Day Off

This last Monday Jose and I were fortunate enough to be able to take the day off from work, but our version of a day off is not what most people would expect. When I looked at my training schedule, I felt a little bored by the workouts, but a few small modifications quickly turned it into an exciting training day. The plan was to swim an hour, ride 6 hours and run 2 hours. Yes, I realize it is not normal to have this kind of training day on a Monday after a full week of training. But the idea of it had me a bit scared and nervous, which made the training exciting.

We started the day with a pre-sunrise swim. It was sort of non eventful and before I knew it we were on our bikes in a frigid 40 degrees. Our neighbors gave us some funky looks as they prepared to head off to work, but I am pretty sure if they knew what we were up to the looks would have been much worse. Unfortunately it seems that every other morning this month has been above 60 degrees with light winds, while we had to ride the first hour in really cold temps and with a very strong headwind. I kept wanting to turn around and call it a day, after all, it is not like I had to do this.




This is about an hour in, we had been averaging about 15 mph into a fierce headwind, I could not feel my extremities and was not enjoying my "day off".



This was our first planned stop at Gardens Corner. Unfortunately the Piggly Wiggly has closed.

Once we got past Beaufort and out of the headwind, we hit a short section of tailwind before the wind direction shifted and we had a crosswind, followed by more headwind latter in the day. The good news was that it did warm up a for a little while about 4 hours into our ride. However, as we were finishing the ride the clouds moved in and the temperature dropped again.



Once we got done with our ride it was time to head out for the run. I was really unsure about this section of the day. My plan was simply to head out the door and just see how I felt. There was no sense in hurting myself and jeopardizing my training. In the end, Jose and I kept the pace really mellow and just chatted the entire way. Before I knew it we were back home and we had just done a 9 hour training day.

Update

Nothing much is new in terms of personal stuff. After a successful trip to Puerto Rico I settled into some solid training. I feel completely unprepared for an 140.6 mile race, but I am told that is somewhat normal for 8 weeks out. I was kinda bummed to not be able to make it to Costa Rica for the Rev3 race. I heard it was an awesome event. Being part of the Trakkers team though allowed me to follow the race and cheer for my team mates who were able to make it. I also really have enjoyed getting to learn about our new sponsors, two of which really stick out.

First Avia running shoes. I will be honest, I have been curious about these shoes for a while. This is a company that has been in the business for a while and I was excited to try out their innovative shoes. My big issue with shoes is that I need a certain level of stability, which ends up in me running in a bulky feeling shoe. The Avia Quest is the shoe I have been training on, and I am happy to report that it is not bulky feeling at all. While it might look bulky sitting on the shelf at a store, I think you will quickly realize that even though it is a stability/motion control shoe, it allows my foot to track more naturally. Having said that, I am not really sure how a motion control shoe can feel natural, but that is why I leave the shoe making to the experts.

The second new update is Recovery Pump. This is an Active Pneumatic Compression System which, in my most basic of layman's terms, pumps air into four different chambers. The process begins at you feet and moves up your leg, then starts again. The goal being to flush out all the waste product from your legs. The bottom line is it feels good and I can tell you that this is becoming a common sight around our house.

Kickoff to to 2011 and Vacation

So this weekend many of my teammates will be in Costa Rica racing as rev3 kicks off their 2011 season*(they have added several races this year and a crazy prize purse). I am so jealous that I am not there with them. Rumor has it that the weather is great, the water is blue, the pros are around, and everyone is having a blast.

I wish I was there! BUT, since I cannot be, I have decided to pretend. I have a long weekend planned on the bike(to many hours to admit to), so to get me through it I plan to take a mental vacation, joining my teamies and Rev3. I will eat local food, swim in the blue water lots, and cheer for everyone racing while drinking a cocktail. Oh, yeah and I WILL work on my tan! Want to Join me?????

Best way to start a Friday

So I walk out of the bedroom swimsuit in hand in a hurry to go to the pool. I tell my BHE(husband) I am running late to head to the pool without me and I will meet him there(he hates to be late to masters). He is standing in his running shorts looking at me funny. He replies, "we have a run today...." YES YES YES!!! Of course, I don;t believe him and have to go check the schedule myself, but sure enough, no swim, just a run!!!! And not just any run, but my favorite, a TEMPO run! So instead of dragging my butt into the pool, which I don't like, I get to do one of my favorite workouts! I cannot think of to much better of a start to my friday. Hope your day is starting equally as well!

day two numbers

78-miles ridden
3-flats
0-trips to the ER!!!!
3-rounds of doubles don q (puerto rican rum) and diet
A few more- rounds of other stuff!
2-amazing puerto rican meals
1-new food tried
Not enough - pictures taken
Too many - "hoyos" spanish for hole in road.

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day one stats

Sorry this will be short. And no pictures because my phone died.

154-miles riden
4-flats in our group of 7 people
1-broken chain
1- trip to the er for my father in law. He is ok, details to come.
Countless-AMAZING views
Not enough-calories consumed
Too much- fun had

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BEST HUSBAND EVER

Ok, so my new passion is Beer. I really never knew Beer could be so good until a friend turned me onto dogfish.....mmmmmm :)

So, my husband who will now be refereed to as BHE(best husband ever, and he has really earned this title lately TRUST ME) surprises me with this beer tasting. Oh, and did I mention he cleaned the house before I got home from work? He knows how stressed I have been with things lately and how sad I am about my bike, but this totally made my day. I learned that I am an IPA fan!

Ok, Time to go ride 375 miles in the 75 degree weather with the BHE. Don't Hate!