I have mixed feelings about this week. On one hand, it felt suuuuuper lazy. I mean, three rest days?! I can’t remember the last time I had three rest days in a given week (except for our sailing vacation in early April; prior to that, likely years). But, on the other hand, it was a big week given my first 70.3 of the season and a pretty significant PR. The big build to Ironman Canada is just ahead, so I should probably just revel in the rest days. It all balances out in the end, right?
With that, here’s week 18 of training…
Monday
After Sunday’s 53-mile bike + 5-mile transition run, I was happy to give the little legs a rest today. Didn’t do much of anything, but relax and enjoy a night at home on the sofa.
Tuesday
The weather was less than ideal for biking outside after work, so I hopped on the trainer for 75 minutes of intervals, followed by an easy 3.72-mile transition run at 8:30 pace.
Wednesday
Happy National Running Day! While I didn’t have a run on my training calendar today, I ran in spirit. Because running is the first sport I fell in love with way back in seventh grade track (long live the 3,200-meter relay!)…
Nick, Sonia and I met at the Y to swim after work. The pool at the first Y was closed for cleaning, so after some hemming and hawing, we went to another Y, where the pool with packed with kids, noodles and swimmers who had no idea about lap swim etiquette. We swam anyway.The pool was a balmy 90 degrees (at least it felt like it), and I had zero motivation to swim seven 300s, so I modified and swam a total of 2,000 yards.
Thursday
Today’s rest day highlights: Picking up our Liberty 70.3 race packets at Gear West and the Whole Foods hot bar for dinner.
Friday
Pre-race shake out! I swam a quick 1,700 yards before work and then an easy 10-mile bike + two-mile run after work. My legs felt rested and ready for my first half ironman of the season on Saturday. Pre-race dinner: chicken sautéed in rogan josh, coconut rice and steamed broccoli.
Saturday
Liberty 70.3! Check out my race report (the fastest I’ve ever written one; it usually takes me a week!)! Official time (and a 39-minute PR): 5:25:11.
Sunday
Well, per Training Peaks and Coach Joe, I was supposed to swim 1,700 yards and bike for 45 minutes, but I opted to rest instead. I needed a day to regroup and recover after Saturday’s race, and, wow, was it glorious. Nick and I slept in, relaxed all morning, brunched at Birchwood, stopped by Jess’s amazing new shop, Prime and Polish (you should go!), and took a two-hour nap. A nice little Sunday!
In non-training news…
It was a pretty uneventful week. I potted a few succulents…
Tried to drink away all.the.rain and gloominess with fresh beet, carrot, apple + ginger juice.
And, we got all dressed up for to Gina + Eric’s wedding at Windows on Minnesota after Saturday’s race. She was stunning, as always, and the view of MSP 50 floors up was spectacular.
Weekly stats
9 hours, 21 minutes.
Swim: 5,961 yards, 1:56:22
Bike: 85.92 miles, 4:47:09
Run: 18.21 miles, 2:38:15
This week: Aaaaaand, just like that, I’m right back in serious training. I have a pretty big week on tap, including a 3.5-hour bike ride and a two-hour run. Plus, I will be ordering a few spacers for my aero bars and trying a new seat so my bike is more comfortable on longer rides.
Happy swimbikerunning, friends!
7 Comments
Great training week — rest days can mentally be just as difficult as having a tough workout to get through!
I want to buy and pot some succulents also! Was planning on doing that this weekend 🙂
Thanks, dear! You’re so right about rest days.
Did you pot some succulents?!
No — not yet. But still planning to!
That is an amazing I Run…
I always feel really lazy during taper weeks, but then I know my body needs it!
Thank you!
It’s tough to rest, but come race day, the short break is awesome!
Wow, seems like such a big week, weddings and a 70.3. Exciting to start your last build for Ironman!
It was a busy week! So excited for this hard training block!