Summer “Training” 2012: Week 8

Whew! What. A. Week. Five days, five flights, four airports, three airlines, two cities, and over 1500+ miles traveled…it is nice to be back in my apartment and getting back into my routine.

This week was a bit of a wash in terms of training. I don’t feel like I did any true “training” this week because of everything. Instead I did what I could and went with it. I am not going to allow myself to fret over it too much. Next week is a new week and I am ready to get back into my training mindset and make these last few weeks count!

Here is how this “training” week went…

June 18- 24, 2012:

Monday: REST/ Travel to Maryland

Tuesday: Run 4.52 miles in Maryland

This was a really nice run. My mom and I were staying with my aunt who lives out in the country so I saw numerous deer, rabbits, and even a miniature horse! It was hot and a little hilly, but it was a good run to just zone out.

Wednesday: Walking all over Pittsburgh (~ 3 miles)/ Travel to Pittsburgh

I was planning on going to a spin studio but it would have cost me $20 in between the class and roundtrip bus fare to go so I opted out. I was also exhausted from a long day of travel and walking around.

Thursday: Run 4.35 miles in Pittsburgh+ Sightseeing (~ 4-5 miles)

A beautiful morning run around the University of Pittsburgh. My overall pace was pretty slow due to all the hills and some walking, but I loved every part of this run. My favorite way to explore new cities is on foot, especially through running.

Friday: Run 6 miles in Pittsburgh/ Travel to Florida

My goal was seven miles, but I was so exhausted by six that I called it a day. I also made it back to my hotel at six miles and the thought of running circles around the hotel did not appeal to me. I took a slightly different route and ran past the University of Pittsburgh again and also ended up on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Again, my overall pace was slower due to the hills, but I got to explore a part of Pittsburgh that I would not have otherwise.

Saturday: Spin Bike 10.1 miles+ Strength Training (Back and Arms)+ Core/ Stretching

After a long week of traveling, it was tough getting back into the gym. I allowed myself to sleep in and relax for part of the day and went to the gym in the afternoon. I was still tired, but I know that I needed to get back into my normal schedule. I did a half hour on the spin bike followed by a LONG strength training workout and core exercises.

Sunday: Spin Class+ Strength Training (Shoulders)+ Core/ Stretching

Originally I was going to swim but the pool was closed so I went to a spin class. I was not a fan of this class because we spent 90% of the class out of the saddle. It was a constant “ok out of the saddle” verses power climbs in the saddle, which is what I prefer. To each their own. I followed class with strength training, focusing on exercises and areas that I did not target the previous day.

• Running Mileage= 14.87
• Spin Bike Mileage= 10.2+ Spin Class
• Swim Distance= 0m
• Total Distance= 25.07+ Spin Class+ Walking around Pittsburgh

I’m not going to say it was a bad week because all things considered, I did the best I could. It was a long and hectic week of travel and while it may have set me back a little in terms of my triathlon goals, it is not the end of the world. I am determined to get back in it this coming week!

I am happy to stay put for a little while and not travel anywhere (other than home). I have tweaked my remaining race schedule for the summer which I will talk about on Tuesday.

Last Week’s Goals:

• Travel safe (CHECK!)
• Spend time with family (CHECK- bittersweet.)
• Do my best with fitting in workouts but don’t obsess due to travel this week (CHECK!)

Goals For Next Week:

• Get back into training mindset
• Reveal new race plan
• Be flexible- I have more tropical storm weather heading my way. Boo!
• Increase running mileage

Previous Weeks:

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7

Have a fantastic week!