3 weeks out. Beat down.

Paul Stone

 So, couple more weeks until Austin 70.3. I am dying on my z4 intervals on the trainer. z3 inside and out I'm right on it. Nailing those intervals. Runs are solid, swims solid for me but i just cant hammer out any z4.  Im rested, eating right, about 2 pounds from race weight. should I not worry about those intervals anymore and just dial in my race pace?  Should I struggle through them? I think its mental since this is my only event this year. I feel like im readybut am frustrated with those z4 Bikes. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Al Truscott

 Two options:

Mentally/physically exhausted. Possible signs - sleeping problems - too much, too little, poor quality. Grumpy around family, friends, colleagues.No enthusiasm for usual things which you like. Dropping weight despite eating like you have a tapeworm. If this is it, take two days off minimum and then start up again, treading lightly on any Z4 work.

You are not showing signs of exhaustion: at this stage (less than 3 weeks to go), you will probably benefit from doing just what you are feeling- focus on race pace work. If you feel guilty about not doing harder stuff. throw down some strides in two run workouts a week, and do some about 4-6 minutes of "ON" time bike VO2 max work, 30-60 second intervals. That's really all you need at this stage after what has probably been a very long and effective build up to this race.

Paul Stone

With this being the only event for this year and it being a half iron, it feels like a long year. All race prep feels good. I'll just stretch that out and hit some intervals.

Thanks Al.