Who Wants to Get Active--Belle: Weekend Workout

Sunday's scheduled workout: 2 1/2 hour bike to a 45 minute run with a triathlon-style transition for practice. (I also planned to get up at 6 am and do a hilly route--as the triathlon is super hilly)

How Sunday's workout actually went: 6 am alarm went off, 7 am I got up and had a lazy morning with an egg breakfast. At 8 am I was on my way--out the door and up the hill.

My Bike: I took it easy and felt ok but not great. My throat had that cold, dry feeling which is really annoying. I included two reasonably big hill climbs and could have added a third but I was really tired and turned around after 50 minutes thinking it would take me longer to get back and the ride would be about 2 hours. I got back in 45 minutes making the ride about an hour and a half.

My Transition: I came in the house, drank some water, went to the bathroom, put my hair in pigtails, changed into running clothes, talked to my sister--who woke up, said good morning and then went back to bed. Then I stretched, selected an album on my ipod, put some more sunscreen on my face and finally headed out the door.

My Run: I meant to follow the same bike path so that I would end up doing at least one big hill, but I was exhausted so I turned downhill at the end of the driveway instead of uphill. I ran the short, flat route (25 to 30 minutes) and was still struggling. Plus I did not drink nearly enough water while biking to prepare for the 80 degree weather at 10 in the morning on my run. (I know megan--you would love 80 degree weather at 10 in the morning:)

The good thing is that even though I was tired, my body felt like it knew what to do and my legs did well carrying me through the workout.

636 Views Tags: triathlon, bike, run, workouts, triathlon_training, road_biking

Apr 15, 2008 2:23 PM

Stephen says:

Good to hear you got through most of the workout. I hate that heavy feeling your legs have after running off the bike. You never quite get used to it.

I am the same as you when it comes to mornings. More then once was I scolded by a race director for showing up right before my later heat rather then for the early morning athlete briefing. Surprisingly enough my best race ever was after a night of almost no sleep and having to wake up at 4am to drive 3 hours to the race (too cheap for motel).

I also had a "brick" workout this weekend except mine consisted of a 20min swim, 90min bike and 30min run. The swim was tough as I have had an achy shoulder for the past few weeks and have been doing the swim workouts with flippers. No flippers for the mock triathlon though and I suffered through the 1,000 metres. Next was off on the bike. Was a beautiful day and I reveled in the chance to ride in shorts. The bike felt great and I easily kept a faster pace then last time I did this workout 4 weeks ago. Then came the run, I was determined to complete 5km in the 30mins and this resulted in going a little faster then planned and had sore legs throughout. The front of my legs were killing me as I overstrided every step. A habit I have off the bike that I forgot I did until then. In the end it took 2:23 to complete the workout. Another 15mins and I would have done the full triathlon.

So down to the final 4 weeks. It sounds as though you are on track to be able to smash Wildflower. If you are a little short in workouts don't worry, the adrenaline from thousands of racers and fans cheering you on gives you the extra 10% plus more. Just have to be careful not to get caught up in the faster racers and run your pace.

Next is to pull the old aerobars out of the closet and starp them on for the final push. It's been 3 years since I last used them and I hope I don't fall over!!

Keep up the great work!!

Apr 16, 2008 5:24 PM

Active Belle says in response to Stephen:

Hey Stephen~Great job on your brick workout this weekend! It is nice to repeat workouts a few weeks later and feel an improvement. I'm glad the nicer weather is finding you.

That's funny that you show up so late to the races. The only time I showed up late was that triathlon in Japan where the race officials didn't tell the 4 foreigners that they changed the start time. So we all showed up when 20 minutes was already on the clock. But I have to say one of my best races was a 24 hour adventure race where I only got 3 hours of sleep the night before. I've heard that a good night sleep two nights before the race is more important than the night before. Although I would have slept in my car before driving 4 hours the morning of a race--eek!

Did you end up choosing a race to do? It sounds like you're ready to kick some butt.

Apr 18, 2008 10:47 AM

tributton says in response to Active Belle:

Those crazy Japanese. I 've been to Japan a few times with work and am not surprised by your story. Once I was coaxed into eating a rotten egg - a Japanese delicacy.

I have found a local Olympic distance triathlon on May 11th that I have signed up for. My goal is just to complete the race with out injury. I'm on track to complete my goal as the course is no Wildflower and shouldn't be a problem. I will just have to stick to my own advice and not get caught up trying to stay with the fast guys. I plan on wearing my heart rate monitor in the race to make sure I'm going my pace. It will be strange as I've never worn my monitor in a race before. It will give me a good idea of where I'm at to continue training afterwards.

I hope you have another fun weekend planned of training. Mine consists of a 3hr bike and 60 min run, yuck

Apr 25, 2008 12:01 PM

Gale Bernhardt says in response to tributton:

Hey Tributton ~

It looks like your goal to consistenty train and remain injury-free is right on track. Congratulations! Like Belle, I know you have a challenging work schedule and plenty of other issues that could become good excuses not to exercise - but - you've made time to train and really take care of yourself. The race is mostly a celebration of sorts.

Hope you have great fun ~

Apr 28, 2008 12:14 PM

tributton says in response to Gale Bernhardt:

Hey Gale,

Thanks so much for all your help. It is much appreciated. I have really enjoy the experience and working with yourself and Belle. I feel confident I'll make it through the race okay and have rekindled my desire to train and race.

One last question is, since I have not pushed very hard in any workouts to make sure I stay healthy... Is it wise for me to race my hardest next weekend and really push it to gauge my fitness or just aim to finish the race? I am hoping to race another Olympic distance race in August and try for a good time.

Again, thanks so much.

Apr 28, 2008 3:33 PM

Gale Bernhardt says in response to tributton:

Tributton ~

Glad you had fun following the plan. I'm sure you helped others with your experience and great words of wisdom.

For next weekend, I suggest racing at your current training paces until the last 5k of the run. If you feel like going faster at that point, then go ahead. Otherwise, use the race as a celebration of sorts. You've gotten yourself into great shape. You have excellent aerobic fitness and some threshold speed. Most of all, you've stayed healthy and exercised consistently - you've already overcome your biggest challenges from a few months ago. Congrats!

Let us know how the race goes - most of all - did you enjoy the day?

May 1, 2008 7:28 AM

tributton says in response to Gale Bernhardt:

Thanks Gale for the advice. Last think I want is to get injured again after a taste of competition.

GOOD LUCK this weekend Belle!!! I'm sure you'll have no problems and will really enjoy yourself.