I get quite hard on myself about training, although I don't have any goals asides from finish upright and avoid the med tent for Wisconsin. I feel like most of these weeks I'm not doing enough and it upsets me. Last week we went to Lollapalooza for 4 days- I tried to do doubles (worked well for 3 days) but by Friday I was so tired from waking up early to workout for 2-3 hours plus go to work and then the festival that I decided that standing around at Lolla for 8 hours a day plus jumping around at the EDM stage had to count for something with my training. The next 4-5 weeks will be insane in volume for me and I know it will lead to a successful IM journey.
I've slacked on swimming, but also feel I can cover the distance with enough time to spare before the cutoff in the race. Swimming will only account for 1.7% of the race total distance and around 13% of my total projected time- so spending loads of time to continue to not improve significantly time wise seems counter intuitive to me, especially when I can focus on the bike and run more. I will make it a point to swim a few times a week leading up to the race just so I am more comfortable in the water.
Life stuffs
We went to the field museum a few weeks ago with a friend who was visiting from Florida. It was so nice to see her and her family as well as go to the museum for the first time.
We celebrated L's birthday at Next. The dinner was amazing- as well as the cocktail and wine parings we got to go along with it.
We went to Lollapalooza for 4 days and brought my cousin along. It was her first and I think she really enjoyed it despite the crowds and craziness.
We had a blast at the festival- listening to so many bands- Melanie Martinez, Lana Del Rey (my cousin's all time fav!), Janes Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marshmello, and my favorite: Radiohead (among many many others). It was so nice to spend time with my cousin since we don't get to see each other much.
No post would be complete without CB
Looking Forward
•I'll ride my first century this weekend. I'm also excited to practice my hydration strategy.
•I signed up for a 2.4 mile open water swim in Madison a few weeks from now. Figured it was the best way to practice swimming in a more crowded environment AND I could ride the bike course a few times before the race in September. Knowing what to expect will help me not freak the Eff out during the swim, and will also give me confidence for the more technical bike course.
•Continue to do my PT exercises that I've neglected for too long.
39 Days until Ironman Wisconsin!
44 Days until I register for the Boston Marathon!
What? Boston registration is in 44 days?! I was just thinking that I should make my Boston decision soon, but figured I had until at least October! Anyway, I like your analysis that the swim portion of the Ironman accounting for only 13% of your projected time and that focusing on improving your bike and run will be more beneficial to a speedy overall finish. Good idea to do the open water swim. I know that would be the most intimidating portion for me. Heck swimming by myself in open water isn't the easiest thing, much less with hundreds of other people kicking around me! This was the first Lolla I missed in quite awhile. I might try to make it to at least a day of Riot Fest to make up for it! Good luck on your first century. Wow!
ReplyDeleteSo awesome, lady! I've never done an IM, much less trained for one, but I can't help but think that your approach will serve you well. I doubt that everyone on the starting line was able to complete 100% of the prescribed training; shit happens sometimes (between sickness, work mayhem, life, yadda yadda yadda). I would think that as long as you have the bulk of it in the bag that you'd be more than fine. :) You sound like you'll be ready to dominate on the bike and run, too, which will be exciting to watch you on the athlete tracker!! So stoked. Good luck on your century. My ass is sore just thinking about that, haha. xo
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you can use the words "Ironman" and "Boston Marathon" in consecutive sentences. =) You are and always will be a rockstar!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pete that I like your analysis on the swim distance versus total distance. When I did my indoor triathlon, it seemed like you definitely got the most bang for your buck in the bike portion.
Attending Lolla DEFINITELY counts as a workout. In marathon training, I've heard a lot of talk about "time on your feet" - and if Lolla isn't a way to capitalize on practicing that, I don't know what is!!!!!