I took Monday night off but have been going non-stop ever since. I am feeling really good this week. I wouldn't use the word "breakthrough" but I am feeling strong and learning that I can push harder and move faster than I previously thought.
The two Master's classes I did were taught by a coach I've never had before, and he gave me some great advice. Not even new advice, he just explained it in a way that clicked. Mostly it was about my catch: "grabbing" water and having my arm positioned for the most powerful pull. Also about not crossing over my midline in the pull. I feel like I'm moving a lot more with every stroke now.
Also, I had two great bike rides with Zach. He's always told me that I can push myself harder on the bike than I am, and that pissed (pisses) me off because it makes it sound like I'm not trying, but he's right. Today I powered up the hills, flew down them, and cruised on the flats. I know it's not much, but my 15.9 MPH average on today's ride is huge. Not even that it's so much faster than I normally go (although it kinda is) but because I felt in control. I'm finally starting to feel like a cyclist.
I know I have a lot of work to do, but that's cool. I'm really fired up and ready to rock. With six weeks until my half ironman, I cut out that section of my spreadsheet and made a new little schedule. I added a day of cycling and since I can't really afford to cut anything else out, I'll be doing more than originally planned. But I'm stronger and way more motivated than I started out. I will still listen to my body and skip workouts when needed which is fine.
I am potentially adding one really cool thing to my schedule: a Vineman Course Preview day. It's put on by the local tri club up in Marin. We'd cover the swim and ride, which is perfect because my race covers the same swim and bike but has a slightly different run course. (Clarification: I'm doing Barb's Race, the women's only Half Ironman event held the same day as the full Vineman on August 2nd. There is a Half Vineman (70.3 series) race but it is held July 20th. The courses are all pretty much the same, I believe, with slight differences in the run.) That would be rad. I also have a 5k race coming up on July 2nd, a half marathon on July 13, and a Tri for Fun sprint on July 19. I'll use that last one for a dress rehearsal of all my gear, outfit, nutrition, transitions, etc. So lots of fun stuff coming up! Weeee!
Here's those fantastic workouts of the last three days:
Tuesday am: bike
14.3 miles/56:01/15.3 MPH
Tuesday pm: swim
2500 yards/58:38
Master's class
Wednesday am: run
8.0 miles/1:09:38/8:42 average pace
solo run, really consistent splits
Wednesday pm: swim
2350/56:20
Master's class (tons of kicking)
Thursday am: bike
25.0 miles/1:34:18/15.9 MPH
sweeeeeet!
I'm leaving in the morning for Portland for my friend's graduation. I'm going for a long-ish run on Saturday morning but otherwise will rest. And by rest I mean party like a rock star. And by party like a rock star I mean drink wine with her parents. So more like a soft-rock star. hehe. Have a good weekend everyone!
12 comments:
great job on the training week!!! you are awesome! your big event is the same weekend as my marathon - yay!!
i was going to do that san ramon 5k but now i think we are going out of town... ohhh well.
what training plan did you use for CIM to BQ?
Sounds like things are really starting to come together. You are doing such a great job. You certainly have lots of events coming up! Keep working hard.
Good job on bumping that average up!
Indeed, there's so much technique to swimming that it seems there are endless ways to continually improve. And great that you get to preview the course.
Have fun in Portland!!
Bike, run, swim and bike... no doubt your topic's title defines what you are, a busy girl heading for graduation at Portland. Good Luck!
Ummmmmmm does the person who commented before me have a blog name of "genital warts?" I may have to check that blog out...
WAY TO GO JEN! You are capable of so many great things, of course Zach is pushing you to realize your potential. But I agree, you have been working damn hard throughout the whole process, too.
Congrats on feeling everything "click." That is one of life's greatest feelings, isn't it?
Have fun in Portland. Wine sure is the sweet nectar of the gods, cheers!
Sounds like your training is rocking right along. Enjoy Portland!
Another strong week. You are consistent!
There's a great brewery in Portland - BridgePort - worth a visit. I'm sure you won't be too tired if Phil Collins is playing at the party.
Have a fantastic break but girlfriend - you are smokin! YOu are so on top of your training - go for it all! And I love the Phil Collins piccie...
yes.. genital warts? A propos of what?
Hey, a new (sort of) blog name? That's cool. You're evolving.
The Vineman preview workout sounds perfect. You'll love the bike course.
Keep rolling with that heavy training!
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