Monday, June 17, 2013

Tri Training: Cramping my style

Angela and me at Culver City Pool - pre swim class

I am sorry my posts have been few and far in-between. Bad blogger.

One thing I'm learning about this Tri training is, it's very humbling and it's not for the weak at heart or the vain.

I have spoken of it before and I hate to speak it again. I really do try to be all positive, 'rah-rah' I-love-my-body "because it's strong" and "My legs are perfect because they are healthy" but the truth is, I hate my upper thighs. They are dimpled with cellulite, wide and white. Pretty - right? So putting on a bathing suit makes me want to die. I literally had to talk myself out of buying a suit with a skirt because I figured that wouldn't be conducive to Tri training…

But I've done it. I am wearing a bathing suit in front of other people on the regular - one without a skirt. I guess maybe the up side is it'll help me get over myself. I mean, if I hated how I looked in a bathing suit before, I only get more attractive when the swim cap is taking away all my hair and the goggles are on. Oy.

To make matters worse the damage lingers. The other day I noticed that I was developing dark circles under my eyes - WTF!? I later realized that it was left behind indentations from the goggles. Boy, Triathlon training is trying to make me feel ugly! ;)

It's all good though. I'm enjoying the training and mixing up the different sports. I'm still not great in the water but I'm trying.  And I've only been on a spin bike but I plan on picking up a real-life outside bike pretty soon.

Last week I was in Los Angeles and had the chance to take a swimming clinic with SCAQ and once again under the coaching of Clay Evans - Olympic medalist swimmer. No pressure. Truth is, he's super nice and super supportive of us 'guppies.' I learned a few good tips and also learned that I am a very ineffective breather. I tend to lift my head out of the water instead of just tilting my head to the side. Who knew? I'm told that breathing right will save me crucial energy and time - I just have to figure out how to do it right. It doesn't feel natural to me and I feel like I'm going to swallow a lot of water this way. It's something I have to practice.

Unfortunately, I had to quit the class a little early. It's a full hour and 40 minutes in my calves and feet began to cramp awfully. I shook it out the best I could but by 45 mins in, even Clay told me to grab a towel, "Enough for you for today." He was kind, he did say that when you're not used to using your feet and legs like this, it happens. I still felt disappointed though. I definitely only had about 18 oz. of water that day and hardly anything the day before so I was probably dehydrated to boot. But ugh. So annoyed with the cramping. The upside was that it was the most straight swimming I'd ever done - up to that point my swim workouts have only been about 20 minutes.

This week I'm heading back to KY to finally wrap the pilot we've been working on. There is a beautiful lake there and my friend and producing partner and I are planning to do some open-water swimming for practice.

Rip and Jen - we ran out of time on line to meet him so
we improvised this picture!
Also while in Cali, Angela and I went to see a very interesting lecture / book signing with Rip Esselstyn who has written 2 books about being "plant strong" and living a life without meat, dairy or fish. His latest book is "My Beef With Meat." His father was one of the Doctors in "Forks Over Knives" and both the movie and Rip have very compelling reasons for living plant strong and meat free. He was an all-American swimmer and triathlete. He is now a health activist and author. He's pretty interesting and you should check him out. It made me want to "someday" consider being somewhat meat-free. I actually do believe it's probably best I'm just not ready to make that move. Though I think I will begin to strive for more meat-free meals.

Don't forget! If you are interested in doing an IronGirl - you can save $10 with Iron Girl coupon code: IGFINISHLINE

How do you get over feeling insecure or self-conscious in a bathing suit? Would you ever be completely meat free?

XO
Jen






8 comments:

Unknown said...

I feel the same way about my thighs. On the one hand I love them. They are strong and they help me beat all the guys I ride with. But do they have to look like that? Ugh. And yes the wonderful dark circles from the goggles are great right? Not looking forward to that when I start training again.

I am much more comfortable in a swimsuit than I was close to 100 pounds ago but still uneasy.

I have considered going meatless but I don't think I could do it 100%. I do want to go more toward organic and hormone free meat and veggies. I'm working my way toward it. I'm just lazy.

Frickin' Fabulous at 40 said...

There are lots of parts on my body that leave a lot to be desired. Anything looks better tan, so I'll do the Jergens lotion that gradually darkens the skin. That has to be good for you, right? Well the sun isn't better! LOL I definitely felt better in a suit last year, but the extra 10 pounds I found is making me more uncomfortable.

Kitty Fantastic said...

I never owned a pool, it came with our house. We didn't open it last summer because we were traveling. This year we're stay-cationing alot and decided to open it up. I was really excited about it until I realized... I NEED A BATHING SUIT! Ugh!

Tho I have said the pool will be great for me to work out in, I can't get myself to go shopping. I could probably wear bike short and a tank top but I think that makes me feel awkward too...

I've tried to go totally meatless and found I get really frustrated and feel very limited. Just like giving up all carbs does. I agree eating organic meat is a better choice in many ways.

Lori said...

Keep up the work and it will get better. I also hate being in a bathing suit and I train with a bunch of really skinny girls in a co-ed group. I was embarassed at first, but I've done it so much it doesn't bother me at all anymore. I've learned that no one is judging me - it's all in my head.

Make sure you get on a real bike soon. It's a big difference from a spin bike.

Unknown said...

Thanks for all the comments! I am up a few pounds that is making it even more frightful to be in a suit. I have tried the fake bake stuff and I can never get it right. I usually end up just looking dirty.

Lori, I know, I've gotta get the bike! As soon as I get back from KY I'm going to try to get it so I can start practicing on it!

Colleen said...

I have the same insecurities with my body, especially in a swimsuit. I just try to remember that pretty much everyone does and ultimately other people at the gym or pool are worried about their workout and themselves and often don't notice other people.

Good luck with you tri training and have fun!

Scott said...

Luckily I am male..and thus have no insecurities..I can somehow look past my huge butt..beer belly (really should be a cheese belly since I don't drink) and complete lack of any color to say..wow..I have awesome calves..I'm awesome! And do I really need to answer the meat question?? lol.

Although I am guessing with my legs I would look pretty good in a skirt..although probably not swimming in one.

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