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July 15, 2008
Training Update
But first, a picture of what Roxy and O really do all day when I'm at work. Nobody ever accused those two of working too hard. Actually, come to think of it, nobody really ever accused me of working too hard either...
Training has been going well. I think I left off somewhere around last Thursday or Friday. Last Friday I did my last BIG brick before Steelhead. I started off in the pool for 4000 yds and then headed out on my bike for a 3:40 ride followed up with a 30 minute run off the bike. I have to admit I had reservations about this workout. It came at the end of a big week and I was tired. But the swim went well and then it kept getting better from there. O formulated a new loop for me which had me riding in some new, beautiful areas. Lots of climbing still but I've come to accept the fact that if you ride for longer than 30 minutes around here you WILL NOT be able to keep it flat. As hard as it is to find hills in some areas, it's equally as difficult to find flats around here. I know it has made me a stronger rider though, so I'm not complaining.
Anyway, the new loop was great and although I endured a nasty headwind for part of the ride I got that same wind behind me for about 20 miles back home. Now that is some sweet business! I finished the ride and started my run and ran faster than I ever have off the bike with my HR right where it needed to be. I was amazed. Sometimes when you least expect it is when you really surprise yourself.
We were up bright and early on Saturday for O's triathlon but I brought my running shoes and swim gear so I could have some fun too! Saturday was a short, easy day for me with a 30 minute easy run (O actually did it with me as his cooldown!) and then some time swimming in the lake. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to swim in some open water. I just took it nice and easy but got some practice sighting and getting more comfortable in a lake. The water felt great. On the way home from the race O dropped me off at the YMCA for my final weight lifting session until after Steelhead.
Sunday morning O and I woke up bright and early again for a long run. I was assuming I would be solo on this but O felt fine after his race (I guess the run portion really only was 8 minutes for him...) so he joined me. We ran just a little shy of 13 miles and I felt really good. Probably because I had an easy day between my long ride and long run, not something I usually have. As good as the run was, the conditions left little to be desired. It felt like we were running in a jungle! It was incredibly humid and at 6:30 am already in the high 70s. And then there were the bugs. They were relentless! I guess that's what you get when you run in the woods on a trail and don't wear bug spray. :) Anyway, later in the day I was telling my sister (who was in PA for my grandmother) how hot and humid it was and she laughed at me. "This? This is hot and humid for you?" in the snarkiest tone possible. Yep, she lives in North Carolina and she had no pity on me. :)
Yesterday began the taper for NYC and I couldn't be more happy about it! See...sometimes I like the taper, sometimes I don't. This happens to be one of those times when I *really* like the taper. :) Yesterday was some light work on the track in the morning and today brought a trip to the pool and some light interval work on the bike.
This morning I tried out my new race wheels to make sure all was well and mostly because I just couldn't help myself. And WOW do they feel great. Unfortunatly though, my bike computer sensor was obviously not working properly and it was driving me crazy. I know there are many people who don't use a bike computer when they are racing and sometimes not at all! I am not one of these people. At all. If something happened in a race and the computer stopped working well of course I would be fine, just slightly annoyed. But if given the choice, I want my bike computer and I want it to work! So when I got home I consulted O who immediately diagnosed the problem and better yet had a solution. Now that's my kind of equipment manager!
Tomorrow is a day off training and a chiro/massage appointment. Meanwhile, O is busily working on the maps for our trip to NYC. I emailed a friend about our upcoming trip and told her I would consider the race a success if we made it out alive. O and I are not really big city people. But I believe we will figure it out. I think. I hope... :)
Have a great day everyone!
Posted by beth at July 15, 2008 2:59 PM
Comments
HEY! I'm going to NYC to cheer on one of my friends... would love to meet up with you guys. ELF for Jen H have my number. Enjoy the taper, good luck with packing, and travel safe! If I don't catch you before the race: GOOD LUCK!
Posted by: Ashley at July 16, 2008 10:19 AM