Friday: You saw Matt's post. We completely killed each other for almost 5 hours. Great ride with the most FTP work I've ever done in one workout and the hardest I've pushed in the final 2 hours (total ride: 100 miles, 4:42, .82 IF, 310 TSS). I was a little worried how the quad issue would hold up for this long ride, but it turned out to be a non-issue on the bike!!
I highly recommend riding with a stronger rider(s) as much as you can. As someone who's pretty much exclusively ridden solo for the past couple years I didn't realize how much more effort is in you when you think you've hit the wall and can't turn the pedals anymore. Now I'm starting to see the benefits of these rides with Matt that I've been doing the last several weeks. Post-ride we hit the local Mexican restaurant with my 2 year old son where I think the 3 of us wiped out their supply of chips & salsa for the night (Matt - maybe that has something to do with your poor Sat morning ride?!). We're planning on riding again together this Friday but eating at a BBQ restaurant this time after the ride - we better call and warn them to ensure they have plenty of pulled pork and brisket on hand!
Saturday: Easy 5 mile run pushing my son to the park in the jogging stroller with dog in tow. Wanted to test out the quad - didn't feel that great as it was still a little painful and crampy.
Sunday: Awesome solo ABP ride mostly in light rain. Total ride: 3:17, 67 miles, .8 IF, 211 TSS. Played a lot of "chase down the rider ahead of me" games.
Monday: Wanted to sleep in but confined to early morning lap swim hours. Had a great workout where I was pretty effortlessly under all my goal paces.
Today: Nailed my FTP intervals outside in some crazy humidity (it was so thick it might as well had been raining). 8' @ 1.03, 12' @ 1.02, 20' @ .993. Then spent almost 15' @ .8. That's the best effort I've been able to put out on an interval ride in a long time. Easy 20' brick run followed - quad was feeling much better today so I think I should be good for the long run tomorrow!!
@Matt - I think you need to go back to "old Matt" and incorporate easy, "recovery" workouts into your "rest" days. You know your body well enough to know when you need to completely back off. You're still early in IM prep so play with it for a couple weeks and see if you feel better.
@Jim- So funny that you mention the benefit of riding with a better rider, as I keep reading about you and Matt killing each other I was saying to myself, I'm definitely incorporating that into my riding post-WI as I'm sure that will push me where I want to go for next season.
I took three days off (ha, Matt's worst nightmare!) after the RR, one to let the swelling in my knee go down, and also because I just felt drained, not sure if I had a little cold or just major fatigue setting in. But, I feel recharged today, and am actually looking forward to my bike/run tonight even though it's on my trainer- so that's a positive thing. I think that recovery is a highly personal thing, and I find that for me it changes year by year and in-season vs. out-season, so I'm sure you will figure out what works best for you right now Matt (and maybe the morning/night switch-off I posted in your other thread will be helpful, I know it's worked well for me at times).
My goal for the next 33 days is to swim, swim, and swim. I've been highly guilty of skipping and shortening most of the swim workouts mostly because of bad weather which has prevented me from doing OWS and oddly overcrowded lap lanes at my gym (I waited 1 hour for a lane one day).
Reading everyone's posts is keeping me focused on getting my own work done- keep up the good work! And avoid ALL creepy guys. (PS- I've definitely called the non-emergency police line before and reported "suspicious behavior", usually they send over a cruiser to check things out. Don't know if that's an option for you, but might be worth a try to get him to go away.)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dewonn43/4879527609/sizes/l/in/set-72157624550771449/ David took this pic this morning... we started at 5:30 a.m. and real feel was already 98! and actual temp was 84.. anyways, we were warming up hence the smiles!! ha. one bug had already gotten in my eye as we crossed over the bridge.. in the dark but bridge is lit up now with blue lights! I wear wristbands to sop up the sweat! and I have on an Arkansas Silly Bandz! for good MOJO from my daughter!!
I love how everyone is hitting workouts like mad this week.
I just came back from the pool/brick run. I did Wednesday's workout because my legs wanted another day to recover before facing the bike again. I found the 400s . . . oddly refreshing. I didn't have to think. I didn't have to write the workout down. I just did 400s. Then I ran.
Since I'm moving this week, the path to workout victory is going to be to do no harm, so I'll be able to get in the weekend bike rides after Friday's bonus workout of many trips up and down stairs. (I committed the cardinal moving sin of going from a third-floor walk-up to a third-floor walk-up.)
Jennifer -- Let me know if you wants OWS company. The pool is starting to feel very short.
Creepy dudes -- Yup. Move along.
And I have the attention span of a gnat and forgot everything else I was going to write.
@Beth - OWS? ohio st? keep me in the loop. also, where do you do your swims?
I just needed today off, for work logistics, and SAUs (starting to run a bit on the low side....) so will be hotting brick tomorrow, and ready to kill it.....
@Michelle, highly recommend the police phone call. If he's got bad intentions, it usually works like a charm at scaring them away. my SO had to do it a couple of times. the truly friendly people are not scared by it.....
the only problem we'll have to work on the coordination of those swims. It's becoming pretty dark for the swims to be done in the morning for me. I usually start at 5, cos the latest day i start work is at 700am.....
shoot me an email, and let's start getting this done. hasanbaydoun@gmail.com
Checking in pretty quickly, I modified my plan a little this week. I moved RR#1 to this past weekend because the previous weekend I was out of town on a bike trip. With the RR on saturday I had sunday off, well ended up just doing a pretty easy swim. Monday I was back on the plan, except for thunderstorms all day sabotaged my access to the pool (outdoor) and it ended up being a second rest day. Kind of like Matt I start to go crazy with too much rest, especially given my current circumstances. Wasn't sure I was going to mention it, but given all the ladies rallying against creepers I figured I'd throw one out there for the guys too, I've been in a funky mood the last week or so which is in part the result of me and my girlfriend parting ways over creative difference-- i.e ironman. Who'd a thunk SAUs apply to girlfriends too? Long story short, too much idle time is not a good thing for me right now.
This morning woke up to more rain and lighting which ruined my plan to do the Thursday vdot test this AM, ended up getting it over lunch though. Time was 19:22 I think, vdot of 52 which is not horrible for me but not an improvement either, I'll take it though given it was in 94 degrees and 100% humidity. I was in definite pain at the end still to this day I'm pretty sure vdot tests are my least favorite workout, I'll take a 2:30 run over one. Hit the pool after work to try and make up yesterday's swim. New plan is to hit the bike intervals and brick tomorrow and Thursday I'll be doing a 2 hour run. Yes this is supposed to be a rest week, but coming off of basically 2 days of rest over the weekend I'm actually feeling quite fresh, using this opportunity to try and make up for some of the long runs I've missed earlier in the season due to travel without going completely overboard.
As always, good work everyone. Let's keep it rolling.
Hasan and Beth- I'm planning on heading to OSB Thursday night after work, probably around 6:30 (since the weather finally looks like it's not planning on storming). Planning on doing 2 miles. Let me know if you want to meet up!
Trevor- sorry to hear about the parting- I constantly find it really hard to manage IM with the rest of life. I was just told by a few friends that they are "concerned" about my 8pm bedtimes and current lack of a social life outside triathlons! One of these days I'll manage it all...
Marianne- I think you are going to be so prepared for the weather at IMOO... 98 at 5:30am is no joke!
Today I got in the pool to work on form, which I've been struggling with for some unknown reason lately, and was extremely happy that I am back to gliding through the water. Unfortunately my joy was a little bit tempered when I got out, got on my bike to test out my knee and still had some pain, but at least it was minimal. I'm sure it will get figured out soon- fingers crossed.
We are all changing days all around. That is what life throws at us sometimes. This week I am on schedule, but refuse to test. I prefer to live in denial ;-)
@Hasan- I need to refill my SAU bank. It is dreadfully low. Work has sucked away my cheer this week, but it is now returning. I owe him big time for listening to me whine about my new bosses (yes 2, not just 1).
Very dark when I headed out to run. We have a long hill to the hightest point in town. When I moved here, it took me 1:54 to get up it. Since joining EN, I have gotten that down to 1:29. Today I hit an all time low of 1:22! Very psyched.
Creepy guy did not show up today. I put my gear in a different place, left drink in the car, and kept my key on my suit. Much less stressful. My neighbor is a rower, and we are on the lake at the same time. She did almost run me over. I tow a buoy so she can see me. There was a gang of buoy-less swimmers that she was trying to avoid. I look up and she is RIGHT THERE! I screamed her name and ducked to the side but knew I'd get hit by the oar unless she stopped rowing. She did! Phew! Gave me a chuckle once I knew I was clear. Otherwise the 400s were uneventful and awesome. Form slipped on #7, but I got it back by focusing and knowing I was almost done. And pretending it was race day!
Booyaaa!!!! Never thought I'd be happy to say I ran 5 miles on the treadmill this morning!!! All well and stitches come out tomorrow! I just have to watch making too many facial expressions.. stretches the stitches. I will be soooo glad when eye isn't sore anymore. I am a right side sleeper and can't tell you how many times I've rolled over to OUCH!!!
1:02 in Walden Pond this morning. I love to swim, but my swimming has just felt "off" this entire training cycle. It didn't help that my 18 y/o told me I was "messed up," but couldn't elaborate. Anyway, when I got out today, there was an woman giving a lesson near the shore. I know she's a long-time swimmer, and I've seen her officiating at meets. Anywho, I stood up and she said, "I've been watching you b/c you look good--nice and high in the water." Well THANK YOU! That made me feel good. All due to the wetsuit, but I'll take it.
Ran 40' on concrete posts. By the 30' mark I felt better, but this was not a pretty run. Done and DONE for the day.
@Trevor--sorry about the split. That's rough, and never feels good.
@Michele--Gavin de Becker as a book called "The Gift of Fear." Never, ever, ever ignore that gut feeling. It's what will keep you safe. If the guy comes across as sketchy, he probably is. Good for you for not ignoring it.
@Kris--stiches out already? That's great. Nice to see you back even on the 'mill. We'll take it. I'm jazzed about the day too! It's going to be tremendous for us all.
@ jen - I'm game for Thursday's Swim 630. good job on your swim...
@ Trevor - sorry to hear about that. I must say, being my first season doing IM (did 1/2 last yr), it is taxing on the schedule. I hope it will not distract you off everything else going on your life. It's rough but hang on in there. EVERYTHING happens for a reason....
@ Michelle - good to hear your "friend" was not there today. One of the peeps I ride with uses a product he bought off a site called pacsafe.com. He swears by it, and has had it since the beginning of this season. not sure if that would help. In my case, all I take with me is is my bike lock keys, and I'm game for my OWS
keep the good work everybody - keep your SAUs high, 32 days remaining ;-)
Linda- I'd just love to get a comment like that after a swim- wetsuit or not!
Speaking of wetsuits, I haven't been in my long sleeve since........uh.......IMWI 2008??? Crap! I plan on meeting some out of town friends who are here on vacation for an ocean swim this afternoon (hopefully the ocean will be OK) and if I'm lucky the water will be cool enough to wear the long sleeve suit. I'm actually guessing sleeveless will be what we end up with in Madison but I'd like to have one or two swims in both just to be sure.
You'd think living at the beach I'd have lots of access to OWS, but the reality is jellyfish, super cold temps, and rip currents, make actually "swimming" (vs playing) in the ocean a bit of a guessing game- you just never know if the ocean is gonna let you do that 1 hour swim you have on the schedule or not!!!
Hasan and Jennifer - I'm in for Thursday 6:30, too. I may have to cut out a little early, since there's moving the next day for me, but I'm so there for at least a mile!
Kris - Way to get it done on the dreadmill!
Linda - Take the form compliment -- it is not just the wetsuit.
Trevor - Oh, man, break ups suck. Ironman was definitely a factor in the break up I had last February. Yes, SAUs definitely apply to girlfriends and boyfriends. I think in relationships, as athletes who have Ironman as such a huge part of our culture, we also kinda need our partners to be able to connect in some way to this important thing we do. Triathlon has definitely made me a better woman. It is cool when other people see that, too -- especially romantic partners.
Bike. Done. Twenty minute brick run? That was actually rather cute and short! I did not feel like a graceful and beautiful swan during any of the workout, but it is done!
Woke up with wicked headache and just couldn't get up and run. Between the heat (100 again today) and air quality in the code orange range, my sinuses are a wreck. Chattanoga sits in a valley between several mountains and is just covered in a blanket of ha*e.
Went in for a short day @ ;work and then to gym with head still aching. Did the 40 min run on the dreadmill, but decided not to swim. No point in making myself feel any worse. Here's hoping there is improvement for the LR tomorrow!!
I think you Int peeps should do a shout out to the coaches. I think that's a mistake in the plans. I went through all my old PDFs of EN plans, and not one (Beg, Int, & Adv) has a Vdot test at this stage of training. What for? You don't need it, but you do need to be on your feet for 2 hours, which is what all the other plans say. The current beg plan has a 2 hour run, and that's what I'm doing, and what I know I need to be doing. I might be wrong, but I think it's a mistake. Just sayin'...it doesn't make sense to me.
@G--good call on bagging the swim That is miserable.
@M--I go early, 6-6:30, usually no later than 7. Not sure I'll make in on Friday, but Leigh and Dave are planning to be there early--FYI. Maybe I can be persuaded...Truthfully, I was going to sleep in and just swim in the pm.
Kind of been wondering the same thing myself Linda-what a vDot test??? Seems rather strange on the last couple of weeks before taper??? Im bagging the test and doing the long run. So, Linda you have a 2 hour....wonder if int is 2.5 again?? anyone know for sure?
Hello everyone! I'm pretty late to the Ironman Wisconsin forum but have been trying to read up over the past few days. There is some great information here and it looks like everyone is doing well with their training. I'm relieved to see that some have been experiencing some degree of fatigue lately. I've hit a serious rough patch this week.
This past weekend went really well. Joined up with Vision Quest in Madison for an hour swim followed by 3 loops, 120 miles, of the course. Went for a short run after. Sunday was a 3 hour ride. Monday came and I was feeling great. I decided to add a 8 mile run on top of the swim (think this is what killed me). Yesterday and today have been terrible. Tired, cranky and miserable. Managed to get on the bike for an easy hour yesterday, and took the day off today to rest up for the long run tomorrow.
Thanks for letting me vent. I've gathered some inspiration from all of your stories and will use it to get my butt out the door for my long run tomorrow! Good luck with your training.
This past weekend went really well. Joined up with Vision Quest in Madison for an hour swim followed by 3 loops, 120 miles, of the course. Went for a short run after. Sunday was a 3 hour ride. Monday came and I was feeling great. I decided to add a 8 mile run on top of the swim (think this is what killed me). Yesterday and today have been terrible. Tired, cranky and miserable. Managed to get on the bike for an easy hour yesterday, and took the day off today to rest up for the long run tomorrow.
Welcome Robert! That is one heck of a weekend of training, standing down for a rest day was probably a good idea.
Did my long run this morning. Luckily I was able to get started before the sun came up because once it did it was boiling out there. Dew point when I took off was 74. Despite the humidity and the still achy quadricep I nailed this run. 2:10, 18 miles with 9 at LRP and 9 at MP. I had my doubts about hitting MP but somehow I pulled it off. The quad was a little tight but not so bad that it slowed me down. Did a sweet little recovery swim at lunch (exactly as Linda specified last week) then had another massage afterwards.
For those doing the long run tomorrow have fun! Just know it's one of the last so enjoy yourself. Early morning swim for me.
Trevor posted in the Micro forum about the testing and switching it with a long run instead and here's P's response:
@Trevor, that week _should_ be a recovery week, hence the testing. You can do a long run on thursday up to 2hrs, but I suggest friday off or just technique swim!
Honestly, I'm hoping to boost the vDot, so I'm going to test and see if I've earned anything
Posted By Jennifer Burbatt on 11 Aug 2010 08:53 PM
Trevor posted in the Micro forum about the testing and switching it with a long run instead and here's P's response:
@Trevor, that week _should_ be a recovery week, hence the testing. You can do a long run on thursday up to 2hrs, but I suggest friday off or just technique swim!
Honestly, I'm hoping to boost the vDot, so I'm going to test and see if I've earned anything
Thanks Jennifer....just what I needed to know Good luck with your test!
Posted By Jennifer Burbatt on 11 Aug 2010 08:53 PM
Trevor posted in the Micro forum about the testing and switching it with a long run instead and here's P's response:
@Trevor, that week _should_ be a recovery week, hence the testing. You can do a long run on thursday up to 2hrs, but I suggest friday off or just technique swim!
Honestly, I'm hoping to boost the vDot, so I'm going to test and see if I've earned anything
Thanks Jennifer....just what I needed to know Good luck with your test!
Thanks Jennifer, I should have reposted that here. Also thanks for everyone's words of encouragement, truthfully I'm doing fine, just one extra distraction, it's been bothering me more at work than it has during training.
Anyway, had a fun ride tonight, did the tuesday 1:15 ride and 20 brick. It was a hot one, 94 degrees and humid I believe, the head index was something like 105. Biking in the heat I can tolerate well enough but the run absolutely fried me. Truth be told I rode with some friends tonight so I didn't get to hit the intervals all exactly as prescribed, but I pushed it pretty much the entire ride with intervals whenever I could sneak them in, averaged. 0.87 IF for the whole 1:15 ride. The run was at .78 IF and that was much as I could tolerate in the heat, I did not get enough water during the ride and after 20 minutes I was completely fried. Fortunately a friend and I went in and grabbed some pizza and beer afterwards which also went a long way to lifting my spirits.
About to hit the sack and opting for the long run tomorrow since I did my vDOT test on Tuesday. For everyone who is testing tomorrow, good luck and go get em! I've expressed my disdain for vdot tests in the past, I'd much rather just do a competitive 5k since I have a hard time abusing myself to the same extent solo.
Thanks Jennifer, I should have reposted that here. Also thanks for everyone's words of encouragement, truthfully I'm doing fine, just one extra distraction, it's been bothering me more at work than it has during training.
Anyway, had a fun ride tonight, did the tuesday 1:15 ride and 20 brick. It was a hot one, 94 degrees and humid I believe, the head index was something like 105. Biking in the heat I can tolerate well enough but the run absolutely fried me. Truth be told I rode with some friends tonight so I didn't get to hit the intervals all exactly as prescribed, but I pushed it pretty much the entire ride with intervals whenever I could sneak them in, averaged. 0.87 IF for the whole 1:15 ride. The run was at .78 IF and that was much as I could tolerate in the heat, I did not get enough water during the ride and after 20 minutes I was completely fried. Fortunately a friend and I went in and grabbed some pizza and beer afterwards which also went a long way to lifting my spirits.
About to hit the sack and opting for the long run tomorrow since I did my vDOT test on Tuesday. For everyone who is testing tomorrow, good luck and go get em! I've expressed my disdain for vdot tests in the past, I'd much rather just do a competitive 5k since I have a hard time abusing myself to the same extent solo.
Comments
33 days - woo hoo!
Here's my catch up:
Friday: You saw Matt's post. We completely killed each other for almost 5 hours. Great ride with the most FTP work I've ever done in one workout and the hardest I've pushed in the final 2 hours (total ride: 100 miles, 4:42, .82 IF, 310 TSS). I was a little worried how the quad issue would hold up for this long ride, but it turned out to be a non-issue on the bike!!
I highly recommend riding with a stronger rider(s) as much as you can. As someone who's pretty much exclusively ridden solo for the past couple years I didn't realize how much more effort is in you when you think you've hit the wall and can't turn the pedals anymore. Now I'm starting to see the benefits of these rides with Matt that I've been doing the last several weeks. Post-ride we hit the local Mexican restaurant with my 2 year old son where I think the 3 of us wiped out their supply of chips & salsa for the night (Matt - maybe that has something to do with your poor Sat morning ride?!). We're planning on riding again together this Friday but eating at a BBQ restaurant this time after the ride - we better call and warn them to ensure they have plenty of pulled pork and brisket on hand!
Saturday: Easy 5 mile run pushing my son to the park in the jogging stroller with dog in tow. Wanted to test out the quad - didn't feel that great as it was still a little painful and crampy.
Sunday: Awesome solo ABP ride mostly in light rain. Total ride: 3:17, 67 miles, .8 IF, 211 TSS. Played a lot of "chase down the rider ahead of me" games.
Monday: Wanted to sleep in but confined to early morning lap swim hours. Had a great workout where I was pretty effortlessly under all my goal paces.
Today: Nailed my FTP intervals outside in some crazy humidity (it was so thick it might as well had been raining). 8' @ 1.03, 12' @ 1.02, 20' @ .993. Then spent almost 15' @ .8. That's the best effort I've been able to put out on an interval ride in a long time. Easy 20' brick run followed - quad was feeling much better today so I think I should be good for the long run tomorrow!!
@Matt - I think you need to go back to "old Matt" and incorporate easy, "recovery" workouts into your "rest" days. You know your body well enough to know when you need to completely back off. You're still early in IM prep so play with it for a couple weeks and see if you feel better.
@Gina - That's one sweet battle scar!
@Nemo - Sending good vibes your way to get that calf issue resolved and your running back on track.
@et al - Keep up the good work! Only a couple more weeks of real work so keep the focus...
I took three days off (ha, Matt's worst nightmare!) after the RR, one to let the swelling in my knee go down, and also because I just felt drained, not sure if I had a little cold or just major fatigue setting in. But, I feel recharged today, and am actually looking forward to my bike/run tonight even though it's on my trainer- so that's a positive thing. I think that recovery is a highly personal thing, and I find that for me it changes year by year and in-season vs. out-season, so I'm sure you will figure out what works best for you right now Matt (and maybe the morning/night switch-off I posted in your other thread will be helpful, I know it's worked well for me at times).
My goal for the next 33 days is to swim, swim, and swim. I've been highly guilty of skipping and shortening most of the swim workouts mostly because of bad weather which has prevented me from doing OWS and oddly overcrowded lap lanes at my gym (I waited 1 hour for a lane one day).
Reading everyone's posts is keeping me focused on getting my own work done- keep up the good work! And avoid ALL creepy guys. (PS- I've definitely called the non-emergency police line before and reported "suspicious behavior", usually they send over a cruiser to check things out. Don't know if that's an option for you, but might be worth a try to get him to go away.)
David took this pic this morning... we started at 5:30 a.m. and real feel was already 98! and actual temp was 84.. anyways, we were warming up hence the smiles!! ha. one bug had already gotten in my eye as we crossed over the bridge.. in the dark but bridge is lit up now with blue lights! I wear wristbands to sop up the sweat! and I have on an Arkansas Silly Bandz! for good MOJO from my daughter!!
after the first interval, I was whooped and we all stopped to admire the sunrise!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dewonn43/4879696207/in/set-72157624550771449/
and then David announced the next one!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dewonn43/4880220368/in/set-72157624550771449/
so now Heather can zoom!
m
I love how everyone is hitting workouts like mad this week.
I just came back from the pool/brick run. I did Wednesday's workout because my legs wanted another day to recover before facing the bike again. I found the 400s . . . oddly refreshing. I didn't have to think. I didn't have to write the workout down. I just did 400s. Then I ran.
Since I'm moving this week, the path to workout victory is going to be to do no harm, so I'll be able to get in the weekend bike rides after Friday's bonus workout of many trips up and down stairs. (I committed the cardinal moving sin of going from a third-floor walk-up to a third-floor walk-up.)
Jennifer -- Let me know if you wants OWS company. The pool is starting to feel very short.
Creepy dudes -- Yup. Move along.
And I have the attention span of a gnat and forgot everything else I was going to write.
@Beth - OWS? ohio st? keep me in the loop. also, where do you do your swims?
I just needed today off, for work logistics, and SAUs (starting to run a bit on the low side....) so will be hotting brick tomorrow, and ready to kill it.....
@Michelle, highly recommend the police phone call. If he's got bad intentions, it usually works like a charm at scaring them away. my SO had to do it a couple of times. the truly friendly people are not scared by it.....
@Hasan -- Yup. Ohio Street. I swim at LPAC, in the short, yet nice pool. And, yes, please, be my swimming friend!
@ Beth - would love to get some OWS!!!!
the only problem we'll have to work on the coordination of those swims. It's becoming pretty dark for the swims to be done in the morning for me. I usually start at 5, cos the latest day i start work is at 700am.....
shoot me an email, and let's start getting this done. hasanbaydoun@gmail.com
Checking in pretty quickly, I modified my plan a little this week. I moved RR#1 to this past weekend because the previous weekend I was out of town on a bike trip. With the RR on saturday I had sunday off, well ended up just doing a pretty easy swim. Monday I was back on the plan, except for thunderstorms all day sabotaged my access to the pool (outdoor) and it ended up being a second rest day. Kind of like Matt I start to go crazy with too much rest, especially given my current circumstances. Wasn't sure I was going to mention it, but given all the ladies rallying against creepers I figured I'd throw one out there for the guys too, I've been in a funky mood the last week or so which is in part the result of me and my girlfriend parting ways over creative difference-- i.e ironman. Who'd a thunk SAUs apply to girlfriends too? Long story short, too much idle time is not a good thing for me right now.
This morning woke up to more rain and lighting which ruined my plan to do the Thursday vdot test this AM, ended up getting it over lunch though. Time was 19:22 I think, vdot of 52 which is not horrible for me but not an improvement either, I'll take it though given it was in 94 degrees and 100% humidity. I was in definite pain at the end still to this day I'm pretty sure vdot tests are my least favorite workout, I'll take a 2:30 run over one. Hit the pool after work to try and make up yesterday's swim. New plan is to hit the bike intervals and brick tomorrow and Thursday I'll be doing a 2 hour run. Yes this is supposed to be a rest week, but coming off of basically 2 days of rest over the weekend I'm actually feeling quite fresh, using this opportunity to try and make up for some of the long runs I've missed earlier in the season due to travel without going completely overboard.
As always, good work everyone. Let's keep it rolling.
Trevor- sorry to hear about the parting- I constantly find it really hard to manage IM with the rest of life. I was just told by a few friends that they are "concerned" about my 8pm bedtimes and current lack of a social life outside triathlons! One of these days I'll manage it all...
Marianne- I think you are going to be so prepared for the weather at IMOO... 98 at 5:30am is no joke!
Today I got in the pool to work on form, which I've been struggling with for some unknown reason lately, and was extremely happy that I am back to gliding through the water. Unfortunately my joy was a little bit tempered when I got out, got on my bike to test out my knee and still had some pain, but at least it was minimal. I'm sure it will get figured out soon- fingers crossed.
@Hasan- I need to refill my SAU bank. It is dreadfully low. Work has sucked away my cheer this week, but it is now returning. I owe him big time for listening to me whine about my new bosses (yes 2, not just 1).
Very dark when I headed out to run. We have a long hill to the hightest point in town. When I moved here, it took me 1:54 to get up it. Since joining EN, I have gotten that down to 1:29. Today I hit an all time low of 1:22! Very psyched.
Creepy guy did not show up today. I put my gear in a different place, left drink in the car, and kept my key on my suit. Much less stressful. My neighbor is a rower, and we are on the lake at the same time. She did almost run me over. I tow a buoy so she can see me. There was a gang of buoy-less swimmers that she was trying to avoid. I look up and she is RIGHT THERE! I screamed her name and ducked to the side but knew I'd get hit by the oar unless she stopped rowing. She did! Phew! Gave me a chuckle once I knew I was clear. Otherwise the 400s were uneventful and awesome. Form slipped on #7, but I got it back by focusing and knowing I was almost done. And pretending it was race day!
Really starting to get jazzed abt race day!!!
1:02 in Walden Pond this morning. I love to swim, but my swimming has just felt "off" this entire training cycle. It didn't help that my 18 y/o told me I was "messed up," but couldn't elaborate.
Anyway, when I got out today, there was an woman giving a lesson near the shore. I know she's a long-time swimmer, and I've seen her officiating at meets. Anywho, I stood up and she said, "I've been watching you b/c you look good--nice and high in the water." Well THANK YOU! That made me feel good. All due to the wetsuit, but I'll take it. 
Ran 40' on concrete posts. By the 30' mark I felt better, but this was not a pretty run. Done and DONE for the day.
@Trevor--sorry about the split. That's rough, and never feels good.
@Michele--Gavin de Becker as a book called "The Gift of Fear." Never, ever, ever ignore that gut feeling. It's what will keep you safe. If the guy comes across as sketchy, he probably is. Good for you for not ignoring it.
@Kris--stiches out already? That's great. Nice to see you back even on the 'mill. We'll take it. I'm jazzed about the day too! It's going to be tremendous for us all.
@ jen - I'm game for Thursday's Swim 630. good job on your swim...
@ Trevor - sorry to hear about that. I must say, being my first season doing IM (did 1/2 last yr), it is taxing on the schedule. I hope it will not distract you off everything else going on your life. It's rough but hang on in there. EVERYTHING happens for a reason....
@ Michelle - good to hear your "friend" was not there today. One of the peeps I ride with uses a product he bought off a site called pacsafe.com. He swears by it, and has had it since the beginning of this season. not sure if that would help. In my case, all I take with me is is my bike lock keys, and I'm game for my OWS
keep the good work everybody - keep your SAUs high, 32 days remaining ;-)
-hb
Linda- I'd just love to get a comment like that after a swim- wetsuit or not!
Speaking of wetsuits, I haven't been in my long sleeve since........uh.......IMWI 2008??? Crap! I plan on meeting some out of town friends who are here on vacation for an ocean swim this afternoon (hopefully the ocean will be OK) and if I'm lucky the water will be cool enough to wear the long sleeve suit. I'm actually guessing sleeveless will be what we end up with in Madison but I'd like to have one or two swims in both just to be sure.
You'd think living at the beach I'd have lots of access to OWS, but the reality is jellyfish, super cold temps, and rip currents, make actually "swimming" (vs playing) in the ocean a bit of a guessing game- you just never know if the ocean is gonna let you do that 1 hour swim you have on the schedule or not!!!
PS- Hassan! So nice to see a profile pic of you!!!
Hasan and Jennifer - I'm in for Thursday 6:30, too. I may have to cut out a little early, since there's moving the next day for me, but I'm so there for at least a mile!
Kris - Way to get it done on the dreadmill!
Linda - Take the form compliment -- it is not just the wetsuit.
Trevor - Oh, man, break ups suck. Ironman was definitely a factor in the break up I had last February. Yes, SAUs definitely apply to girlfriends and boyfriends. I think in relationships, as athletes who have Ironman as such a huge part of our culture, we also kinda need our partners to be able to connect in some way to this important thing we do. Triathlon has definitely made me a better woman. It is cool when other people see that, too -- especially romantic partners.
Bike. Done. Twenty minute brick run? That was actually rather cute and short! I did not feel like a graceful and beautiful swan during any of the workout, but it is done!
Woke up with wicked headache and just couldn't get up and run. Between the heat (100 again today) and air quality in the code orange range, my sinuses are a wreck. Chattanoga sits in a valley between several mountains and is just covered in a blanket of ha*e.
Went in for a short day @ ;work and then to gym with head still aching. Did the 40 min run on the dreadmill, but decided not to swim. No point in making myself feel any worse. Here's hoping there is improvement for the LR tomorrow!!
@Linda- what time do you swim at Walden?
Anybody going to test tomorrow?
Where are peeps getting testing for tomorrow? My schedule shows 2 hr run.
Gina, the intermediate schedule has a 5k vdot test tomorrow.
Um, I think I'll try for a solo 5k, but may turn this into a 2x1.5 miler.
I think you Int peeps should do a shout out to the coaches. I think that's a mistake in the plans. I went through all my old PDFs of EN plans, and not one (Beg, Int, & Adv) has a Vdot test at this stage of training. What for? You don't need it, but you do need to be on your feet for 2 hours, which is what all the other plans say. The current beg plan has a 2 hour run, and that's what I'm doing, and what I know I need to be doing. I might be wrong, but I think it's a mistake. Just sayin'...it doesn't make sense to me.
@G--good call on bagging the swim That is miserable.
@M--I go early, 6-6:30, usually no later than 7. Not sure I'll make in on Friday, but Leigh and Dave are planning to be there early--FYI. Maybe I can be persuaded...Truthfully, I was going to sleep in and just swim in the pm.
Kind of been wondering the same thing myself Linda-what a vDot test??? Seems rather strange on the last couple of weeks before taper??? Im bagging the test and doing the long run. So, Linda you have a 2 hour....wonder if int is 2.5 again?? anyone know for sure?
This past weekend went really well. Joined up with Vision Quest in Madison for an hour swim followed by 3 loops, 120 miles, of the course. Went for a short run after. Sunday was a 3 hour ride. Monday came and I was feeling great. I decided to add a 8 mile run on top of the swim (think this is what killed me). Yesterday and today have been terrible. Tired, cranky and miserable. Managed to get on the bike for an easy hour yesterday, and took the day off today to rest up for the long run tomorrow.
Thanks for letting me vent. I've gathered some inspiration from all of your stories and will use it to get my butt out the door for my long run tomorrow! Good luck with your training.
Robert
Welcome Robert! That is one heck of a weekend of training, standing down for a rest day was probably a good idea.
Did my long run this morning. Luckily I was able to get started before the sun came up because once it did it was boiling out there. Dew point when I took off was 74. Despite the humidity and the still achy quadricep I nailed this run. 2:10, 18 miles with 9 at LRP and 9 at MP. I had my doubts about hitting MP but somehow I pulled it off. The quad was a little tight but not so bad that it slowed me down. Did a sweet little recovery swim at lunch (exactly as Linda specified last week) then had another massage afterwards.
For those doing the long run tomorrow have fun! Just know it's one of the last so enjoy yourself. Early morning swim for me.
Honestly, I'm hoping to boost the vDot, so I'm going to test and see if I've earned anything
Thanks Jennifer....just what I needed to know
Good luck with your test!
Excellent. vdot for me, then!
Anyway, had a fun ride tonight, did the tuesday 1:15 ride and 20 brick. It was a hot one, 94 degrees and humid I believe, the head index was something like 105. Biking in the heat I can tolerate well enough but the run absolutely fried me. Truth be told I rode with some friends tonight so I didn't get to hit the intervals all exactly as prescribed, but I pushed it pretty much the entire ride with intervals whenever I could sneak them in, averaged. 0.87 IF for the whole 1:15 ride. The run was at .78 IF and that was much as I could tolerate in the heat, I did not get enough water during the ride and after 20 minutes I was completely fried. Fortunately a friend and I went in and grabbed some pizza and beer afterwards which also went a long way to lifting my spirits.
About to hit the sack and opting for the long run tomorrow since I did my vDOT test on Tuesday. For everyone who is testing tomorrow, good luck and go get em! I've expressed my disdain for vdot tests in the past, I'd much rather just do a competitive 5k since I have a hard time abusing myself to the same extent solo.
Anyway, had a fun ride tonight, did the tuesday 1:15 ride and 20 brick. It was a hot one, 94 degrees and humid I believe, the head index was something like 105. Biking in the heat I can tolerate well enough but the run absolutely fried me. Truth be told I rode with some friends tonight so I didn't get to hit the intervals all exactly as prescribed, but I pushed it pretty much the entire ride with intervals whenever I could sneak them in, averaged. 0.87 IF for the whole 1:15 ride. The run was at .78 IF and that was much as I could tolerate in the heat, I did not get enough water during the ride and after 20 minutes I was completely fried. Fortunately a friend and I went in and grabbed some pizza and beer afterwards which also went a long way to lifting my spirits.
About to hit the sack and opting for the long run tomorrow since I did my vDOT test on Tuesday. For everyone who is testing tomorrow, good luck and go get em! I've expressed my disdain for vdot tests in the past, I'd much rather just do a competitive 5k since I have a hard time abusing myself to the same extent solo.