Decisions…
We got back early this morning from a wonderful weekend in San Diego to celebrate my mom’s birthday. It was a really quick trip, but so worth it. Elizabeth, Aaron and I all flew in Friday night and Loren drove down from LA to pick us up from the airport. The visit was a surprise for my mom and boy was she surprised. On Sunday, my parents hosted a brunch to celebrate her birthday and Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Jim, Aunt Lynn (mom’s twin), Kathy (Lynn’s partner) and Cousins Emma, Dan and Lucia all came in as well. It was a blast.
It was really hot out there this weekend – mid-to-high 80’s and solid sun. I did a couple nice runs, one by Mission Bay and one in my parent’s neighborhood. It was nice to run in the blazing sun, but I definitely am not used to the heat right yet. From the rainy, cool temperatures here in NYC today, I think I have some time before it will be a problem.
My knee feels nearly 100%. I think it is still swelling up a little from time to time, and sometimes feels stiff and/or achy, but it’s never painful. And I ran back-to-back days this weekend; 5.5 miles on Saturday and 4 miles on Sunday. I think that’s a good sign and I’m feeling encouraged – about my knee. My butt (I’ve been referring to it as my “back”, but it’s really my butt) is not doing great. It was worse at the end of last week than it was yesterday or today (even after spending 5 hours trying to sleep on the plane sitting up last night). It doesn’t really hurt when I’m running, but I know that it’s something I absolutely have to take care of. I’m getting a massage on Wednesday and going back to my doctor next week – for a check-up on my knee and for him to look at my back/butt. I know that I need to stick with the stretching, strength training and icing. Today I went to the gym and did some strength training (upper and lower body as well as core) and then took my usual Monday yoga class.
I have to admit that I am seriously questioning the wisdom of trying to train for a July Ironman. I am really nervous about having “missed” the last four weeks of training and now trying to get myself in shape to perform at Lake Placid. Part of me is thinking that I should ease back a bit on my summer goals and plan for the fall season, beginning with SOS. I could still do an Olympic distance race or even a half ironman in July or August, but the full thing might be a bit too ambitious, given my current state of fitness. I had a good call with Coach John on Friday and he was encouraging – after listening to my schpiel, he said that I really have two options:
- One, I can lay off for four or so weeks, keeping up my base but not pushing too hard in an effort to heal my back and knee and prepare for some fun, easy-going summer races, a good fall season and a strong 2009; or
- Two, I can go for it and train to be at Lake Placid. But, if I choose option two, I have to toss all time goals out the window and do a lot of long, slow, low intensity training. He’s certain (and so I am) that I could get into good enough shape to finish at Lake Placid in a respectable amount of time and who knows my body might respond to the low intensity training well and I could surprise myself on race day.
I don’t have to decide today, but I do want to decide soon, because it will make a big difference in how I train and live for the next few months. And frankly, having a big decision hanging over my head is always a stressful thing for me. I will feel better as long as I make a decision, whichever way that decision goes.
Indoor Bike – April 22
Time: 1:10
Average heart rate: 124
Swim – April 23
Distance: 2,700 yards
Time: 1:00
PT – April 23
Run – April 23
Distance: 3.6 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Average heart rate: 134
Treadmill
Bike – April 24
Distance: 27.3 miles
Time: 1:28
Average heart rate: 130
Course: West Side Highway to Central Park, 3 loops
Conditions: Sunny, mid-60’s, awesome!
Swim – April 25
Distance: 3,100 yards
Time: 1:10
PT – April 25
Run – April 26
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 43 minutes
Average heart rate: 149
Course: Mission Bay Park, San Diego
Conditions: Sunny, hot (mid-80’s)
Run – April 27
Distance: 4.0 miles
Time: 33 minutes
Average heart rate: 144
Course: Mission Hills neighborhood
Conditions: Sunny, warm (70’s)
Strength – April 28
Yoga – April 28