Monday, November 2, 2015

Week 3 of base building for races next year

I find myself swinging back and forth between feeling confident about my 2016 goals and the next day wondering what the hell have I gotten myself into. I like this juxtaposition because it is keeping me interested in what I am going after even though 2016 is super far in the distance. I get bored/burnt out easily with focused training cycles and historically have kept  my dedicated marathon training to a short and sweet 10 weeks, because 20 weeks is just too ridiculously long for me (after a good base buildup of course).  Focusing on weekly "mini" goals and trying to not think obsessively about the big far off goals is definitely helping me stay super jazzed about 2016 and not feel overwhelmed.

This past week I saw 2 quotes which really resonated with me:

"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized."-- Daniel Burnham

 "I never worry, life is a journey, I just wanna enjoy the ride."-- Nikki Minaj

 2016 is all about chasing dreams and making them reality.

 Training:

 Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 5 mile run

 Wednesday: 14 miles cycled

 Thursday: 10 miles cycled, 2 mile run

 Friday: 8 miles cycled

 Saturday: 6 mile run/ "Faster than boo 10k"

 Sunday: {1} 12 miles cycled
Sunday: {2} 2.2 Miles to and from pool
Sunday: {3} 1550 yards swam

 Total: 60.08 miles, 5:21

 46.2 miles cycled, 13 miles run, 1550 yards swam

 Highlights:

I swam this week for the first time in over a year! I was surprised at how great I felt doing my janky free style stroke. I was able to do a few 200 yard sets and also some sets with my pull buoy and left feeling much more confident about my swim abilities. Swimming is my main limiter for triathlons and is also something that scares the crap out of me due to being in close proximity to others in races.

I ran more this week and felt really good. I didn't do any speed sessions, but just getting out there and building mileage was nice.

Goals for next week:

  • Swim 2x
  • Increase bike mileage + add a dedicated speed sesh.
  • Cycle outside if weather permits.
  • Increase running mileage + one speed sesh.
Snapshots:


The sunrise was gorgeous this week.
L and I went to Revolution tap room for a friend's birthday party on Friday and had so much fun! The tour was really informative too.
We went to Lagunitas Taproom on Sunday and had a fab time eating and drinking- the tour was also really good.
CB has been super precious but mad at me for not taking him on runs. We will change that for next week.

I registered for my 1st "virtual race"- the "Faster than Boo 10k" because I liked the shirt. I didn't quite make it to 10K on Saturday's run, so I'll likely make it a point to run a bit more next week to make up for it.

Posted by at
Labels:

14 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 2, 2015 at 1:23 PM

    I know you're kind of a "lone wolf" when it comes to training, but I will say that swimming with the Live Grit crew gave me so much more swim confidence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. XaarlinNovember 6, 2015 at 10:32 AM

      That's really good to know they have group swims. It would definitely be more enjoyable to be around some other folks while swimming in the lake :)

      Delete
    2. UnknownNovember 16, 2015 at 12:57 PM

      Yeah! Keep an eye out for their group lake swims starting in May-ish. We typically ride to Ohio Street Beach, swim, and then ride back to the store in the West Loop. Also, if you need a wetsuit I highly recommend renting one from Live Grit to try out before you buy one (if you decide to buy, that is). Unlike some places they won't just hand it to you and leave you to your own devices to figure out how to put it on :-)

      Delete
  2. Michelle @ www.movinitwithmichelle.comNovember 2, 2015 at 2:04 PM

    I think you will rock any goal you set your mind to!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 2, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    Wahoo! I agree with Erin - I personally find it incredibly challenging swimming by myself. Group swimming is SO much easier for me. I look forward to seeing how your training evolves!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. XaarlinNovember 6, 2015 at 10:34 AM

      I'll definitely have to try group swimming next year :) I guess since I have only swam alone that I'm just used to it (from the 8-10 times I did it last year. It will be good to change it up :)

      Delete
  4. AnneNovember 2, 2015 at 2:29 PM

    I've always liked the idea of smaller goals. I hate to go all corporate, but we use S.M.A.R.T. goals at work, which I've always found really helpful. It's all the mini goals that help reach the big ones!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. XaarlinNovember 6, 2015 at 10:45 AM

      I need to google the SMART approach you mentioned. You're absolutely right- breaking down the big goal into many small goals not only makes the big goal more manageable but also gives clear direction on how to get it done!

      Delete
  5. ErinNovember 2, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    That is a great shirt! Good call. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pete BNovember 3, 2015 at 10:19 AM

    I agree that 20 weeks is too long for a marathon cycle. If you have a good base going into the cycle, you can spend 10 to 12 weeks doing marathon specific workouts and be good to go. Looking forward to seeing what you decide as far as races and goals for next year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. XaarlinNovember 6, 2015 at 10:42 AM

      Glad to hear someone else has similar thoughts about training :) it's just too mentally exhausting to be focusing on something like that for 5+ months. No thanks! Stay tuned for what my upcoming races will be :)

      Delete
  7. emmers712November 6, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    I love that Daniel Burnham quote! It's one of my favorites and it reminds me of Chicago's great history.

    That "Faster Than Boo" virtual race sounds fun! I've never done a virtual race but that shirt and medal are to die for!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. XaarlinNovember 6, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      I actually heard that Burnham quote during one of the brewery tours I went on the past weekend. It just resonated with me so much.

      I only did the virtual run for the shirt, but the medal and bib were nice too. :) I usually hate getting more race shirts so it's super funny I went out of my way for this one.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)