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This weekend, I fell off “the rest wagon” with a goal to do a simulated Half Ironman 70.3 over the course of the weekend. I hadn’t had more than a couple very short workouts since Rev3 on May 18th. Here’s how it all went down.
FRIDAY SWIM
Nashville was abuzz. Thousands of women poured onto the downtown streets wearing Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots for CMA Music Festival while I navigated the masses en route the YMCA. It was my first day on after 10 Days of Rest and anticipation was off the charts.*
After contemplating several swim workouts I settled on a basic 2,000 meters to ease back into the routine. Since starting Ironman training that kind of sentence always amazes and amuses me, “I think I’ll ease in with 2,000 meters in the pool.” There was a time not too long ago when I could barely swim down and back, now I confidently jumped in for forty.**
SATURDAY BIKE
It was a bitter sweet reunion with my lovely friend, Natchez Trace. It was our first rendezvous since last August, and only my third outside ride of the year. The previous two were races (New Orleans and Rev3 Knoxville).
Last year the Trace wore me down and I nearly hung my bike in the garage rafters for the rest of eternity. But I can honestly say I was excited to be out there. The Trace is a modern miracle for bikers. A beautifully smooth road cut into magnificent landscape and goes forever. There are so few cars on this highway that it almost feels like they are out of place. Natchez Trace is cycling paradise, but in a world where money is everything, it may all soon be over.
I was certainly rested, but the Trace is a physical and mental challenge. For some reason 6 am was too early for me, so I started at 6:30 and met the rest of the guys as they doubled back.
I eased back into my cycling with a 56 mile ride. It wasn’t easy, but compared to my early rides from last year, this was almost refreshing and I sucked it up with a post-ride lawn-mowing-brick.***
Here’s a little snippet from one of our Trace rides last summer that got the best of Racer K, including extremely rare footage of Wasky showing why he is a flat tire expert.
SUNDAY RUN-DAY
Sunday was meant to be two separate 50 minute runs (at least 6 hours apart) that would roughly complete my goal of a half Ironman distance in 3 days. It was hot and muggy as I set out on my run around 9:30. The first session was all about recovery from the ride and I kept the pace easy around 9 minute miles. By the end, I was struggling and I really don’t think I could have ran an entire 13.1 without a lot of Pop Tarts.
The afternoon flew by and I did my best to concoct an excuse not to run again. My heal hurt, I was a little fatigued, and my heart was in my bed. I nearly blew it off a dog-like distraction to the Home Depot.
That’s when I remembered something that changed my entire attitude. Rollerblading.
I grew up playing hockey, so I’ve always enjoyed skating. The thing is rollerblading gets a bad rap and I still feel like people are talking about me under their breath when I slide by on blades of glory.
It’s kind of one of those things like mountain biking where I just feel great while I’m moving. It’s more full body workout that engages your core and works far more muscles than running. And depending on how you roll, you can get the same level workout.
I put in about 10 miles on the wheels and included 4×800 yard “sprints” that crushed my glutes. I cruised back in after about an hour and had a renewed vigor for training.
LOUISVILLE UPDATE
We are all clamoring for a decision and I’m getting beat up on text messaging from my buddies for “embracing the lifestyle.”
“Just pull the trigger!”
“All this foreplay is useless!”
Ha… Well, the good news is, I’m feeling pretty damn good after this weekend. I was actually up this morning at 6am and ready for a leisurely mountain bike ride on flat trails, but it was pouring buckets. I opted for writing this piece, but may go for the ride later. Other than my heal I feel pretty strong and encouraged. Frankly, I’m not sure what I’m waiting for, but I have to make this decision on my terms, and may talk with a priest first, if I can find one.
* Well, my anticipation, and possibly that of my buddy Jeff Stokes who just swam Sharkfest.
** After some serious consideration, I’ve decided to start posting my workouts and feedback. You can find under the “workout” tab on top.
*** I have estimated mowing my back yard to be about 5,000 yards of walking with 80 feet of total gain.