Swim, Run

Things felt "back to normal" today for some reason. I'm not sure why, but I just kinda had that feeling as I was training today.

Swim was endurance based. Really crushed it. I'm expecting a lot from my swim this year. I'm not saying I'm going to be leading out of the water, but I'll definately be in a much better spot coming out of the water so I can do some damage with my bike. Everything for me thus far has improved so much it's really exciting. I'm becoming a "real" traithlete and not just a dude that likes to swim bike and run a lot:).

The run too was endurance based. I'm shocked at how fast "endurance" pace is for me know. For example, I ran 12 miles today in a time that would have just about put me at my one time PR for a stand alone half marathon. Best part was that it was ridiculously easy and I truly had to hold myself back from going too fast. Had I simply just run for the hell of it (without my trusty Garmin), I would have without a doubt beaten my PR time. Not to mention this is only after about 4 weeks of run training after the 3 month layoff I had.

I'd say that the most important thing in consideration to my training right now is the fact that it just feels good. I'm not tired. I'm not overstressed. And most importantly I'm not over fatigued. I'm hitting that sweetspot where I'm pushing my body every day, and it's absorbing the hard work. I'm very excited to see where this will take me this season.

One last thing about today was that I got to try out a new pair of Zoot compression socks. I've experimented with compression apparel for a while now (and managed to get a few nice things from the good people at Skins-thanks guys!), but this was the first pair of proper "sox" that I've had. In a word, was I was impressed. I've never worn compression sox before (only sleeves), and there's definately something to these. I had been trying to get my hands on a pair from CEP for a while (just missed meeting a brand rep the other day), but the Zoot's were my second choice. As I see it, both companies have the same idea about their compression sox. They're sized on calf circumference and not on foot size. Makes more sense to me as they are "compression" garments and different people have different sized body parts. I have skinny legs and big feet while I'm sure there are plenty of people with small feet and big calfs. Anyway, this made the difference to me and that's why I like them.

I don't know if I'll race with them (for sure nothing short), but I definately see the value in training with them. They look goofy, but what the hell, I don't care. If they help me to improve and protect me against injury that's all I need. If you're on the fence about compression stuff I'd say get a pair. And if they're too expensive, just try to track down a brand rep from either company and beg for free stuff-not saying I did anything like that:).