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"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
Kitsap TriBabes
Abracadabra . . . Winter Training excuses BE GONE!

Dear Tri Babes,

I miss you! Even if you don't miss ME, I hope that you miss training! I know that the winter months can pose MANY obstacles to training. The good news is that I have lots of exciting news to share that should make it easier to train in the Winter months; the bad news is that now you will have NO excuse not to train. Your "Post Season Recovery" phase (otherwise known as wallowing on the couch eating Bon Bons) is officially OVER. It is now time to start doing some "base building" (i.e. consistent cross training activities that build your general fitness AND/OR consistent Tri Training which builds your sum total weekly mileage in the triathlon disciplines of swimming, biking, and run/walking).

One of the main reasons that Winter training is difficult is because the weather makes biking and run/walking unpleasant. However, as with ANY endeavor, the right clothing solves 60% of the problem!!! Therefore, I have scheduled two Gearing Festivals for you!!! I PROMISE that if you get the proper attire, you can mitigate (notice I didn't lie and say "eliminate") the unpleasant realities of Winter Weather. All you need to do is to cultivate the right balance between function and fashion and you'll be downright EXCITED to strut your fabulous training self on even the most inclement of days! You won't believe how easy it is to suffer the storms when you have long legged running pants, a nice long-sleeved tech wear running top, and some gloves. RIGHT NOW, Silverdale Cyclery has some adorable Pink Skull Caps to wear under your bike helmet (and while run/walking) to keep the Pink Spirit aflame during the chilliest of rides. Once again, a few key items such as water resistant long legged biking pants, neoprene shoe covers, and a Rain Shell can transform your mindset regarding Winter riding.

Another thing that makes it hard to train in the Winter is the fact that you worked hard all Tri Season and are pooped -- physically AND mentally. By now, you should be physically recovered. However, if you need a little mental re-charge, please go to the following site for an inspirational story sure to re-kindle your training desires: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/brian.whelan

Logistics are another thing that undermine your ability to train during the winter months -- the days shorten, holiday activities lengthen and the Lake is too darn cold to swim in. I can't do anything about the earth's orbital tilt BUT . . . I CAN tell you to prioritize your training -- schedule it in each day in PEN and get it done as early in your day as humanly possible. Even better, though, I can tell you that the Bremerton YMCA has made swimming MUCH simpler logistically. They have taken over management of the Jarstad Pool and you now have lap lanes open Monday - Friday from 5:15a.m. to 9:30p.m.!!! (The only down time is from 2:30-4:30 when the High School Swim team practices.) They are also open for lap swimming on Saturdays from 8:00a.m. 10:30a.m./Noon - 6:30p.m. and on Sundays from Noon - 9:00p.m. The cost is $3.50 per swim through December 31st!!!

Finally, it is hard to go it alone . . . which is why we will have at least one Winter Training Workshop per month. Please check the www.kitsaptribabes.com website periodically for info on which workshops are being offered and how to register for them. The purpose of these workshops is to: 1) periodically re-charge your training battery; 2) give you more individualized, focused instruction on specific areas of triathlon training. All Vets, as well as any future 2011 Newbies, are welcome at these Workshops.

Whew . . . that was a LOT of info to give you!!! Let me know if you have any questions or workshop suggestions and I hope to see you soon . . . Lisa Be in Tri Babe withdrawal!!!