Ironman Arizona: Week 7
Week seven was a week of firsts: first time getting kicked out of the pool, first swim where it just “clicked,” first ride in the rain, and my first lactate threshold testing. I’m sure this adventure will include many more firsts along the way, but there’s something special about knowing that you’re checking so many firsts off the list and moving forward.
So here’s a look at all things week seven:
Mon, 1/16: Swim
MLK day. Ahhhh, a nice day off of work where I can head to the gym at whatever time I want. Jump in, notice an increased amount of, ehem, older folks in the pool, but continue on my way. DON’T BE FOOLED! This gang of vicious hooligans showed their weapons and forced me out of the pool! Apparently they mean business when they remove the lane lines: it was aqua aerobics time.
I only got in part on my workout. I’ll take the 1,100 yards that I got in.
Tues, 1/17: Run
Six miles of Tuesday treadmill hill repeats. Oh how I’ve missed running so much. To be honest, I can feel my running fitness starting to fade. I raised my concerns to my coach today and we are now changing my schedule around to ensure that I’m a happy camper and maintain, if not increase, my running fitness.
Wed, 1/18: Swim (a.m.) / Bike (p.m.)
The morning swim was the first time I’ve ever felt like swimming was effortless. Maybe I was just going slow, but nevertheless, it’s amazing when your body decides to show up. Here’s the workout for you:
WARM UP:
2 x 50 FORM (15"RI)
4 x (25 SBBP, 25 EASY) 15"RI
2 x (25 BBR, 25 EASY) 15"RI
BBR = Balance Body Roll Drill
MAIN SET:
4 x 50 FORM (10"RI)
2 x 100 FORM (15"RI)
***1′ REST***
700 EASY
COOL DOWN:
2 x50 Non-Freestyle
Also, if you’re looking to keep your attention during an hour long, interval spin workout, look no further than the Kardashians as they were once again my poison of choice. Sure they’ll rot your brain, but I figure that good from the spinning creates a sense of Kardashian equilibrium that will still get me into heaven.
Thurs, 1/19: Rest
I am such a pro at this.
Friday, 1/20: Lactate threshold testing (a.m.) / Run (p.m.)
Get outta here! Would you look at that – I just posted about the testing. You can read about it here. That evening it was another hot, hour-long date with the treadmill. When will it get light out already?
Saturday, 1/21: Long Ride
I SURVIVED! You can read about the trek in the rain that taught me a few good lessons here.
Look, ma — it fits!
Sunday, 1/22: Rest
Football? Who needs football when you have wine, nail polish and family? (Ok, that is the girliest thing I may have ever said on the blog. Please strike it from the record.)
I closed out the week with 7 hours and 39 minutes of training, approximately 51.4 miles on the bike, 16.3 miles running, and 2,700 yards swimming. I’m anxious to start my revamped schedule and will post more on that, and the feelings that caused it, soon.
What firsts did you accomplish this week? Ever been kicked out of the pool because of aqua aerobics (you fought them back, didn’t you)?
Happy Running!
great job! new “firsts” are just one of the many great things about Ironman training. i can relate to the running, too. especially coming right off of marathon training, my body is used to a lot more mileage, so the big drop in running volume has been a weird transition. for right now i’m just trusting my coach and will see where it goes as i haven’t felt a loss of fitness yet.
When I trained for my first marathon (fine, only, but I plan to do more so I can say first), my favorite thing about training was feeling like every time I ran a new distance I was doing something that I’d never ever done before and it was such a great feeling. Glad your training is going well
P.S. That’s not OPI Chicago Champagne Toast on the right there, is it? If yes that is my absolute favorite all time color (translation: only color my toes are allowed to wear because I love it so much I want to always have it on). If not it’s similar….so good choice!
I’ve gotten kicked out of the pool while pool running for the water aerobics. sigh.
Your pool pictures make me miss swimming!
I love reading your recaps. I cannot wait to get a trainer or spin bike in my living room. Boy friend will kill me but it would be a great way to catch up on the DVR
Nice job on another great week! Too funny getting booted from the pool.
I am sooo terrified of losing running fitness through triathlon training… need to make sure I find a good coach who can help me do both!
Dang…you rocked it once again. i could not agree more about the importance of watching the Kardashians while riding….who cares about our brains, I just want to be entertained!