Blog

Restarting

This is the fourth week since the race and the first week that I’ve had any structured or “tough” workouts. As you can see from my monthly totals in the sidebar, it’s been a really low volume month, definitely the lowest since, well, since I don’t even know when. I mean, maybe since spring 2006, before I ramped up my training for the summer races? I’m not complaining, and certainly not saying that I didn’t need it, but it’s felt strange. But this week, I’m happily getting back into it. Monday was my first swim workout since the race that was just long, easy sets for as long or as short as I want. Tonight, I did a relatively hard ride on the trainer.

The transition to recovery time was actually easier than I expected it would be. After taking those first few days off, I was excited to get back into the pool or on the bike. But I was also happy to have the extra time in my schedule – it really felt like my days were longer. I was getting more sleep, spending quality time with Elizabeth and Charlie and actually getting to work early. I didn’t expect to have such an easy time training four or five hours a week. The on the cruise, I wasn’t able to do anything except run and lift, and I didn’t do too much of either. (I did do a lot of eating, but I knew that was going to happen and frankly, there wasn’t anything that I could do about it!) Last night I had trouble falling asleep for the first time in months and months. I had the same issues that I used to have on a semi-regular basis. But since sometime early this year, it hasn’t happened. Not training has given my body and mind extra energy, which starts seeping out around the time I decide to close my eyes.

But the problem was that I got used to recovery time! And, my season isn’t over yet. I still want to race well at Sag Harbor and would really like to get through the JFK 50 without doing too much damage to my body. In order to achieve either of those goals, I’ve got to get my butt back in gear. Sag Harbor is just a month away and even though the 50 is still three months (13+ weeks) away, I’ve got my work cut out for me there too.

If the transition to recovery time was easy, the transition back to training time has been tough. Granted, I’m only two days in, but I’m having some serious motivation issues. I wrote in here many times about how training and following Coach John’s schedule just became part of me – I stopped thinking about it and never considered that I might not do a training session. I’m scheduled to speak with John tomorrow about the rest of the season and I think that having a plan will help. I’m also positive that after a few more days it will all start to feel natural again.

Run – August 11
Distance: 7.5 miles
Time: 1:02
Average heart rate: 144
Course: Seattle, Myrtle Edwards Park
Conditions: Comfortable/mid-70’s, sunny

Swim – August 13
Distance: 2,400 yards
Time: 52 minutes

Bike – August 14
Time: 1:00
Average heart rate: 121
Indoor ride