« December Indeed | Main | It's the Little Things in Life »
December 2, 2006
Um...Still Cold
So I knew the day would come when I would have to ride my bike outside in 20 degree temps. Can't say I was so much looking forward to that day, but I knew it would arrive. And it did. Today. The team ride this morning was lightly attended but on nonetheless so out we went in the windchill of 22.
I basically put on all the clothes I thought I could and still be able to pedal. And I'll tell you - it wasn't that bad. I was cold, yes, but we climbed just about every hill in Pittsburgh and that got me pretty warm - so warm, in fact, that I was actually sweating! Now going down the other side of these hills wasn't often the warmest thing in the world (at one point I thought my teeth were going to fall out they were so cold) but I survived and now I know I can ride outside when it's really cold and it will all be okay.
Good deal. Moving on - we only did about 33 miles this morning but it took 1:55 or so. (refer to the comment on climbing every hill in Pittsburgh and you may understand why) My hip flexors and quads were none to pleased with me. And they weren't happy regardless of if I climbed sitting or standing. But I know hill work is good for me. Not only for the fact that when I race on a hilly course I'll be good to go, but also because they make us stronger. Darn things. :)
When I got home from the ride I laid down in bed and that was that. Nap time. I was feeling the effects of the ride, a hard week of training, and the cold (which makes my nice warm bed that much more enticing).
When I woke up it was time to run. And I can't say that I was jumping for joy. It hadn't gotten any warmer and my stomach was hurting. But then I discovered this video, watched it about 10 times, got really pumped up to race, changed into running clothes and O and I were off to the trail to put in a 12 miler.
The run started off a little rough. First mile? A stellar 8:20. But once I got in a groove I was fine and we were able to run 7:40-8 minute pace. And the 12 miles (done in 1:33:55) was just dandy. We finished just as it was getting dark. And although it was cold (like I've now mentioned about 100 times) it was a clear day and a pretty sunset.
And thus ends my 15 hour week completed in 5 days. Tomorrow is a much needed day off. And on Monday we start again. Keep chopping wood O tells me. Boy is he ever right.
Week summary:
Monday - off
Tuesday - 2500 yd swim w/5x200,5x100 in AM, lifting session at lunch, 1:17 ride in pm (25.7 miles), 1 hour pilates class in pm
Wednesday - 2600 yd swim w/10x100, 300 kick in am, 45 min run w/5x20 sec striders in pm, 1:25 riding on trainer w/ILT in pm, 2x25 pushups, 2x100 crunchers
Thursday - 3500 yd swim w/8x25,8x50,8x75,8x100 in am, lifting session at lunch
Friday - 2600 yd swim w/2x500, 400 kick in am, 60 minute LT test on bike in pm, 50 min run w/5x20 second striders in pm
Saturday - 33 mile ride in am, 12 mile run in pm, core/feet exercises
Sunday - off
A little over 15 hours total, a little over 100 miles riding, only 25 miles running and 11200 yds swimming.
Posted by beth at December 2, 2006 9:04 PM
Comments
so i was watching the video and i was trying to decide if they speeded the up the movements of the triathletes for effect. my conclusion is that they didn't. um, wow.
Posted by: Audrey at December 3, 2006 8:58 AM
Um yeah - I was wondering the same thing - especially when they were coming into T2. Did you see how fast they were flying with both legs off the side of their bikes?! AH!
Posted by: Beth at December 3, 2006 9:56 AM