Tag: doubting your training

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Ironman Louisville 54 Days Out #IMLOU

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Ironman training ebbs and flows, often leaving you with doubt.  I’m almost certain I was further ahead at this time last year and yesterday’s run was a wake up punch to the gut.

That said, two weeks ago I felt like I may have been ahead of last year’s training, certainly from a mental standpoint.  So, which indicator is accurate?  How much stock should we put in a workout?

One thing is certain: My speed is down.  Just over a year ago I ran a 1/2 marathon at 7:38/mile and a 10k at 7:10.  Yesterday, it was all I could do to mix in two miles at 7:30 over the course of six.

So, how do I move the meter?

The difference seems to be in my lungs and for me that signals a need for more swimming.  Probably more running.  And speed work.

My legs feel healthy and strong, but I have to move my aerobic threshold, and quickly.  Especially if I want to make Louisville a special day.

It’s weird thinking back to how I felt last year.  The following is from a post I wrote 67 days before my first Ironman:

What I have learned in this relatively short period of time is that you should never doubt your potential.  I have transformed from a couch potato into a spirit that believes he can complete 140.6 miles of swim, bike, and run in one day.  If that’s possible, what isn’t?

So, I stare down the Ironman barrel again.  I am no longer a couch potato, but I have my doubt.  Doubt about whether or not I can tackle this beast on my terms.

Ironman mirrors life as an exercise of patience and belief.  I may not feel it now, but I have to have faith my path will allow me to be ready in 54 days.

I will stand in that line ready to do something most would never consider.  I will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112, then run my second marathon.  I will do it on my terms.

I am slower than I was a year ago and my goal is to be an hour faster.  The ultimate test awaits.  Am I willing to do what that takes?

With the right momentum, and right mind, the human spirit is unstoppable.

HUMANSPIRIT

 

 

 

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Sleep, Training, Ironman, and Dogs

So, I woke up at 6 am today.  The workout called for a fairly intense run with 30, 45, 60, and 90 second sprint intervals.  I was actually looking forward to running in the chilly 20 degree weather, but promptly proved I can talk myself out of anything by falling back asleep.  I got up at 8:30, power-showered and was out the door with a tie on my neck at 8:50.

But, if you’re my coach and happen to be reading this, there is also some good news!

I feel better today than I have all year.  I am alive, clear, and anxious for tonight’s workout.  The plan calls for a bike ride, but since I biked last night, I think I’ll do the run I bagged on this morning.  That cool, coach?

Man, I know sleep is important, and I think most of us believe and understand this, but we don’t realize just HOW critical rest is for the mind and body.  Not only did I get in the hours last night, I slept soundly.  I mean, I’ll occasionally sleep a lot on the weekend but that doesn’t always mean I’m refreshed.  It’s a delicate balance.  So, the obvious question here is, why did I sleep so well?

3 POSSIBLE REASONS FOR MY GOOD SLEEP LAST NIGHT

1.  I ate a light meal for dinner.  In fact, I don’t even know if I would really call it a meal, it was a potato with cottage cheese on top.  I finished the bike workout around 11.  Messed around with the blog until midnight, then went to bed.

2. My dog slept in her own bed!  She is usually trying to negotiate unfathomable real estate in my bed and often laying all over me when there is clearly tons of room for her to sprawl.  I wish I knew what gave her the urge to sleep in the living room, but she is more unpredictable than then most women I know.

3.  I was simply relaxed.  This, of course, is easier said than done.  It was actually the first night of the week when I DIDN’T meditate, so I cannot for the life of me put any of this together.

I think this mystery is synonymous with the core of all Ironman training.  I am on a roller coaster between confidence and doubt that consumes my waking hours.  And, maybe this whole post proves it seeps into your non-waking hours as well.

Mike Tarrolly – Crushing Iron