap swim. They had some huge regional swim meeting going on. Bummer. My workout that day consistent of getting my hair colored and then the PowerFit core workout. Overall, I am definitely seeing an improvement in my strength, my CV fitness and I swear that my body is begining to reshape a bit. That could be wishful thinking though!

On Sunday the swim club was still closed to us (meet still going on) but I really wanted to swim. The day before, my H got an email from BCBS about a new fitness program available to us. For $29/mo, you get access to a ton of clubs. On the list was our current swim club, 24-hour fitness (which in our neighborhood also includes a lap pool), Bally's and a couple of small local clubs. We signed up, printed out the card, and then headed over to 24-hour fitness. It was SOOO nice swiming in a lap pool when there are no kids around! It was nice and quiet and I was able to really focus on my workout. I do think that swimming in a huge pool with lots of activity and distractions is good tri practice, but sometimes it's nice to just zone out. The best part is that the pool is open pretty much 24-7. They have a one hour fitness class in there 5 days a week, but that's it. I can swim at 11 pm if I so choose!!

Anyway, later that day we did a bunch of planting and prunning and cleaned out the chicken coop....and then I got in my run. I did my last 14/16 run/walk with the same intervals as before. I then did 2 x 2 minute intervals of running barefoot (no VFF's this time). I was ready to do the third interval, but then I had digestive issues and pretty much had to take it down to a slow walk immediately!

Today I'm tired, hungry and sore...but I'm feeling pretty positive. Go figure. I'll be swimming right after work and if there is time, I'm going to do the PowerFit core workout again. It's got some nice stretching in it, and it's very relaxing.