Monday, May 12, 2008

Weekend workouts

We are now less than two weeks away from IM Brazil.

In 8 days, we fly to Florianopolis.

In 6 days, we pack our bikes.

My "to-do" list is still in process, but I should have it ready to go by the end of today.

But, enough about those logistical details, let's focus on the workouts.

Last week, Karen mentioned something about doing a 3-mile swim. What? "But we only swim 2.4 miles," I outwardly whined to anyone who would listen. No one listened.

So, there I was late Friday afternoon - swimming for about half a day (okay, maybe not quite that long). Coach Mark and I swam back and forth, back and forth, back and forth...

It wasn't pretty and I wasn't smiling the whole time - but I did knock out my longest swim ever.

On Saturday, I was unable to join my peeps at the Cap to Cap ride due to a small work conflict (known as graduation ceremony #1 of the weekend). I did pack my car on Friday night with my bike, cycling gear, running gear & nutrition, so I was able to get to West Creek by 11:30ish - just in time to watch Mark and Rick finish their workout.

I was jealous that they were finished - but what could I do?

Some kind of strange weather system seemed to roll in right as I began my ride. It was cloudy and windy - and altogether kinda cold and eerie. I definitely did not dress appropriately - and was actually cold for most of the ride.

I focused on a few tidbits of cycling advice I picked up from stud cyclists Mark, Cyndi and Shelly. Cyndi and Shelly both talked about how they focus on making themselves "small & aero" on the bike. Cyndi talked about envisioning yourself traveling through a little hole in the wind. Rather than fighting the wind, you try to travel with it. Mark mentioned to me how he gets into a rhythm and just rides on.

I tried all those things - and I also really focused on staying as relaxed as possible to avoid muscle pains in my shoulders. As per the instructions of the coach, I definitely took it easy for the first 20 miles.

All things considered, it was a decent ride.

After the ride, I completed the brick with a 6-mile run over the rolling hills of WC.

One long swim and one medium brick accomplished.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

you sound ready!
remember you've done this before. successfully (even with the four bags of IV) beware of brazilian IV, though...they might spike it!

Kate said...

You are so ready. If I don't see you have a great time in Brazil.

TriGirl Kate O said...

I so wish I could be in Brazil to cheer and sherpa you in person. I will be glued to my computer that day and will try to telepathically send good vibes and high fives your way. You are so ready, and will kick butt!

TriGirl 40 said...

Brazil is yours! You've done the training and you've got an aweome outlook.

I can't wait to hear all the details of you IMB adventures!

Just like everyone, will be tracking online and cheering from afar.

tri-ing races not cases said...

OMG...it is so close! How exciting. Soon you will be a double ironman! You guys are going to be great and we will be thinking good thoughts and well wishes from Richmond.

TriGirl Kate O said...

So what will you rename your blog in a few weeks?
Thanks for the love and support!
hugs
ko

katebott said...

Good luck in Brazil, Ms. Boston... after you conquer that you can move onto the races that start with C :0) Have a blast, we will all be back here cheering you along!

Unknown said...

I might just rename my blog...couch-bound. :)

Thanks for all the love & good wishes!

xo
sq