Thursday, August 10, 2006

Back to training

Having spent last week as my "recovery" with only 4 workouts to log, I started this week feeling a little out of shape. But I didn't need to worry.
I postponed my "recovery" ride to saturday last week. And enjoyed a very windy, but nice 30 mile ride up CO Rd 6. I'd like to think that I could've even done 40 miles... but I didn't push it.
Monday I introduced Matt to the thrills of trail running. My first "real" run since the marathon. I felt great. And well, I could've run all day. The trail was in good shape and I loved the constant up and down of the ridgeline through the woods. It was a fun workout.
Tuesday I headed back to the lake for a swim. It's been 2 weeks since I've been the water, and now I've really got to get serious. Most of the summer I've been swimming, but not pushing the distance or the pace. Well, it's not long before my half ironman, so I'd better get comfortable at 45 min - hour long lake swims. I did my usual 35 min swim in Little Long Lake, and it was good. Swimming back I tend to lose my focus, so I'll have to work on that. Seems like I'm not moving at all. Tonight I'll go for another swim at the same distance, then next week start adding on.
Wednesday night was a brick workout. 16 miles on the bike immediately followed by a 20 min. run. I felt strong on the bike, averaging 17.0 mph. That felt a bit like a tempo effort. Then the run is as tough as ever. Who'd have thought that running 2 miles would be tough.... but after the first 1.5 miles my legs get looser and running does become a little easier.
I've been riding my bike to work lately. My way of saying, 'screw you gas guys!' Not that it makes a lot of difference. But 5 miles round trip is 5 miles less on my car. If I was really serious I'd ride it in the morning and at lunch, but for now I'm still driving in the morning, then riding my bike back after lunch.
Miles are miles, and it probably helps. Well, I'd better get going. Time to get ready for the lake. Afterwards it's off to the Ox Yoke to check in with our fellow tri-buddies. It'll be fun to hear what everyone has been up to lately over a burger and a beer.
Catch ya' later!
-Kate