Thursday, June 12, 2008

SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVING IS EASY...

But not for us triathletes. At least, that's what I am finding. In addition to the extra training (which I'm not minding too much), the usual summer hectic work schedule is upon me. Now I've gone from busy to crazy and nearly out of control work days. This has happened the last two summers, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when it started again.

My first couple of weeks of build-up training are behind me, so now I'm finding myself rethinking my training again. With the busier work schedule, and with some new-found energy, I plan to start longer workouts on a daily basis, figuring 2 longer workouts as opposed to 3 shorter workouts each week might help. My running is steadily improving. My swimming is to the point where it really isn't a problem to swim a mile at a time. I know I still have to work on the biking, but here is where I need to make the most changes. After last week's 4 hour ride, I still felt strong each day after. While the ride left something to be desired, I think the ride time is helping put me over the edge on the training.

I think too if I try to get in some longer workouts during the week, instead of trying to constantly double up every day, I still will have more time to do all those other household chores or other tasks that need attending to each week without wearing myself out totally.

It also has led me to the conclusion that I need to focus mainly on the half IM race and not try to cram in a bunch of shorter triathlon races that take away from the training and require recovery days I really don't have to spare. I have a few running events already planned, but up to now have not signed up for any sprint tris. I feel confident enough from having done tris for so many years that I don't need to clutter up my schedule with things I have done before. Sure, it would be a thrill to maybe get a PR, but I really don't have time for that this summer.

On the schedule: a 5k this Saturday. That should be interesting. Its a race I have always thought of doing but never had time on my schedule. However, it was one of the "Triple Crown" races included in my "Gift of Fitness" I had received for Christmas, so its already a paid-for event. The next will be another prepaid 5k on June 28, but since there is also a 10k right after, I plan to do that also, helping me get my long run in for that week.

Hope everyone has a great weekend of training or races!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

A little extra energy to do chores around the house is always a good thing. Remember, mowing the lawn counts as a workout...especially if it is a push lawn mower!

Good luck this Saturday on your race.

Anonymous said...

You're doing great! Yes, I'm also finding things to be hectic an busy, and time just seems to be flying by. Then, I don't want it to go by so fast because I love this time of year for training!!

Happy summer :)

Steve Stenzel said...

Good luck with the training!!

Bill Carter said...

Hi Vickie

I still don't know how you triathaletes do it. Running is about all I can do and even that kicks my butt.

Best of luck with the weekend run.

Flo said...

I don't know that I would have the time to train for a half IM. I'm not sure how you do it!! Good luck in the 5k this weekend.

Unknown said...

It is hard to fit it all in. I think you are making a smart decision to focus on the HIM and not try to cram other races in this year.

Sunshine said...

Today we got an e-mail from 50 states club about a new marathon in Indianapolis on November 1. Maybe we will do it. .. or Don will and we will do the half. We will see how things go this month.

Thanks for always being an inspiration.

chia said...

Exponentially hard core. Best of luck for the rest of training.

Have fun at the 5k :-)!!!! I'll be in Ka-zoo doing the 10K.

Black Knight said...

Enjoy the 5K, for sure easier than all that training for the tri. Here summer is coming and the sea is waiting for me for long swims.

jahowie said...

I wish that I could swim like you. I know it takes time, and I have been seriously slacking in my swim training. Have a great race this weekend!!

Lily on the Road said...

Good for you !!

I start training this week, hope it works because I seem to be in a little bit of a slump...any tri advice will be greatly appreciated!!

IronWaddler said...

YOur training looks great. Sometimes we need more hours in the day.

zanne said...

this is why i am always amazed by triathletes. i can only focus on one thing at a time! more power to you girl, you are doing great!