SATURDAY, 02.14.09 Valentines Day! Friday's rest felt great! I scrambled through everything I needed for today's ride while KC got me to Central Park. I was missing my cleats (to clip onto my pedals) and am disappointed at myself for being unprepared. It was discouraging to see teammates fall at their attempts to clip on to their bike for the first time. We attempted to paceline one bike length apart, taking turns at the lead. It was fun. Weather was cold. I need a pair of booties and a baclava for my next outdoor ride. My Rudy Project Syluro glasses worked great and was perfect for blocking the wind, debris, and any insect from my eyes! Squeezed hip hop class in the afternoon but couldn't make break dancing.
SUNDAY, 02.15.09 Swimming at Riverbank State Park. Need to bring a towel with me next time. His name was Charles (Chuck) Brodsky, chairman, CEO, and owner of The Nations Triathlon in Washington, DC. He coached my swim today. =) How lucky was I??? He watched my every move in the water and pointed out things I need to correct:
-My head lifts too high out of the water when breathing causing my swim route to swerve out of line. I need to turn my head just enough to see the sidelines while I breathe.
- I hesitate on my left strokes - not sure why yet
- I windmill my straight arms. Instead I need to bend my arms and be able to see my fingers zipppp right through the water by the sides of my eyes.
- My wrists pronate and should really be kept solidly still. The strength and power should come from my forearms.
- He complimented my leg kicking drills with the fins - strong and streamlined. I zipped right through the water and I even felt some breeze! He allowed me to demonstrate for a lap. Through this coached session I've become much more confident in my correctable swimming techniques. Very appreciative of his time and encouragement. Hope to see Chuck again soon!
After swim, I was supposed to run, but instead I went for a well deserved dimsum. =P Then headed out bike riding with the sunset at shore road. I fell against the gate on my left side as I tried to clip out of my pedals for the first time. A small bruise on my knee. For safety reasons (or because I was scared), I decided to ride clip-less until I got to shore road. Along shore, I practiced clipping in and out every few meters. Each time I slowed down, clipped off, leaned forward, and landed. I land the floor with my left foot and push off with my right. I got alot accomplished. Today felt unbeleivably good. I've been waiting for this feeling all week!
MONDAY, 02.16.08 Today should have been an "off day" but I decided I had to make use of my motivating energy and expend it. To reinforce what I learned from yesterday's swim, I decided to head to the pool. Practiced skulling to feel the movement and balance in the water. Practiced zipper drill to correct my windmilling. Before swim I attended a yoga class which ended with a cool refreshing cup of orange water. During lecture we learned the rules about pacelining. As a group we call out obstacles and warnings during our ride. We must remain alert and have continous cadence of about 85. The paceline leader's responsiblity is to preserve the pack.
