Back to Base (Training, that is)
It’s a sorta strange feeling, getting back on the bike for weekly long rides and thinking once again about the Ironman in July. It’s still over six months away, but I know how quickly that time is going to fly by and before I know it, it will be race day once again.
So far, training feels a little different this time around. I think it’s some combination of the fact that I’ve already been through this once, some doubts about my fitness level and my nagging back pain. When I was training (and writing) last year, everything was brand new. I had a lot of “firsts” – longest bike ride ever, longest swim session ever, getting used to riding in aerobars, etc. I didn’t feel much pressure last year. This year, because I’ve already done those things, I do feel the weight of what I accomplished last year and feel like I need to improve on those results, even while I’m training – I should be faster or more efficient or smoother. And I can’t tell. I know I have an incredible cardio base. I also no longer fear the distances or the race (well, I still fear the race some!). It causes mixed emotions – I’m calmer, which is good, but I’m also having a harder time getting fired up to train, which is not so good. Maybe this is how I’m supposed to feel in early January, with no big triathlons for over four months…
My back is still bugging me. Thankfully, that’s all it’s doing. It doesn’t really “hurt”, it’s just a dull ache, and only flares up sometimes. I think it’s finally getting a little better. Part of me wonders if I’m making a mistake by not taking time off. But the rest of me is still convinced that that isn’t the solution. I’m going to continue stretching, continue yoga and see how it goes. I’m smart enough to not do anything that will cause permanent damage.
Last Saturday I rode outside for the second weekend in a row. Fortunately, the weather has been cooperating – relatively speaking, that is! – it’s been cold out, but dry. I can deal with the cold, but cold and wet is an absolute no go for me. It’s not safe and definitely not fun. I did both Saturday rides in Central Park. It might be boring to just do laps, but it’s also a good place to get an uninterrupted ride and there are just enough hills to keep you honest. I figure that as my rides get even longer, I’ll start making the trek out to Route 9 in New Jersey.
Last Sunday morning, I had another one of those New York moments – and again it came while I was running across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a cold, clear and sunny morning and the views, both south and north, while crossing the Bridge, were absolutely stunning. It really made me wish I had my camera though I’m not sure that any pictures would really have done the view justice.
Swim – January 11
Distance: 3,100 yards
Time: 1:06
Strength – January 11
Bike – January 12
Distance: 39.7 miles
Time: 2:19
Average heart rate: 127
Course: Central Park
Conditions: Partly sun, cool (high 40s)
Run – January 13
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Average heart rate: 141
Course: Across Brooklyn Bridge
Conditions: Sunny, clear, windy, cool (mid-40’s)
Indoor Bike – January 13
Time: 1:45
Average heart rate: 110
Yoga – January 14
Indoor Bike – January 15
Time: 35 minutes
Average heart rate: 107
Swim – January 16
Distance: 1,650 yards
Time: 30 minutes
Strength – January 16