Easy run today. It's incredible that even my easy runs are still "fast" considering where I was a month ago. I've put a lot of hard work in so I guess that's to be expected.
Otherwise not much going on today. Work wasn't all too busy, and the day generally went by without incident. Good thing I guess:).
Tomorrow is another day to relax before racing on Sunday. I'm expecting to do well on Sunday but we'll see what happens. As long as I give my best effort I'll be happy. Should be a good day!:)
This is our new blog detailing our daily adventures, mountain bike racing, endurance sports, and maybe even some cooking (that's Anne's domain!). We will share our experiences with life, training, and most importantly, being a team-both in marriage and in our sport.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Swim, Bike
Great day of training. Swam really hard and long and biked really hard and short. Quality, quality, quality.
The difference in where I am now as compared to last year at this time is unbelieveable. I'm so incredibly happy with my progress and delighted with every moment of training. It's kind of like that "live to train" mentality, but in a healthy way. I'm feeling fit and motivated, but being careful not to overdo things. It's easy to get carried away when you're feeling like superman in all your training sessions.
First race of the season this year is on Sunday and I'm just about ready to go. I've been nervous about this race for a couple weeks, but now that things are coming together strongly in training, I'm more confident that I'll have a good day. Really no need to be nervous as it's not even a "B" race on my calendar, but I'm a headcase sometimes so I'll just have to deal with it:).
Tomorrow is just a light jog with a strength session in the afternoon. My ankle's been doing just "O.K." today so again, I'll keep an eye on it. I'm not quite sure if it's coming from riding or running right now. Whatever the case, it gets sore after training and then goes back to normal shortly after. I'll baby it and make sure it's good so it doesn't become a problem later on.
The difference in where I am now as compared to last year at this time is unbelieveable. I'm so incredibly happy with my progress and delighted with every moment of training. It's kind of like that "live to train" mentality, but in a healthy way. I'm feeling fit and motivated, but being careful not to overdo things. It's easy to get carried away when you're feeling like superman in all your training sessions.
First race of the season this year is on Sunday and I'm just about ready to go. I've been nervous about this race for a couple weeks, but now that things are coming together strongly in training, I'm more confident that I'll have a good day. Really no need to be nervous as it's not even a "B" race on my calendar, but I'm a headcase sometimes so I'll just have to deal with it:).
Tomorrow is just a light jog with a strength session in the afternoon. My ankle's been doing just "O.K." today so again, I'll keep an eye on it. I'm not quite sure if it's coming from riding or running right now. Whatever the case, it gets sore after training and then goes back to normal shortly after. I'll baby it and make sure it's good so it doesn't become a problem later on.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
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:).
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:).
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Swim, Bike
Got in some quality work again today. It's amazing how the body adapts to training and how good and powerful you feel when you truly begin to get fit. So, in other words, things are really coming together. My bike is getting faster, my run is coming along, and I can finally swim. I actually ENJOY swimming! How crazy is that!
Anyway, not much is new other than my first race of the season is this week. I've been having a bit of discomfort with my ankle lately, so I'll have to keep an eye on that. Otherwise all systems are go and it should turn out to be a good day. I'm much further along in my fitness at this point this year, so it'll be interesting to see what I can do on Sunday. Mainly, I'm looking to beat my time from last year. If I win again, that's great, but you never know who shows up on race day. My luck Matty Reed will be toeing the line next to me:). Being that it's the first race of the year though, I'll be happy with a solid outing. The real fireworks start on June 6th up in Connecticut at the Quassy Rev3 race. Other than Timberman, this has got to be my favorite race. They really put together a quality product and I look forward to competing in more of the Rev3 series in the future.
For tomorrow I've got a nice long swim on tap with a long run planned for the afternoon. I'm gonna be careful to make sure my ankle doesn't get worse, so if things start to go south I'll bag the run early. No need to push things now.
Anyway, not much is new other than my first race of the season is this week. I've been having a bit of discomfort with my ankle lately, so I'll have to keep an eye on that. Otherwise all systems are go and it should turn out to be a good day. I'm much further along in my fitness at this point this year, so it'll be interesting to see what I can do on Sunday. Mainly, I'm looking to beat my time from last year. If I win again, that's great, but you never know who shows up on race day. My luck Matty Reed will be toeing the line next to me:). Being that it's the first race of the year though, I'll be happy with a solid outing. The real fireworks start on June 6th up in Connecticut at the Quassy Rev3 race. Other than Timberman, this has got to be my favorite race. They really put together a quality product and I look forward to competing in more of the Rev3 series in the future.
For tomorrow I've got a nice long swim on tap with a long run planned for the afternoon. I'm gonna be careful to make sure my ankle doesn't get worse, so if things start to go south I'll bag the run early. No need to push things now.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Swim, Bike, Run (Yesterday) Strength, Swim-Today
Got off to a tough start yesterday. My allergies have really been a tough obstacle lately and it seems like every Sunday I wake up with a migrane. Last Sunday it floored me, but this Sunday it was just more of an annoyance. Took some medicine, hardened up, and got out to work...literally.
Did yardwork all morning-more specifically moving lots of rock and gravel. By the time I was done, I'd not only gotten a bunch done, but gotten in a nice "extra" strength session for my troubles.
On the bike I worked a bit on strength and some on endurance. Wasn't a terribly long ride, but a lot of quality strengthwork. Amazingly before this year I was never able to push a big gear. Actually, I just didn't know that I was suppossed to in order to go faster:). Working on it this year has changed me as a rider for the better. The bike is now a super strength for me and I'm happy that it is!
The run was a different story. Whereas I was excited to get going on the bike, I was less than thrilled to get out for my run. I probably waited a little too long in the day to start, but after I got going it wasn't that bad. The legs were tired and I felt like a baby deer trying to run fast at times, but I finished the final session of the day strong and feeling good.
Today is more of a rest day than anything else. It's been raining a bunch today so that makes things easier:). Still I managed to get a nice easy swim (more floating around for 20 minutes than anything) in and will do another strength session after work this evening.
I'm very happy with where my training is right now. Where I had been feeling shelled weeks ago has turned into strength and speed. With my first race of the season this weekend I'm feeling cool and confident. With another solid week of training leading into this Sunday, I should be all set for a good result:).
Did yardwork all morning-more specifically moving lots of rock and gravel. By the time I was done, I'd not only gotten a bunch done, but gotten in a nice "extra" strength session for my troubles.
On the bike I worked a bit on strength and some on endurance. Wasn't a terribly long ride, but a lot of quality strengthwork. Amazingly before this year I was never able to push a big gear. Actually, I just didn't know that I was suppossed to in order to go faster:). Working on it this year has changed me as a rider for the better. The bike is now a super strength for me and I'm happy that it is!
The run was a different story. Whereas I was excited to get going on the bike, I was less than thrilled to get out for my run. I probably waited a little too long in the day to start, but after I got going it wasn't that bad. The legs were tired and I felt like a baby deer trying to run fast at times, but I finished the final session of the day strong and feeling good.
Today is more of a rest day than anything else. It's been raining a bunch today so that makes things easier:). Still I managed to get a nice easy swim (more floating around for 20 minutes than anything) in and will do another strength session after work this evening.
I'm very happy with where my training is right now. Where I had been feeling shelled weeks ago has turned into strength and speed. With my first race of the season this weekend I'm feeling cool and confident. With another solid week of training leading into this Sunday, I should be all set for a good result:).
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Long Bike, Run
Good day at the office today. Worked hard on truly pacing my ride. I have a tendancy to ride hard all the time and I've been trying to take things a bit easier and save for the run. Worked out well today.
For the run Iwent out hard and stayed fast-probably too fast for what was planned, but it felt good:). I worked the hills quite a lot and I'm getting quite good at 'em again. Gotta actually work on my downhill running as I'm losing a little time I feel on that. Ups are good, downs are bad...need work:).
Gonna head to bed early tonight and get back at it tomorrow. Sunday starts with a swim, bike in the middle of the day, and track session at night. Fun day!!!
For the run Iwent out hard and stayed fast-probably too fast for what was planned, but it felt good:). I worked the hills quite a lot and I'm getting quite good at 'em again. Gotta actually work on my downhill running as I'm losing a little time I feel on that. Ups are good, downs are bad...need work:).
Gonna head to bed early tonight and get back at it tomorrow. Sunday starts with a swim, bike in the middle of the day, and track session at night. Fun day!!!
Yesterday, Bike
Great day on the bike yesterday. Things are really moving faaaast:). I'm way ahead of where I was this time last year and I'm itching to race. I didn't concentrate too much on making up my race schedule this season because I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I got the major events covered and kind of hoped the rest would fall into place-which it pretty much has.
My first race is in a little over a week and I'm terrified. It's a duathlon I won this last season, and probably shouldn't be worrying about it, but I'm just scared to death. Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on myself, but I'm not sure how I'll react if I don't win again. I've never had to "defend" a title (if you even want to call it that! It's not like it's freakin' Kona or something:) ), so this is all new territory for me. My swim coach gave me the suggesstion to just try and beat my time last year. If I concentrate on that, I'll hopefully be able to not only calm myself down, but also win again as well. We'll see.
I am, though, looking forward BIG TIME to my first triathlon of the season! The Rev3 tri in Connecticut will be my season opener. Last year I had a terrible run...well actually it was more of a shuffle. I didn't train enough and went into the race with a cocky attitude that wound up kicking me in the ass. This year, I've respected the training, and worked hard to come back this year strong. I know more than I did last year and I think that will serve me well next month.
Today is a long ride followed by a run. Gonna be a beautiful day and I'm excited to get out on the bike!
My first race is in a little over a week and I'm terrified. It's a duathlon I won this last season, and probably shouldn't be worrying about it, but I'm just scared to death. Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on myself, but I'm not sure how I'll react if I don't win again. I've never had to "defend" a title (if you even want to call it that! It's not like it's freakin' Kona or something:) ), so this is all new territory for me. My swim coach gave me the suggesstion to just try and beat my time last year. If I concentrate on that, I'll hopefully be able to not only calm myself down, but also win again as well. We'll see.
I am, though, looking forward BIG TIME to my first triathlon of the season! The Rev3 tri in Connecticut will be my season opener. Last year I had a terrible run...well actually it was more of a shuffle. I didn't train enough and went into the race with a cocky attitude that wound up kicking me in the ass. This year, I've respected the training, and worked hard to come back this year strong. I know more than I did last year and I think that will serve me well next month.
Today is a long ride followed by a run. Gonna be a beautiful day and I'm excited to get out on the bike!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)