Triathlon Training Tales: Miscellaneous Training Tidbits

A few random things going on with my IM training.

Bike Maintenance
I had some extra time last week and used it to do a good cleaning on my bike. This spring it has been hard to keep it clean with all the rain we have had – seems I would get it cleaned one day and then it would rain the next day when I had to go ride. I love a clean bike! It’s so pretty and shiny, and it rides much better/smoother when it’s clean. :) Pat got me a bike stand for my birthday and it makes working on my bike much easier.

Nutrition/Food Prep

Besides the swim, bike. and run parts of a triathlon, nutrition is also a big part of the equation. I like to have ‘real’ food during my workouts, especially the long bike rides – it is much more satisfying and nutritious than the gels and power bars.

My coach recommended a couple cookbooks called the “Feed Zone” and “Feed Zone Portables”. The recipes in these books are used by endurance athletes/cyclists. They are easy to make and easy to take with me on my bike.

Every few weeks I spend a day prepping and packaging food, stick it in the freezer and then when I go for a workout I pull out the individual packages I need for that particular workout. I did a lot of food prep last week – making some Pasta Bakes, Swiss Cheese Rice Cakes, and Peanut Chocolate Rice balls.

Pasta Bakes

Peanut Chocolate Rice Balls

PB & J rice cakes

Swimming
I have been swimming outside since June 1. Sometimes it’s really cold, other times it’s just cold! :) Swam with the pelicans Friday morning.