This week has produced some great training for me.
On Wednesday I got my longest swim ever. Feeling great with that and the start of my vacation I pushed on Thursday - doing my brick workout. It was a good feeling to get off the bike and go for a run. I was pretty sore and my legs felt very heavy. Nothing like I was expecting. I thought my legs would be a little fresher. But I pushed a slow pace and and pushed past the pain in my legs and hips.
On Friday - yesterday. I got called off of my part time job, so like any good athlete I substituted a run. I found that I am going no need to have some new shoes soon. Anyway, I got in one of my long runs. I complete 12.5 miles. Not a fast one thought. My R hip and R knee hurt most of the way. That is usually how I know it is time for new shoes. So I slogged my way for 12 miles. I ran all over the city - doing almost a complete loop to get the mileage in. Afterward, I felt great, my legs did not cramp like I was expecting. I got in plenty of fluids afterwards and during the run as well. Stopping at the store and picking up a refill of gatoraid. The weather has been very hot here in Southern Colorado. Yesterday was above 94 degrees.
So I got called off again this morning. Geez I bet you can't guess what I did to past the time. I left early this morning to take advantage of the cooler weather. I got in a 50 mile bike ride this morning. The ride out was great, I felt great and pushed the hills as much as possible. I knew there was a tailwind too so I took advantage of the help. Turning around I was prepared for a long struggle to get home. And it was. I checked the weather when I got back and the average wind speed was 10 mph from the west. Yup, I was heading straight into it. So I kept the gear low and tried to keep my cadence above 80. It was a great training ride. The hills hurt more on the way back and I did cramp up about 5 miles out of town. I stopped, stretched, then pushed the last 5 miles into town.
This week will be slow for training since I am working some long hours. But I will get in what I can, whenever I have some time off. Work at my part time job is needed if I am going to be able to afford new running shoes and new cycling shoes for the big day. Plus I need the money to get out there as well. So work is needed. And so work I will. |
