On Thursday, I had my second lesson. I'm trying to remain patient while I learn to breathe. I kept gulping water instead of air, and other times while my mouth is agape I don't even breathe at all. If I should evaluate myself fairly, it wasn't that bad. I'm having the same difficulties as the others, except one woman who is progressing a bit faster.
I stayed back for an extra 40mins, after the end of the class to practice more and see if I could get it. I want to get the breathing down so badly. I have to coach myself to relax and let it come to me. So I practiced, and practiced and practiced some more. I got some helpful tips from another coach who was just helping some of us out. I tried them, and I improved marginally.
My next class is Tuesday, but I'll be going back to practice on Monday so let's see how that goes. Hoping for further progress
Swim Lesson #2- Takoma
Swim Lesson #1- Takoma
As I train to become a triathlete, I'm in specific need of swim lessons. Fortunately, I live close to the Takoma Aquatic Center, and was able to sign up for 8 lessons for us$10. My first lesson was Tuesday, January 26. The coach asked each member of the class to jump in the pool and swim, for assessment purposes. I must say, I was slightly worried a would be the worst. I signed up for level 2, not sure what level I really should fit in, but it appears I made the right choice. On my try-out I was able to swim half-way the distance of the 25metre pool. Not too bad. I swam on one lungful of air, since I haven't learnt to breathe yet.
Now after some stroke analysis by our coach, it was back in the pool again. This time I was able to swim 3/4 the length of the pool on the same lungful of air. Still not able to breathe yet, but I should be able to make a further attempt at my next class. This seems promising, and I'm excited to continue and review my progress
Work out tracking
Tuesday, January 19 >>>> Track Work out.
Warm up by running one lap (400 meters), with stretches
Ran 25 mins, 8-10 laps ( I lost count)
Walk one lap
Warm down by running 2 laps
Stretch
Abdominals and push ups
Stretch
End of workout
Triathlon 101 - Multisport Clinic
On Saturday, January 16 I delved further into my dream to become a triathlete. I went to the first session in the series of clinic titled, Multisport Clinic. I've never been so excited about the outcome of such a session before. I've never been so enthusiastic about sports, and believe me sports get me pumped up! It honestly feels so damn good. Though this session was an overview of the sport, I still got a few helpful tips which I can start using and working on until the next clinic on the 20th of February.
The clinic inspired me to no bounds. I went by the Bike Rack, and found my bike! Ok, so it does cost (with discounts) US$1100 so with the advice of my woman, I'm sleeping on it for a few days, or week or two. Its a great bike though. I don't k
now much about the technical details to explain, but its an aluminum frame with carbon components..and it's an extra small, female specific. Oh it and feels so good when I ride it. Although expensive, its a bargain for a 2009 Giant road bike and I won't get much of a similar deal anywhere else.
So moving upward and onward with my quest
What Being Gay Means to Me
I just watched a little sappy movie, but it had such a good message beneath the corniness at times. The name of it is Make the Yuletide Gay http://www.zshare.net/video/710603214569cdd3/ and it was about this 22 year old male who was going home for Christmas and his boyfriend showed up. He was in the closet but his boyfriend was not. By Christmas he came out to his family and the show was just about his journey in coming out, and how his family accepted him.
Now this is not the typical story at all for many persons coming out. My coming out had many ups and downs but I'm happy I have done it and my parents know who I am. What is more important though, is how I view myself. I want to live my life for me. I want to marry my girlfriend one day and be free to be ourselves. I want a family and I want it the way the average couple has it. I understand that sometimes life is not simple and that at every point in history there is a specific group of people that have to fight for equality and freedom of choice. Still, I just yearn for the full freedom to express myself, my emotions and the joy I find in myself and my partner whenever the mood hits me.
I don't know, sometimes I just feel so overwhelmed. I know the answers to the questions, but yet I still ask myself. Why is one's sexual orientation a barrier to equal rights? How can others judge and decide that we are not due the same privileges afforded to all humans? How dare they think they can tell us who we cannot be.
Still, noone can stop the love I have, the passion I feel and the determination I have to carve my own way. My journey is rich and I'll make my life as full as I want it to be
The Female Bike Fit
On Tuesday evening at 6.30, I will be attending a clinic to learn more about choosing a bike that suits my body.
Clinic topics include:
- Why a bike fit is important
- Impact of differences between men and women on a bike fit
- The key components of a bike fit
- Common bike fitting errors and injury risks
- Tips for improving your performance
Got my mind on Triathlon and Triathlon on my mind!
Most of my thoughts, when it comes to self-improvement are centered around triathlon. I'm pretty focused right now on making this work and competing in my first triathlon this year. I've begun buying my gears. I have now joined the DC Tri Club. Today is my first meeting/get-together for triathlon and will be meeting members of the club at their annual party...
Got my swim gears and ready to dive in some water and freestyle. The DC Tri Club is terrific and quite resourceful. They have a New Triathlete programme, which I'm hoping to get in as well. They're informational meeting is later this month, so that's on my agenda as well.
Oh yeah!! If you can't tell...i'm excited!!!
