This past weekend was pretty special. On Friday night I attended a seminar by the recently crowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion Isaque Bahiense, and this morning I completed my first Sprint Triathlon.
I had the honour of rolling with Isaque for 3 minutes – he is easily (and obviously) the best grappler that I have had the priveledge of rolling with – he was always 2 steps ahead of me at all times, but he did not submit me. Perhaps he was being nice (probably) – but for me that is a victory. Not to mention the amazing techniques he taught that I will integrate into my grappling game. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from anyone, and that is nice to learn from one of the best.
Secondly I completed my first Sprint Triathlon – 750m swim, 20k bike, and finishing with a 5k run. I underestimated the swim BIG time – I did not grow up swimming and left training until far to late. I had 3 weeks in the pool – live and learn. I will be back in the pool tomorrow morning – I found a weakness and I need to address it. Next Triathlon I will not back crawl or breast stroke – I will front crawl with the Total Immersion style of swimming. I am sure we will revisit that topic here at some point.
The bike was nice – I did not push hard because I was not sure of how the three events in a row would affect my stamina. I also rode a semi-road bike with straight handle bars – a few bike upgrades and some more time in the saddle will certainly improve this aspect of the event.
I focused on the Pose Method of running and felt great. I also tried to keep my heart rate to 130 beats per minute – I timed this by inhaling through my nose.
During training I found that my heart rate stays in Zone 2 if I breath through my nose.
On one hand I am proud that I finished – I set out what I intended to do. On the other hand I am disappointed because I know that I can do better.
But tonight is about celebrating the victories – chips and beer as a way to acknowledge the training hours that I put in, the goal I accomplished, and the small victories from this week end.
Take time to celebrate your accomplishments – it is important. And once the celebration is over move on to the next goal. For me that is the 50 mile race in a June of 2019.
P.S. I also successfully brewed my first batch of Kombucha, well the first ferment. 2nd ferment will feature ginger and turmeric as one flavour profile and the second flavour profile will be strawberry and mint.
Rock and/or Roll!