7 weeks until Race Day 4/26 - 5/2

Total Training hours this week 23:33:17.

Welcome back to the build. I think last week and actually taking it a little bit easier then the schedule you gave me was a very good thing. I was exhausted.

Sunday - I woke up and ate until I was pretty full. A large bowl of cheerios with an entire banana sliced on top. I wanted to start this run on a full stomach. Honestly, I should have had a PB&Honey sandwich and a Gu for breakfast. Maybe I'll try that next week. So, my run went well. I had wanted to negative split it but that didn't happen. I started cramping in my calves around mile 13 and by mile 14 my back was really bothering me.

Distance - 17 miles, Time - 3:08:06, Pace - 11:04, HR - 140
1st 3rd - Pace - 10:54, HR - 139 (low zone 2)
2nd 3rd - Pace - 10:54, HR - 141 (low zone 2)
3rd 3rd - Pace 11:23, HR - 142 (low zone 2)

Later in the afternoon I did an easy 90 minute spin on my bike. It actually felt good and I kept the gears super easy.

Total Time - 4:38:06

Monday - I moved my swim until Tuesday, because I have more time in the morning. I did strength training at the gym and worked my legs pretty hard. Plus some core work. I still can't get into weights, but I just keep hoping. I spent 45 minutes working out at the gym.

Spin I did the 90 minutes on the trainer, watching TV, talking to my daughter. Well, until her boyfriend came over about 50 minutes into my ride, so the last 40 I was watching TV. Again, it hurts to spin after strength.

Total Time - 2:15:00

Tuesday - I felt like shit in the pool. First off, I did Wednesday's swim today because I have more time, and it is a longer work out. You know how some days you just don't have it? Today was one of those days. I ate an apple on my way to the pool in the morning (along with my coffee) but I felt like a piece of lead in the water. I just couldn't move. My 100's started at a 2:08 pace and I was swimming a 2:22 pace by the end of the set. Over all I swam 3,000 in 1:08:30, for an average pace of 2:17/100. I swear I was tired at the 1600 mark and had to force myself to keep going.

Run - nice and easy 6 miles. My heart rate started in zone 5, then it would jump to 1, then I was pretty steady in high zone 2 for a long time until the last mile or so. I never felt bad, but my HR monitor kept slipping off me.

Distance - 6.0 miles, Time - 1:05:09, Pace - 10:52, HR - 153 (3 beats into zone 3)

Spin - Umm, yeah I really didn't have the "brick" class in me. I worked hard on the bike, but I didn't push the run. Knowing I have 1 mile repeats tomorrow . . well I guess you could say I punked it, or you could say I was being prudent. You pick.

Total Time 3:13:39

Wednesday - There's nothing like getting up at 4:00am to go swimming, nope nothing like it. I also got new goggles, the same aqua sphere mask-like goggles that you have. I like them a lot. At first they kind of block some of my vision but what am I staring at? The line at the bottom of the pool. Also, I think it will help protect my face more from the cold water at CDA. Anyway, onto my swim. It's funny I actually felt much better on my swim today yet my 100 pace average was only 1 second faster then yesterday and my distance was shorter by 500 meters.

So, I felt better but I swam about the same. I swam 2500 meters, time - 56:42, pace - 2:16/100
Speed work running - Let me start by saying I was not in the mood to do this, I kept procrasting at my desk to avoid going out there. I started my warm up and like most days when you feel like crap, you have an awesome workout. The last mile was tough, not just because I was getting tired but it also had more uphill then the rest of the miles. When I strated this I decided I would be happy if I could hold a 9:00 - 9:30 pace, so needless to say, I'm pretty happy with how I did.

Distance 6.0 miles, Time - 58:17, Pace -9:43, HR - 152 (2 beats into zone 3)

Warm Up - Pace 11:50, HR - 124 (zone 1)
Mile 1 - Pace - 8:48, HR - 159 (zone 3) (rest pace - 11:44, HR - 140 (zone 2))
Mile 2 - Pace 8:39, HR - 162 (first beat of zone 4) (rest pace 12:51, HR - 145 (zone 2))
Mile 3 - Pace - 8:14, HR - 165 (zone 4) (rest pace - 13:17, HR - 143)
Mile 4 - Pace - 8:54, HR - 164 (zone 4)
Cool Down - Pace 11:02, HR - 144 (zone 2)

Strength Training - I did upper body focusing on swim muscles; lats, lower lats, triceps. I also did some core work.

Total Time 2:34:59

Thursday - My morning spin, I did not make it through the entire 90 minutes but I went a respectable 70 minutes. My legs are pretty tired and big chain on the trainer, well it just hurt.

My run - a 4 mile easy zone 2 run has never sounded as good as it did today. The distance is short, the pace is easy, it's all good. I felt really good on the run too. I did a lot of finish line visualization - all finishing in the daylight - all a PR. :-) I crack myself up when I get so into I find myself crying on my run, but that's exactly what happened to day, several times. Oh and Lance Armstrong was there putting on my finisher's medal. Funny the way the mind works.

Distance - 4.72 miles (yeah, I went a little over), Time - 51:03, Pace - 10:49, HR - 146 (zone 2)

Total Time 2:01:03

Friday - OK, so I guess you know how this day went. It was my fastest 100 mile ride ever. Thank you so much for riding with me, all day. When you said you were going to ride 6 hours with me I laughed thinking there is no way I can ride 100 miles in 6 hours. Who knew?

Distance - 102.0, Time - 6:07:29, Pace - 16.6, HR - 127 (holy shit . . that is still zone 1)
What do I have to do to get my ass in zone 2 and if I averaged zone 1 why did I feel so crappy?

1st 50 - Time - 3:01:02, Pace - 16.6, HR - 125 (zone 1)
2nd 50 - Time - 2:58:37, Pace - 16.8, HR - 129 (last beat of zone 1)
Last 2 miles - Time - 7:49, Pace - 14.9, HR - 139 (zone 2 at last wow, slowest speed highest heart rate)

My run sucked, I felt like crap, light headed. But I did it.

Run - 3.94 miles, Time - 47:37, Pace - 12:04 (My IM pace), HR - 139 (zone2)

Total Time 6:55:06

Saturday - This was by far the worst swim I have ever had. It was very choppy and lots of waves, I was being thrown all over the place. I really wanted to bail after the fist 2,000 the thought of doing another lap was not all appealing. Then I thought well, race day I can't control the water. But here's the thing, my swim was the one thing I felt good about, the area I've been improving in and now this. FUCK!

Distance - 4,000 , Time - 1:55:24, Pace - 2:52 (seriously, WTF???)

Not even on my worse days have I been swimming like that. Now I know open water is different and I drank a lot of water, my goggles leaked and my right eye is burning on fire, very red and painful. Now I don't feel well, I feel sick to my stomach, I have a head ache and I'm not at Kim's party. Kyle's in a mood and I just didn't want to go down there alone. I suck as a friend and athlete. This is just a bad bad day.

Total Time 1:55:24

8 weeks till race day - 4/19 - 4/25

This posting comes complete with comments from Tim.  His are in blue and bold.

Questions I need answered:

1. Faster cadence in an easier gear brings my heart rate up, but slows me down on the bike. Yes, very typical. Does the same with me as well. It has taken 5 years to master a faster cadence with lots of 90+ mile rides with cadence over 90 rpm. I also feel like I should be building strength by pushing gear and feel like raising my heart rate with an easier faster spin is a cop out. Balance, if you push too hard of a gear you lose the chance of having fresh legs after the bike, too easy of a gear and you sacrifice faster bike splits.  When I can't get into zone 2 on the bike, would you prefer that I decrease the load and pick up  my cadence, or stay in a heavier gear but also remain in zone 1?  These will be things that we will cover on Friday after I ride with you for 6 hours. I prefer 80-85 RPM in a manageable gear that wont trash the legs. When I know I can push I gear harder then I know I'm in the right gear.I can't push enough gear to bring myself into zone 2, my legs just don't have it. Not the legs it's the lungs Alison. Your legs are plenty strong enough, now you need to work those lungs and that heart of yours.

2.   I feel so behind from my base and my speeds are not what they were at this same point for IMAZ, I know this is a B race, but talk to me Tim . . . .I don't feel ready. STOP! Negative thoughts do nothing at this point. Plow ahead Alison. You still have 8 great weeks, 6 of then solid training. Things will come together, but stop thinking anything negative. How about more like I'm going to nail that 100 miler Friday and back it up with a solid 2.5 swim and hammer my long run. I can't wait, I'm ready. Just bring it!

Sunday - I have such a hard time getting that afternoon bike in on Sunday. I loose the entire day on Saturday, it takes me about 8+ hours to finish my work outs and then I'm too tired to do anything else. So on Sunday afternoon I have to much to do and family to be with that I just find it very difficult to fit in.  I will do my best next weekend though.  So, , I did not do the 20 mile afternoon ride. Alison, just leave the ride out! It won't hurt a thing. Family first.

My 5 mile run - 5 miles, on a Sunday . . what a treat.  I honestly didn't even feel bad after yesterdays ride. This was an awesome run. SWEET!

Distance - 5.0 miles, Time - 50:36, Pace - 10:08, HR - 142 (low zone 2) awesome, huh? YEAH!!!!!

Monday -   I ended up swimming 1600. The water just feels so nice and it was warm out  and I was happy.  I averaged a 2:14/100 pace and I swam nice a nice even comfortable pace. I never pushed myself.  I really looked forward to getting in the water and feeling the compression on my legs.  Swimming is great recovery.

Tuesday - I got up and did the easy 60 minute spin.  I'm amazed at how tired I actually still am.

Run - My easy 5 mile lunch hour run was hot. I was running thinking how last week I went out and it was freezing and today it was very warm (about 94). I also felt heavy and had a hard time getting my heart rate into a groove.  I struggled to keep it in zone 2 and as you can see by my average, I didn't do that well.  But the sudden heat will raise the heart rate.

Distance 5 - miles, Time - 55:28:25, Pace - 11:06, HR - 153 (2 beats into zone 3) Perfect

Wednesday - I ran at lunch and it was much cooler then yesterday. I had a cloud cover for a good part of the run. Although, when I would look down my heart rate was still all over the place, but I didn't feel like it was. So, I stopped looking at my heart rate and just ran and what felt slow and comfortable.  I felt much better on today's run then I did on yesterdays.

Distance - 5.0 miles, Time - 55:06, Pace - 11:02, HR - 153 (3 beats into zone 3). Perfect

My swim - an easy 1000.  Nice.

Thursday - I skipped the spin, I felt terrible all day. I had a bad headache and aching, thought I was coming down with the flu. Great decision. When in doubt, leave it out!

 

Friday - SheRox Swim Clinic.  It was fun. LOVE YOU! So great to have you there.

Saturday - OK, so I only biked 30 miles, ok 29.57 and I skipped the brick. I had a waffle ride, meaning 10 people over for waffles, frittatas (yum), bacon (double yum).  So I had cooking to do. Then I became very very lazy for the rest of the day and did nothing but sit on my ass on the couch.  It was crazy boring, and crazy great.  Sounds fun!

 

Distance 29.57, Time - 1:54:51, Pace - 15.5, HR - 132 (low zone 2).

 

9 Weeks and Counting - 4/12 - 4/18

Total Time - 21:35:56

First congratulations on winning the coaches challenge in Rocky Point and for winning your age group. You totally deserve it. :-) I'm sorry I missed it.

Now, I can't begin to tell you how exhausted I am by the time week 3 comes along. the last build before recovery is so hard, I feel like a zombie at times. This week has been full of emotion for me. My 17 year old daughter is falling in love for the first time, my son has spent his first holiday away from home (ok I did see him, but he didn't sleep at our home). The dog is still dying, it's like everyday wondering is it time, should we put her down? Is two hours of quality of life enough in a day to warranty keeping her alive? Are we being selfish? Kyle's working from home now, and let's say his mood hasn't been stellar. Will I still have a job when I return from CDA?

Then in my head, when I'm not thinking about these things - I'm worried about CDA, I'm freaking out about being able to get the distance in that I need and want.

I'm whipped Timbo, totally whipped.

Sunday - Jerry Haut came and rode with me for the first 73, I did the last 17 alone. I felt really good though. But I have to ask . . .why can't I get out of zone 1????? Also it is important to note that my shoulder bothered me some, but it was terrible on my ride. My nutrition sucked and I didn't get in all the food I had hoped, but nothing tasted good and I had stomach cramps for my first mile on my run, but felt better after that.

Distance - 90 miles, Time - 5:36:21, Pace - 16.0mph (that is totally the IM pace I want) HR - 126

The first 50 miles, we did the New River Loop

Pace - 16.6, HR - 126 (zone 1)

I slowed down for the last 40, but there was a lot more uphill and some wind.

Pace - 15.4, HR - 125 (zone 1)

My brick Distance - 5.08 miles, Time - 53:58, Pace - 10:37 (that's right baby off a 90 mile ride), HR - 139 (finally low zone 2).

Monday - I did the strength training before the bike. It's hard to bike after doing leg strength. I really tried to push the weight, and thought about how it's going to make me stronger.

My bike - 90 minutes on the trainer pushing gear. Sucked.

Tuesday - Today has been one bad crazy thing after another. First I overslept, I woke up 5 minutes before I needed to be in the water. Then I get to the gym and I forgot a swim cap and as you know I have a lot of hair. THEN I realized that I didn't write down my workout and because I had overslept by so much I didn't want to spend the time to log onto my computer and gather it. Plus, I'm still having rotator cuff/bicep tendon pain. So since I knew my swim was a 3,000 I just did the 500 swim - 500 pull (buoy) work out. Initially I thought I'd only have time for 2,000, then I figured I'd do 2,500 but nope I managed the entire 3,000 and I wasn't even late for work, but I did come to work with wet hair.

So, the entire swim I felt off, could have been the hair in my face, or just the drag of my hair in the water (I even had 2 pony tails attempting to hold it into place). The fact that my goggles didn't sit right without the cap . . .nothing felt good. OH and I was slow. Slow, slow , slow. I averaged a 2:16/100 pace, which is still a 1:26:08 IM Swim and I would be ecstatic with that. So I guess even on my bad day, it was still a good day.

My run - OK, so my heart rate was all over the place. I just ran at a pace that felt good, and as you can tell by the pace it's what I've been averaging in zone 1 low zone 2, but today I'd look down and I would be in zone 5. I think my HR monitor was off or I just couldn't pull myself together. Or it's just my last week of build and I'm tired.

Distance - 7 miles, Time - 1:17:19, Pace - 11:03, HR - 153 (zone 3), MAX HR - 209 (seriously)

Spin - So, what I discovered at spin tonight . . I know you wanted to see what brings my heart rate up, the answer is higher cadence lower gear. But I always think that I should be pushing a harder gear to gain strength. Talk to me Timbo . . what should I do when I want to bring my heart rate up?

Wednesday - I was up at 4am to get my swim in. I was so tired. I wrote out my schedule before I went to swim, but could not find it once I got to the pool. I'm totally losing it. So, I just swam 3,000 in 1:07:08, that's a 2:14/100 pace aka a 1:24:52 IM swim. I am still improving.

My run . .ok, WTF? It was cold and very very windy. Of the 800 splits, the first 1 and last 3 were into the very heavy head winds and the middle 4 were with a tail wind. But I have to tell you, the end of a build is so hard.

Distance - 6.07 miles, Time - 59:19, Pace - 9:46, HR - 155

Warm up: Pace - 11:26, HR - 143

1st - 800: Pace - 8:45, HR - 167 (rest pace - 12:00, HR - 148)

2nd - 800: Pace - 8:20, HR - 166 (rest pace - 11:04, HR - 150)

3rd - 800: Pace - 8:18, HR - 165 (rest pace - 11:30, HR - 152)

4th - 800: Pace - 8:12, HR - 167 (rest pace - 12:37, HR - 152)

5th - 800: Pace - 8:20, HR - 162 (rest pace - 13:53, HR - 147)

6th - 800: Pace - 8:39, HR - 157 (rest pace - 19:03, HR - 135...yes I walked)

7th - 800: Pace - 9:00, HR - 160 (can you say head wind?) (rest pace - 11:21, HR - 155)

8th - 800: Pace - 8:42, HR - 163

Cool Down: Pace - 11:41, HR - 147

Thursday - I did my spin in the morning, so that when I was done I wouldn't have to work out again until Saturday morning. I am also going to be truthful, this was a very half assed workout. I seriously just moved my legs on the bike. I just didn't have a hard spin in me. I was so glad when it was over (and I only did 1:10).

Friday - Thank God a day off.

Saturday - This was by far the hardest and worst ride I have had. I got a call in the middle (mile 50) and had to take 1/2 hour to help one of our projects. Around mile 70 I started bonking hard. I felt like shit and I was rushed at the end because it was prom and I needed to get back to help Amber. So, my numbers are ride time, it does not include me stopping and they still suck. Once again I could not get out of zone 1. I really need recovery week.

Distance - 95 miles, Time - 6:11:01, Pace - 15.4, HR - 120 (low zone 1)

Because I was totally pushed for time I only ran 1 mile just to run off the bike. I was actually feeling better by the run and could have run longer, but I needed to help Amber.

Distance - 1.0 mile, Time - 9:42, Pace - 9:42 (duh), HR - 147 (zone 2)

10 Weeks and Counting - 4/5 - 4/11

What is it with me and zone 1 on the bike and why in the hell can't I get out of it? I don't know why I can't raise my heart rate. Any ideas?

Sunday - My long run, ok what ever my stomach issues were they are gone now. I felt 1000 times better.

Distance - 14 miles, Time - 2:32:37, Pace - 10:54, HR - 147 (zone 2)
The first 5 miles went fairly quickly, but it took me at least 2 miles to settle in. I averaged a 10:59 pace and a 149 HR. The next 5 miles I felt great and averaged a 10:37 pace still maintaining a 147 HR. The last 4 miles, I slowed down and averaged a 11:09 with a 145 HR.

I did not do the 25 mile bike. Kyle and I started cleaning the house and transforming Brandon's room into an office. Time just got away from me and I really wanted to finish this. So, I skipped the bike. :-( I also pulled something or hurt something in my shoulder while vacuuming today. I don't know what I did but it hurts like all get out.

Monday - I moved my swim until tomorrow.

My lunch hour easy run, I spaced that I had a run, but luckily I had packed stuff to lift on my way home from work. What I didn't pack was my heart rate monitor, or iPod, or watch of any kind. But I do know the 5 mile distance around the lake and I do know how to run easy all zone 2. I think sometimes it's nice to just go out without any electronics and run. Just me, my breathing and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. It was actually really nice.
Strength - I'm still not into it, but I am doing it. I don't know what else to tell you. It's really boring.

Tuesday -I moved my swim to today (easier because I work later). I really had to focus to keep my right arm in check, if I extend too much whatever I did to it hurts. But if I was cautious with my swim everything was fine. Of my 6 x 50 hard they were all under the 1:00 mark, which was great. When I did the 5 X 100's on the 2:30 I was coming in right at 2:05 - 2:10 - I didn't push at all since I knew I would have rest time.

Spin Class - It wasn't the same without you but Anthony did a great job. He never lost track of time and kept us working hard when we were beyond the "time trial" portion. but he didn't dance up and down the isle, which was kind of a bummer and he doesn't look nearly as good in spandex as you.

Wednesday - So, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow about my shoulder. We are closing early on Friday, so I decided to move my workouts (since they are both "arm" related) to Friday after I see the doc. Plus then I can get an early afternoon swim in, which is always nice.
Thursday - I was up early and on the trainer for my 90 minute spin, pushing gears and watching TV. :-)

So, I went to my doctor's today and guess what's wrong with me . . you'll never guess. Bicep tendonitis. Yep, I freaken injured my tendon vacuuming. Seriously I'm 10 weeks away from Ironman and I get hurt with the vacuum. Ok, it was probably irritated by swimming and lifting, but the actual injured occurred with the vacuum. I'm afraid I can't do any more house work during Ironman. :-)

Lunch hour run - Well, I had my doctors appointment and didn't get back from that until noon, So, I started my run late and I was hungry which totally threw me off. My eating schedule is very important and even though I took a Gu before my run it wasn't enough. You will clearly see where I started to bonk.

Distance - 6.10 miles, Time - 57:42, Pace - 9:28, HR - 163 (low zone 4)

Warm Up: Pace - 10:10, HR - 150 (high zone 2)
Round One
5 min on: Pace - 8:13, HR - 169 (zone 4)
1 min off: Pace - 11:01, HR - 169 (zone 4)
4 min on: Pace - 7:59, HR - 173 (zone 4 there was a lot of downhill)
1 min off: Pace - 12:30, HR - 151 (zone 3)
3 min on: Pace - 8:07 , HR - 171 (zone 4)
1 min off: Pace - 13:55, HR - 174 (zone 5, ouch)
2 min on: Pace 8:16, HR - 164 (zone 4)
1 min off: Pace 11:32, HR - 170 (zone 4)
1 min on: Pace - 8:11, HR - 171 (zone 4)
Round Two
1 min off: Pace 13:03, HR - 167 (zone 4)5 min on: Pace - 9:35, HR - 165 (zone 4, can you say bonk?)
1 min off: Pace - 10:58, HR - 158 (zone 3)
4 min on: Pace - 8:59, HR - 169 (zone 4)
1 min off: Pace - 10:12, HR - 164 (zone 4)
3 min on: Pace - 8:48 , HR - 169 (zone 4)
1 min off: Pace - 12:21, HR - 166 (zone 4)
2 min on: Pace 8:39, HR - 169 (zone 4)
1 min off: Pace 10:29, HR - 151 (zone 3)
1 min on: Pace - 8:41, HR - 163 (zone 4)
Cool Down: Pace - 10:17, HR - 159 (zone 3)

Interesting that when I started bonking and feeling bad my speed work pace was slower, but my recovering pace was faster by just about the same amount. What causes that, do you think I wasn't pushing myself as much as I could on that second round? I felt like it was all I had. What are your thoughts?

Friday - I moved my swim to today. My shoulder did not start to hurt until about 2000 meters in, but I just kept it in check and managed the 3000, although my pace slowed substation ally. But I'm ok with that, I just wanted the distance.

Saturday - Rain, rain, rain. I switched my run and my ride so I could ride outside. So, I ran the first 10 miles with my friend Deb, I felt really good and she would ask me, why are you speeding up . . well it was because I was in zone 1 and I felt awesome. the last 5 miles I ran alone and decided to pick it up.

Overall Distance - 15 miles, Time - 2:41:15, Pace - 10:45 (that's right baby), HR - 133 (zone 1).
miles 1 - 5: Pace - 11:03, HR - 128 (zone 1)
miles 6 - 10: Pace - 11:02, HR - 128 (still zone 1)
miles 11 - 15: Pace - 10:10, HR - 144 (zone 2)

Spin - I did 1:30:00 on the trainer, watching TV in the afternoon. :-) Easy gear work out the legs.

Sunday - I thought I would let you know how my long ride went a week early. Jerry Haup t came and rode with me for the first 73, I did the last 17 alone. I felt really good though. But I have to ask . . .why can't I get out of zone 1????? Also it is important to note that my shoulder bothered me some, but it was terrible on my ride. My nutrition sucked and I didn't get in all the food I had hoped, but nothing tasted good and I had stomach cramps for my first mile on my run, but felt better after that.

Distance - 90 miles, Time - 5:36:21, Pace - 16.0mph (that is totally the IM pace I want) HR - 126
The first 50 miles, we did the New River Loop
Pace - 16.6, HR - 126 (zone 1)
I slowed down for the last 40, but there was a lot more uphill and some wind.
Pace - 15.4, HR - 125 (zone 1)

My brick Distance - 5.08 miles, Time - 53:58, Pace - 10:37 (that's right baby off a 90 mile ride), HR - 139 (finally low zone 2).

11 Weeks - 3/29 - 4/4

I guess we are getting down to the wire with 8 weeks left of training before taper.   I'm really having a different experience this time around. I'm hitting probably just over 90% of my workouts, but I'm not hitting all of them.  Weird thing is, I'm ok with it. Ironman training is not so overwhelming like it has been in the past.  I'm not all obsessive but my family and my friends and things in my life have taken precedence, as they should. This is after all my hobby.  :-)  Weird, but nice.

Sunday - The long run, and with it only being 6 miles you would think I would feel great. I didn't.  I guess the 10 mile run the day before really did me in.  I actually only got 5.08 miles in and I felt awful the entire time.  Distance - 5.08 miles, Time - 51:31, Pace - 10:09, HR - 152 (zone 3)

Monday - I moved my swim to Tuesday.  My bike was fine, I felt much better then yesterday.  Just watched TV and pushed gear.

Tuesday - Swim - my 3,000 swim went very well and I continue to feel better in the water.  My 100's all out started at 1:57 then went to 2:05, I averaged a 2:02 for all 10 of them.  This was a nice workout.

Spin Class - What can I say but I was so so stupid to eat 4 hot dogs (3 chili, 1 Chicago) for lunch.  I enjoyed running while Kari was pulling me.  All I did the entire class was to try and not puke.  My only goal for the night.

Wednesday - I took the day off to help Brandon move. I did swim in the morning, but cut my swim to only 2,000 so I could get home in time to help with the big day. 

My run - well since I was not working I ran out at Cave Creek park instead of Papago. Moving my son into his first apartment was more emotionally draining then I thought.  Basically all I did was run-walk-cry for 5.61 miles.  I really thought I was ready for him to move out, he is 20 after all.  But I guess the Mommy in me took over.  I hope he's going to have a happy life.

Distance - 5.61 miles, Time - 1:15:11, Pace - 13:24, HR - 140 (zone 2)

Thursday - Lunch hour run - I felt really good today.  Or maybe I just needed to run out some confusion and frustration because of the announcement that SunCor is being sold in pieces and that I will most likely be out of a job. It's weird the way that helps your work outs.

 

Distance - 5.0 miles, Time - 49:41, Pace - 9:56, HR - 160 (top of zone 3)

 

Warm Up - Pace - 11:23, HR - 146 (zone 2)

3 min on - Pace - 8:42, HR - 166 (zone 4)

3 min off - Pace - 10:51, HR - 155 (zone 3)

3 min on - Pace - 8:16, HR - 168 (zone 4)

3 min off - Pace - 11:15, HR - 154 (zone 3)

3 min on - Pace - 8:07, HR - 172 (zone 4)

3 min off - Pace - 13:40, HR - 158 (zone 3)

3 min on - Pace 8:01, HR - 172 (zone 4)

3 min off - Pace - 11:14, HR - 158 (zone 3)

3 min on - Pace - 8:26, HR - 173 (zone 4)

Cool Down - Pace 9:53, HR - 163 (zone 4)

 

Hmmm, do you see some aggression heart rates in here?

 

My spin - well I made it 1:15, not 1:30. I had a meeting at Brandon's school for the student housing that I just moved him into. Honestly I didn't think I would get to spin at all, so it worked out well. 

 

Friday - Thank you for the day off.

Saturday - Ok, interesting day. Last night Kyle and I went out for Vietnamese food, but I didn't have anything crazy like cat, or even a spicy dish. Just a simple chicken dish (wait, maybe that was cat) and rice noodles.  But when I woke up Saturday morning, I was sick. I had bad diarrhea 3 times before getting on my bike. At 10 miles in I knew there was no way I would be able to pull off the brick, but I desperately wanted to get through the 85 mile ride.  Wouldn't you know it we had a head wind going down 9 mile hill, that's ok I thought to myself at least I'll have a tail wind coming up . . .nope, the winds changed and got stronger.  So by the time I was coming back up 9 mile hill I was riding into a pretty hefty head wind, and my stomach cramps we're getting worse and worse. Even though I bought Tylenol at Alma School and Dynamite and was popping it like crazy, I was cramping, headache and just achy.  This was one tough ride and I was pretty proud of myself to see it through, even if I didn't do the brick.  I couldn't even get out of zone 1, the closest I came to zone 2 was 6 beats away.

 

This was also my first ride on the 150mm cranks. I know we talked, but I have to say again this is the first time my glutes have been sore like this from biking. I am very excited to have this fit and be able to utilize those muscles.

 

Distance - 85.07 miles, Time - 5:41:46, Pace - 14.9mph, HR - 114 (yep, I couldn't not get my heart rate up)

 

From  my house to the top of Dynamite:  D- 10.69 miles, Pace - 12.7mph, HR - 123 (really felt like shit, stopped for Tylenol)

Down 9 mile hill - D - 9.07 miles, Pace - 22.6mph, HR - 107

From Rio Verde to turn around in Fountain Hills - D - 10.22 miles, Pace 16.2mph, HR 113

From Fountain Hills back to Rio Verde - D 10.17 miles, Pace - 15.8mph, HR - 118

Up 9 mile hill - D - 9.06 miles, Pace - 9.4mph (huge head wind), HR - 124

From the top of Dynamite to my house - D - 10.79 miles, Pace - 17.1mph, HR - 104

Then I got to the house, downed some Pepto, took a couple more Tylenol and ate 1/2 a PB and honey sandwich. I felt better on the last 25 even though it was still very windy.

Last 25 miles up and down Cave Creek Rd. - D - 25.06 miles, Pace - 15.8mph, HR 111

 

 

 

12 Weeks and Counting - Week of 3/22 - 3/28

Oh recovery week, how art thou recovery week. I will be sorry to see you go.

Sunday - OMG! the winds were 26 miles per hour with 40 mile per hour gusts. Originally this was named the Merry Go Round ride, since I was on call I was doing a 20 mile loop up and down Cave Creek, never being more than 5 miles from home. About 4 hours in and alone I dubbed this the porn ride because I was either getting head or tail. Originally I had wanted to do 80 miles even though I only had 75 on my schedule. Well I was alone from mile 50 on, and even though I was never far from home, I didn't want to stop for water after I ran out (I know, I know . .I wasn't thinking straight). But as I was on that last lap and close to the spot where I would turn to hit 75 miles, I suddenly hit a swarm of bugs . . but then I realized it wasn't just any bugs I was riding through a swarm of bees (seriously, there were all around and on me). I did not get stung but decided that was God telling me to turn my ass around and do the 75.

Total Distance - 75.64 miles, Time - 4:38:56, Pace - 16.3mph, HR - 124 (mid zone 1)
Loop 1 - Distance - 20.03 miles, Pace - 16.5mph - HR - 123 (mid zone 1)
Loop 2 - Distance 20 miles, Pace - 16.6mph, HR - 122 (zone 1)
Loop 3 - Distance 20.08 miles, Pace - 16.0mph, HR - 123 The wind REALLY starting picking up here. (zone 1)
Loop 4 - Distance - 15.52 miles, Pace - 15.52, HR - 133 (finally low zone 2)

So, I'm not really sure why I was hanging on zone 1 all day? What's up with me and zone 1? Plus this is my new lower zone 1.

My brick - ok my bad I thought it was a 5 mile run, not 6 (sorry) I only did 5 easy.

Distance - 5.07 miles, Time - 56:15, Pace - 11:05, HR - 139 (low zone 2)

Monday - Sweet, sweet recovery week. I love recovery week. OK my swim - 1000 easy, so I swam with a buoy for 1/2 hour, no watch no lap counter. So I probably did about 1300. :-) Then I went home, ate dinner, drank some wine and went to bed. :-)

Tuesday - I got up and did my spin in the morning, 1 hour easy.
My run (from yesterday) I ran 5 miles and felt great, but of course I love the low heart rate miles.

Distance - 5.0 miles, Time - 53:44, Pace - 10:45, HR - 144 (mid zone 2)

Wednesday - swim - So I did 1,000 easy. 500 swim, 500 buoy. I was actually faster without the buoy. 500 swim 10:29, 500 buoy 11:18. Hmmm, that's odd. Overall I felt good, thought about doing more but decided against it. It is recovery week after all.

Thursday - Spin - I did 1:15 on my trainer easy in the am before work. I moved yesterdays run to today, because well, I was in class yesterday and could not run at work AND I had the SheRox's run. So, I ran at lunch and then again after work.

Lunch hour run - Distance - 3.5 miles, Time - 37:33, Pace - 10:44, HR - 144 (zone 2)

SheRox Run (man was this ever windy) - Distance 3.05 miles, Time - 37:02, Pace - 12:10 (hanging with my girls), HR - (didn't wear it).

Friday - Sweet sweet day off . . . . . .Oh how I love a day off.

Saturday - Last day of my recovery . . .people didn't think this was a "recovery" ride. We rode to 7 Springs and then through the rollers in Cave Creek. Fun! Then on my run I felt pretty good, I was steady the entire time. I felt like an Ironman athlete, because I had just had a fairly tough ride but had a nice 10 mile run after. Now at mile 7 I was thinking this brick was a bit cruel, but overall felt very very good.

Bike - Distance - 39.42 miles, Time - 2:36:30, Pace - 15.1mph, Max Pace - 32.7mph, HR - 134 (low zone 2 baby)

Run - Distance - 10.0 miles, Time - 1:49:26, Pace - 10:57, HR - 148
Miles 1 - 5, Pace - 10:56, HR - 146 (zone 2)
Miles 6 - 10, Pace - 10:57, HR - 151 (first beat of zone 3)

Week Of 3/15 - 3/21 - 13 Weeks

OMG, I am sooo tired. I can't wait for recovery week.

Sunday - My run was surprisingly awesome. I can not believe how good I felt. It was morning, but warm. There was a nice cool breeze and there were a lot of other people out enjoying the day. I had my iPod, my health, after after the long day yesterday with lots of people I was happy to just be alone. It took me about 4 miles to really settle into my pace.

overall distance 11.3 miles, time - 2:05:17, pace - 11:05, HR - 148

miles 1 - 5.68 - pace - 11:24, HR - 151(first beat in zone 3)
miles 5.69 - 11.3 - pace - 10:47, HR - 146 (zone 2 baby)

That's right baby, you are looking at a negative split with a lower heart rate.

Then in the afternoon I went and played around in the pool. met one of my SheRox's girls. This girl is fast and has tons of potential. She swim 14 - 16 strokes without trying. She turns 30 next week and I got her to join Landis, we could use her for Tempe International.

Monday - I moved my swim to tomorrow, I had to be at work at 6:30am.
Strength Training - core an legs, I am pushing weight. I just think about how it's going to make me stronger.

Tuesday - What a f'n long ass day . . . . . . . OMG! So my morning started with yesterday's swim. Let's just say I under estimated what it would take. I cut the swim short and only did a 2,000. I did the warm up, the cool down and 900 of speed. I'll do 3000 tomorrow. BUT here is the great news. My speed work - the 6 x50's with 20 seconds rest, my fastest was a 52 and my slowest was a 56. How sweet is that? Then the 600 hard I swam in 11:48, that's a 1:58/100 pace for 600 meters. I remember when I couldn't even do that for 100 meters, it was only a few months ago. I'm getting so excited about my swim.

Run - I had an easy 7 at lunch. I felt great right away, my heart rate was steady and I fell into my run easily. I love these kids of days, no effort just easy.
Distance - 7.0 miles, time - 1:17:27, pace - 11:04 (right on target), HR - 145 (zone 2 baby)

Spin Class - I have no words, I was just thankful that I didn't have to run after.
Wednesday - My swim - I swam 3,000 since I punked on the 1,000 speed work on Tuesday.
But I just did the 1,000 extra with a buoy. I'm tired, so so tired. I'm thinking speed work this close to recovery week is just wrong. My swim was not great, my stroke count was high, I couldn't get into the rhythm. Overall I averaged a 2:14/100. I'm still improving even on crap days.

Strength Training - I didn't make it. My in laws came into town today. I needed to get home and finish cleaning my house before they got there. Rush rush rush.

Thursday - So today is a very busy day for me and something has to give, it ended up being my 90 minute spin. The most important thing today is my son's 20th birthday (yeah Happy Birthday to Brandon), so tonight is a big family dinner. I also have a DDS appointment at 2:30, so I needed to be in the office super early today so I could leave at 1:30pm. Yep so when my alarm went off at 3:00am so I could spin and as tired as I am, it simple did not happen.

Now, I get into the office and someone has brought doughnuts. Seriously, doughnuts. I hadn't had a doughnut in about 7 years. I'm looking at them and thinking, if I can't have a doughnut during Ironman training, when can I have a doughnut? So, of course I ate one. It tasted so good, so sweet, the glaze tickled my lips and the feeling of granular sugary treats swept through my mouth. Heaven. So, I had another. Then I felt ill. Note to self: if you haven't eaten sweets like that, wait a while before having seconds.

My run - even though I need to leave early, my boss is off today, so I did go for my 6 mile run. I did the 2 mile warm up, 3 hard miles and a mile cool down. Overall, not a bad run.

Warm Up: distance - 2 miles, time - 21:29, pace - 10:45, HR - 145 (zone 2)
Mile 3 - pace - 8:55, HR - 169 (zone 4)
Mile 4 - pace - 8:46, HR - 173 (zone 4)
Mile 5 - pace - 9:08, HR - 169 (zone 4) (yep I started feeling pretty crappy here, let's just say I could taste the doughnuts again . . not so yummy this time, but still sweet)
Cool Down Mile 6 - pace 11:50, HR - 157 (zone 3)

Overall: Distance - 6.0 miles, time - 1:00:07, pace - 10:02, HR - 158 (zone 3)

Friday - sweet sweet day off.
Saturday - So, as you know I moved my nice easy Sunday run to today and my bike to tomorrow. So, today I an a 5K with Kyle's parents in the morning. We rocked. Kyle and his mom won their age groups (Kyle was 11th overall) and Kyle's Dad and I both took 3rd.

The 5K - I tried to lap every mile. Distance 3.19 miles, Pace - 8:17, HR - 167 (zone 4)

Mile 1.02: pace - 8:07, HR - 162 (zone 4)
Mile 0.98: pace - 8:09, HR - 170 (zone 4)
Mile 1:18 pace - 8:23 (yep, I can only hold it for 2 miles), HR - 171 (zone 4)

Then I ran the additional 3 miles later in the afternoon.

I ran an additional 3 miles later. Distance - 3.0 miles, pace - 1:54, HR - 146 (zone 2)