The air quality is still total shit, and it's been really frustrating. I have a little over 5 weeks until my first half ironman, I NEED to train outside! I did one run on the treadmill, and I skipped a swim workout, but I can't cut back my cycling time because I need so much work in that area. People at work were talking about how they didn't commute by bike because of the air, and how it's just not safe to exercise outside. So I have to pretty much lie about my workouts so they don't think I'm an idiot. They just don't understand.
You know who does understand,
Donald. :( I couldn't believe it when I heard that Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run was canceled. What a giant let down. That's like cancelling Christmas for these guys and gals. I know it was in the interest of the athlete's health, but what a bummer. All my other fellow northern Nor Cal athletes,
Aron,
Pamela, and of course
Zach, hang in there.
So, I did a long ride and a brick run last night in the yuck, and afterwards I felt like I'd smoked a pack of cigarettes. I guess that means if the ultra runners were allowed to race, they would feel like they smoked a couple of cartons, which can't be good. They could really have long-term damage.
For the record, I did used to smoke, and it was gross. Quitting was one of the many changes I made toward living a healthier life. I can't believe I voluntarily subjected my lungs to this crap. I guess you could say the same thing about training outdoors now...
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Thursday pm: bike
30.3 miles/1:57:56/15.4 MPH
t- run
3.0 miles/26:12/8:44 average pace
I tried not to take off at a fast pace like I tend to do off the bike. It's that weird feeling of going from flying on the bike to hardly moving when running. Plus, your legs feel all weird and sort of numb. As a result, I usually end up running like 7:00 per mile. That ain't gonna fly at the HIM! I've read too many race reports about people totally blowing up on the run, so I'm determined to pace myself. Last night I did really good: 8:51, 8:53, 8:28.
So tomorrow (Saturday), I am headed way up north for a Vineman Course Preview day put on by Tri More Fitness. Yes, I emailed the coach to make sure it wasn't cancelled. I'm really looking forward to it! It's going to be a full day including swimming most or all of the 1.2 mile course, biking most of the bike course, and finishing with a 30 minute transition run. My goals are to not fall behind the group, learn what the bike course is like hill-wise so I can plan accordingly, practice my nutrition/hydration, and ask some questions I have about the logistics of the race (for one, what is with bike aid stations? do you stop? do they refill your water bottle? or is it just like a run aid station?). They provide SAG, water, and mechanical help, so hopefully they won't leave me to fend for myself on the Sonoma highways. I'll get some pictures and post a report when I'm done. Have a great weekend everyone! Happy breathing!
12 comments:
Nice job getting out there at least!
Good luck with your training, I hope the air gets better, and with the weekend event!
Yeah, heard about the Western States 100 miler being canceled. What a bummer!
But I can also see how brown the air looks in your photos. Hope the air is better around that Vineman course.
OMG last night was HORRIBLE. i couldnt believe how thick the smoke was. i am SOOO over it... SF please be better!
good luck this weekend!! i hope you get all your questions answered and i hope the air is ok up there!! you will do awesome!
Good luck with the preview course event! I can't imagine what the weather is like over there. My sister is actually moving to California at the end of July - she is moving to the L.A./Calabasas area.I'm hoping to get out there to visit her at some point! Also - I could not figure out what the item in the picture was, until later reading your reference to cigarettes. At first, I thought it resembled a Drumstick ice cream cone from the pits of hell.
Wow the air looks really awful in your pics. I hope it clears up soon!
That sucks about the smoke!! Good luck this weekend!! Can't wait to read about the preview
Yeah, those pictures tell the story. This is crazy.
Thanks for the shout out. I'm doing better with it all.
Looks like you might need to wear oxygen mask this time with a tank of fresh oxygen behind your back. They will think you are a scuba diver on a bike. Hope it will clear up soon.
Dude, you are a true trooper if you’re out there training in that shit. I can’t imagine what it would be like to train so hard for so long to have an event pulled out from under you like your tri peeps out that way. Good call on the preview this weekend, that’s smart thinking… good luck, and yes happy breathing.
It's F-ing AWFUL, isn't it? I tried to run the other night, but only made it 2.7 miles before my lungs felt like they were going to blow outta my chest!?! I sure hope it clears up soon so you can get out there! :)
The red cast on those photos is amazing. I heard about WS being cancelled - I thought it was due to a risk of bushfires trapping runners, not the air quality... a real bummer for those who travelled from Australia (and other far-flung places) for the race.
I hope it goes well this weekend. Maybe wear a mask, like they do in China!
Jen you look so good! Super lean. Keep up this great training you're doing... but be careful with our crappy air. Ugh! I hope it's all over soon.
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