I just finished week #4 of Ironman training, which means I have 16 weeks to go until IM Boulder (if I can count).
My training hours were only 10 for the week, but apparently this is right where I should be for now. Here’s the breakdown.
Swim: 7,800 yards ~4.43 miles
Bike: 75 miles
Run: 16.65 miles
Total miles: 96.08
Total time: 10 hours, 5 minutes
Total # of workouts: 9
Total bowls of peanut butter Cap’n Crunch consumed? 40
While training for an Ironman, or really any triathlon, you have to be super OCD organized. This is because there is so much damn gear required. I am usually pretty good about having my stuff together. I have found that the trick is in planning everything the night before from laying out clothes, to putting the coffee on self timer, to taking my morning dump (just kidding, that would defeat the purpose – plus I never poop at night unless I have food poisoning - TMI).
On Sunday, I had an early morning swim, which was to be followed by a simulated duathlon (some of my team mates were racing, I wasn’t). This meant that Saturday night amidst a few glasses of wine and episodes of Mad Men, I organized my crap for MSS (Multi Sport Sunday). I failed miserably at this task, and I’m just glad I wasn’t racing because I would have been naked. And crying.
I got to the pool at 6:30 a.m. It was 32 degrees, sleeting and starting to snow.
I once again wondered why I do this crap. There are few things in life I hate worse than to be cold. Okay, I hate vomit worse than being cold. Good thing I didn’t vomit in the cold water.
After swimming with my group for 1.25 hours, I stopped in the hot tub then quickly dressed and headed out for my next round of workouts. I was planning to drive to the gym and do a run-bike-run sequence for about another 1.5 hours. That is when I realized I had my running shoes, but no shorts, shirt or bra (fail #1). I could have gotten in the treadmill in my one piece bathing suit and running shoes, but I don’t think my Mizunos go with this:
I talked Ken into bringing my stuff to me. My view while waiting in the car was beautiful (I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter “f.”).
After my run-bike-run I learned an important lesson (fail #2). It is possible to dry oneself off completely after a shower with a hand towel. Yes, I forgot my towel, so I used those little ones they give out to you for when you sweat. It was kind of like mopping up a spilled bottle of beer with a postage stamp. Or, something like that.
Regardless, the workout got done in plenty of time to come home and fall asleep on the couch while watching the Masters because that is what golf does to me. Who needs Ambien or Melatonin when you can watch golf?
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Have you ever forgotten something important on race day? Yes, once when doing a 70.3 I forgot socks. Funny story HERE.
What’s worse for you when working out? Being too hot or too cold?
SUAR