The Nervous Novice- Getting Ready for first triathlons

Eve’s New Years Resolution No1. Stretch and Strengthen.

This years New Years resolutions included training and completing a Triathlon. I did the Shrewsbury Tri in 2011 and enjoyed it so much I decided 2012 would really be the year to try Tri. I also decided that for this year some proper training would be in order as I limped around the run last year and faffed through the transitions.

Some short 2mile runs with Clare Jones and a 10k ride on the turbo trainer kicked 2012 off to a good start and I was fitter than I expected, but do feel I’m carrying some extra Christmas mince pies. I have decided to split my triathlon training into three sections, training for each event, healthy eating and stretching and strengthening.

Last year I pulled a muscle in my back two days before the tri. Zac Laraman from Snowdonia Sports Medecine got me going but my back was very stiff on the bike and really affected my ability to run. This year I have decided injury prevention is going to be key.

This week at Surf-Lines we started our Adventure Gym Classes so taking advantage of this I did Iyengar Yoga on weds evening from 6-7pm with Vicky and then on Thursday lunch time 12-1pm I did Pilates with Clare Tuck.

Iyengar yoga uses props such as belts, blocks, blankets and even the wall to help guide you into the right postures. this minimises injury and makes this type of yoga accessible to all ages and abilities. The aim is to develop strength, mobility and stability through the postures. What I didn’t quite realise was how unbalanced I was and that the flexibilty in my ham strings was terrible. Vicky was great though as she breaks down each posture and describes it really carefully so even inept yoga students such as myself could really understand how each posture was meant to really feel. Yoga was also very peaceful, and relaxing, I started the session with the rumblings of a migraine and by the end of the session the headache had gone (drug free) and I was feeling stress free.

I had nothing to compare Pilates to as this was a totally new class for me but I can honestly say not only did I really enjoy the class but stomach muscles that I didn’t know existed are aching today! Pilates emphasises spinal and pelvic alignment, strengthening the core, breathing and improving co-ordination and balance.  Dr Clare Tuck  carefully explained correct posture with stomach muscles supporting the back. She then switched on the music creating a relaxing atmosphere. This was followed by a series of positions and movements on the mat and using props such as blocks and squeezy rings to work stomach, leg, bum, back and arm muscles. This was a beginners class but Clare pushed us a little bit and you could feel all your deep muscles around your core awakening. Another fantastic class which has given me a lot to think about in terms of my core strength, balance and stress relief.

So more work tonight? Maybe a gentle spin on the turbo trainer as I do feel a bit stiff and sore. Next week hopefully more running, swimming and nibbling on Riveta.