Two Weeks into My Triathlon Journey

 I just completed 2 weeks of serious training for my triathlon adventure. Week one was good and I completed all my planned workouts. Week two was not so good. I was tired, depressed and almost decided to just quit it all. There have been lessons I have learned though in the past two weeks.First, I bite off more than I could chew on this goal. In following the suggestions of some triathlon training guides for amateur sprint distances, I should be doing about 8-9 hours of training a week. Well, having a full time job, teaching some evenings and keeping up with the family/kids activities, does not leave much time for training, certainly not 9. I have determined that 6-7 hours is more do-able and I should not beat myself up just because I can't do more like they suggest. In setting goals, one needs to be realistic with what they can conceivably do and commit to.Secondly, improvements do not come overnight. I have been a bit discouraged with my cardiovascular capacity. I thought by now with 6 weeks of training (4 weeks-base training, 2 weeks-build segment training), that I would find my breathing and heart rate better regulated. I am still feeling out of breath quite often, particularly with my swimming. Since I have been running for several months, I have been able to pace my breathing and do see an improvement with my stamina. Even though I like the cycling portion of my training and my legs have adapted, my cardiovascular endurance is not up to par. I am just hoping my Mitro Valve Prolaspe is not interfering with the development of my cardiovascular endurance.Thirdly, weekly workouts must be planned but also be adaptable. On Sundays I plan out my daily workouts and aim to get 2 sessions a week on each segment of a triathlon(bike, run, swim) plus a weight training session, Pilates and/or yoga. If a workout is planned ahead of time, it prevents the aimless wandering and helps prepare the mind for that days course. However, it is helpful to be adaptable. For example, on paper I had planned a swimming training session but when I got to the gym I had forgotten that on this particular night the lap pool was closed for swim lessons. Therefore, I had to adapt and do something else. Likewise, I have had to adapt my session's focus and listen to how my body was responding. Recently on a running day, I was scheduled to focus on building endurance by doing a long, steady run. But on that particular day, my legs felt like bricks and exhaustion had set in. I adjusted my run and did 1 minute intervals of speed and then walking. I was able to finish the hour session with a nice extended warm up and cool down of walking.Some positive outcomes so far have been increased energy following a workout. I definitely feel physically stronger and parts of my workouts are getting easier. I also think my husband has noticed the physical changes:)