Summer Training 2012: Week 10

*This post was originally scheduled for Sunday but due to some technical difficulties, I was unable to post it until tonight. Better late than never I suppose.*

This past week was a bit tricky when trying to schedule swim workouts. My gym pool was closed all week due to repairs so I was only able to get in one swim workout. I also had a bit of a rough start to my week with “life concerns” so the backend of my week was definitely more intense than the beginning.

Here is how the week turned out…

July 2- 8, 2012:

Monday: Bike 19.63 miles

I was planning on 22 miles but started hearing thunder at around mile 9.75 and decided to turn around early to avoid being caught in the rain. Of course it never did end up raining…figures.

Tuesday: Run 3.5 miles

On Tuesday’s I like to run 5 miles and that is what I set out to do, but I was having a really bad day and could not just “zone out” and run. My mind kept wandering and I started getting really down and saying negative things to myself. When I hit 3.5 miles, I was frustrated and fed up so I decided to cut the run short.

Wednesday: Elliptical .38 (Warm-up)+ Strength Training+ Core/ Stretching

Not in the mood to ride or run and with the pool being closed, my workout options were limited on the 4th of July. My gym closes early (1pm) on holiday’s, but normally the gym is fairly quiet on these days. I guess a lot of people were planning on indulging in a lot of BBQ later in the day because the gym was PACKED! It took me forever to get this strength training workout done because I was constantly having to wait for machines/ weights or figure out a substitute workout.

Thursday: REST

Friday: Swim 1400m + Strength Training+ Core/ Stretching

I went home for a long overdue visit to my parents, so I was able to go to their gym and use the pool. Overall, I felt pretty solid during the swim, although I am concerned about my endurance. I think after this triathlon in August, I am going to have to seriously think about my approach to swimming and get a few pointers. After the swim, I hit the weight room and followed it up with core work and stretching.

Saturday: Discus/ Hammer throwing session+ BRICK- Bike 17.91 + Run 3.53 miles

Up until this point, my bike/ run bricks consisted of a 60 minute bike with a 3 mile run. Little by little I am increasing my distance for the bike/ run bricks. I did around 70 minutes on the bike followed by a 3.5 mile run. I went to a nearby rail trail (which is much better than where I ride in Jacksonville) and did my workout. My bike speed was impressive (for myself) even with the uphill portion at the beginning. However, by the time I started the run, it was already in the 90′s (at 10am) and the heat combined with hills, made for a less than impressive run time. However, I got the workout done.

I also picked up the discus for the first time in 3+ years and did a short throwing workout with my dad later in the day.

Sunday: Run 7 miles

Tired and sore from the previous day, I went into this run with low expectations. I ran around the University of Florida (my favorite place to run when I am home) and kept a relaxed approach to it. Nothing spectacular occurred during this run other than I got it done.

• Running Mileage= 14.03
• Bike Mileage= 37.54
• Swim Distance= 1400m
• Total Distance= 52.82

An ok week…not the best; not the worst. There are days when I am seriously wondering if I am going to be able to do this triathlon in August. One day I feel on the right track for training and other days I feel like I am so far behind and undertrained. I also feel like my running has been seriously slacking and in need of a boost. However, I am still having this on and off leg pain (I know, I know…I mention it at least once a week- but I do have a plan of how I am going to deal with it once this training cycle is complete) which makes it difficult to do anything other than slow and steady, low mileage runs.

Last Week’s Goals:

• Figure out how to get in swim workouts (my gym pool is closed for the week due to repairs) (Half CHECK!)
• Increase running mileage (FAIL!)
• Get in another solid brick workout (I’ll consider it a success)
• Do something fun this week (CHECK!)

Goals For Next Week:

• I decided to remove them due to this being posted on Wednesday

Previous Weeks:

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9

Have a great remainder to your week!