WWW.DAVERODDA.COM

Today is 12 weeks since I started this journey. 7 more days till the Copper Creek Triathlon and I thought I would give you an update on training.

Running: My IT Band injury is healing with the help of Cory Drees at http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/. I have been going to a chiropractor for over 5 years but was not getting near the hands on corrections that I am getting from Cory. His knowledge of sports related injuries is outstanding. On my first visit he immediately knew what to do to start the healing instantly. It had been 10 days since the Dam to Dam and I was not able to run more than 1 lap on the track without sharp pains. Within an hour after leaving his office I was able to run 3 miles with very little pain. I ran 7 miles the next day and returned for a follow up visit yesterday and was worked on again to help with long lasting relief. It was great to get back on the trails and logging the miles after the time off.

Swimming: Swimming is going well. Lessons were really helpful to allow me to start working on a new swim technique. I swim every day for at least an hour and I am improving every time I get in the pool. I have found that swimming an hour early in the morning is an excellent way to start your day on a good note. I am not up to more than 100 meters without stopping at a time however I am logging about 1500 meters each session.  I am confident that once the group takes off in the Triathlon the adrenaline and my competitive nature will kick in and I will be alright with finishing the 750 meters. I am making new friends in the pool too as I have met many people who swim with me almost daily.

Cycling: My bike is going great. I can do over 40 miles at an average of more than 20 MPH. I would like to get a little faster but I am having a hard time while riding alone as I seem to fall back into my comfortable pace of around 19 to 20 mph as the miles fly by. Once again having people to chase in the bike part of the triathlon should be a good incentive to allow me to push my speed a little faster.  I have a bike Analysis and base fitness test to do on Tuesday to dial in my heart rate zones and lactic threshold to allow my training schedule to be closely matched to my fitness level. This is to dial in the Ironman training a bit tighter in the upcoming months.

Weight Loss: Well after 12 weeks I am now 40 pounds lighter than I was when I started this journey. I went from 221 pounds down to 181 pounds. I have gone from 35 waist jeans to 30 inch waist jeans. I am not dieting and I eat 5 to 6 times a day. I do watch my proportions a bit and still have cut all sugars out of my eating except for the White Chocolate macadamia nut Cliff Energy Bars. I stumbled on these and think I am addicted. My weight should be stabilizing here soon. However I feel great when I run as I no longer carry Raegan on my shoulders or should I say the equivalent of this in pounds. My knees and feet love the lighter weight. I even just switched to a new neutral lightweight shoe this week. I no longer need the cushioning on the heels as I don’t even run on the heels anymore.

See You at the Finish Line!

My old Jeans at 12 weeks

12 weeks and down 40 pounds