The other day I saw my name on the list of registrants for Lake Placid and it dawned on me “man, I’m really doing this.” I know, I know, I’ve been training for LP, but seeing my name on the official IMLP’s website made it real. Last week was somewhat exhausting, not from training, but from life. Work has been insane. I’ve realized that sixteen hour shifts followed by twelve hour shifts completely drain the life out of me and leave me physically exhausted, making training difficult. But, despite the exhaustion, I was able to muster up the energy to complete the workouts of my “rest week.”
A couple of realizations from last week:
1) Once upon a time I thought brick workouts were created by the devil. Truthfully, I didn’t do as many brick workouts last year in prep for the Patriot Half as I really should have (seriously, why run 9 miles after a 50 miler road ride?). Training for Lake Placid has changed my idea of training. This bricks are vital for the race. Two or three of my trainer workouts are followed by a run of somesort. My legs used to HATE running after biking. Now, they are used to it. Crazy how your body becomes accostumed to certain activities.
2) Strength training has an important role in triathlon training. I always used to think that running, swimming, and biking was enough to prepare for a triathlon. I never knew the importance, however, of adding strength training to your program. My coach has me do two core sessions (ab exercises) and one to two leg strengthening sessions. A strong core and strong legs really do assist you when you are swimming, running, and biking. In fact, just today I was able to complete a run on a hilly route that in the past I have had to stop and walk up some of the hills. Strength training has given me power– allowing me to me to have that little extra umph when exercising. I never thought I would actually agree with my coach when she said strength training pays out in the end.
3) Training for this race requires someone with self discipline and will power. It’s tough waking up early to get a workout in before work, especially knowing you will be on your feet for 12-16hrs with few breaks. You only hate yourself for waking up early for the first 15-20minutes. Later on in the day, you are thankful you got up to do it.
4) I seem to be hungry a lot. And snack often–not sure if that is good or bad. I have gone through luna bars like they are candy (they taste like candy!) and decided to save some money and make my own protein bars. They were a hit with people I work with. And I have added to my greek yogurt addiction with discovering powdered peanut butter. Oh my goodness. YUM. I never ate greek yogurt, or any yogurt really, until I was sick in january and it was the only thing I could eat. Now, if I don’t have it on a daily basis, I get moody. (Okay maybe I should cut back a little on how often I consume it…)
Problem? What greek yogurt problem?
5)I never thought a “Rest week” like mine last week would include a 13 miler and three brick workouts.
6)I feel the amount of training per week increasing significantly. I cannot imagine putting all this effort into training for something you really don’t want to do. Some people have equated training for an ironman as a part time job. Looking at this weeks workouts, I now know why they would say such a thing. Workouts are no joke, and I cannot remember, or don’t think I have ever, trained 10-11 hrs in a week. Thank goodness I enjoy it.
What are some things you have realized when training for a long distance race?
A sneak peak at this week’s plan (will probably change around a little):
Monday:60min spin pre-work
Tuesday: speed work (run)/core strength + 3500 yd swim
Wed: Long trainer/t-5mile run
Thursday: 60min spin+ leg strength/core pre-work
Friday: 9 miler +2800 yrd swim
Sat:Trainer/t-4mile run
Sun: rest (or 10 mile road race instead of fridays long run)
A Rendezvous with Sneakers 