weekly workouts // august 6

Monday, August 6 – rest day. After a solid five days of training – and, double ups all but one day – it felt good to kick up my legs and relax for the evening.

Tuesday, August 7 – Minnesota summers are always wonderful, but it’s been exceptional this year… yet another perfect evening to bike. I kept adding miles to our ride (after four days in Vegas, I’m sure Nick wasn’t too pleased by this…!)… Ford bridge before hopping on the Greenway, Franklin bridge before back to Summit and to the Cathedral before biking home. I just didn’t want it to end!

Bike: 30.57 miles, 1:47:13, route.

Wednesday, August 8 – sitting much of the day in a meeting and in my car (I normally stand all day at my desk) doesn’t jive well with running, and really, I’d rather run in the early morning light before the world wakes. My legs were heavy during my run down Summit to Cretin and back; my left hamstring hollered the loudest.

Run: 5.65 miles, 46:09, 8:10 pace.

My hamstrings were a bit happier after a C2 vinyasa nightcap. Savasana… what a lovely way to end a long day. I didn’t want to wake up and move from my mat.

Yoga: C2 vinyasa, 60 minutes.

Thursday, August 9 – this afternoon’s chilly start in the pool quickly warmed up after a lap or two. The water felt so good after 1,000 yards, I didn’t want to stop swimming. But, after another 800, I was kicked out to make room for an aqua fit class. Really, LA Fitness?! There were only 10 women there, and they clearly didn’t take up the entire four-lane pool; leave at least one lane for lap swim.

On a side note… after battling with my hair for years, I’ve finally embraced air dried locks. Weird.

Swim: 1,800 yards, about 43 minutes.

Friday, August 10 – Coldplay! No words are necessary to describe how fantastic the concert was.

Lights and beach balls from a “suite” view.

Saturday, August 11 – after taking the long way – dang you, 694 closures! – Nick and I finally arrived at Square Lake for the morning’s P2 brick. I wimped out on the swim (because I’m a baby when it comes to being cold – yes, a poor excuse – and I still haven’t bought a wetsuit), but was pretty excited to bike after not being in the saddle for a few days.

Coach Matt forgot his cycling shoes, so while he went back to Saint Paul to get them, we did a fast 20-mile loop. Keeping up with the boys is pretty awesome! The rest of our ride brought us through Stillwater to Bayport and back. Another reason to go by bike: The line of cars on 95 into Stillwater was ridiculous; we cruised past about a mile-long string of ’em on the downhill into downtown.

The final 10 miles on the bike were tough. My legs were spent, my bum hurt and I was starving. Note: Need better bike nutrition, i.e. BUY BANANAS! On long rides, I want REAL FOOD instead of just Honey Stinger chews or gels.

During the final miles on the bike, my motivation to run waned, but seeing my teammates switch shoes convinced me to head out for a bit. Not the best run, as my legs were crazy tight and exhausted, but a couple miles nonetheless.

Bike: 55.76 miles, 2:58:29, route.
Run: 2.02 miles, 17:19, 8:29 pace.

Also, the crystal clear lake and biking the area’s hills today confirmed: I’m signing up and racing the Square Lake long course triathlon on September 9.

Sunday, August 12 – we woke to cloudy skies and way cooler temps than normal; what happened to 90 degrees?! The hint of fall feels good – as does having the windows open – but I’m not ready for September.

Nick and I met our teammates at the Saint Paul Cathedral for a morning run + bike brick. Ugh… what a tough run. I didn’t hydrate enough after Saturday’s long ride and wound up sluggish and a bit light headed. After about a five-minute break three miles in, I sucked it up for the run back down Grand Avenue to the Cathedral.

I felt better once on the bike, but I was thankful for an easier spin down the flat Vento trail rather than Afton hills as originally programmed.

Run: 6.06 miles, 55:19, 9:08 pace.
Bike: 23.22 miles, 1:40:19, route.

In just two classes, yin yoga has become my favorite way to unwind at the end of the week and recharge for the week ahead – and, even better that I get to practice with my dear friend, Katie, and catch up over tea afterward. Observations in class: my hip flexors and hamstrings are painfully tight, fight or flight kicks in during nearly every static pose, and there will be strap and block purchases this week.

Yoga: yin yoga, 60 minutes.

Weekly stats

Another fun week of swimbikerunningyoga love!

Swim: 1,800 yards, 43:00
Bike: 109.55, 6:26:01
Run: 13.75 miles, 1:58:47
Yoga: two classes, 2:00

Up this week: Another fun week of swimbikerunning + a couple yoga classes. What are your workout plans this week? Any races this weekend?

Also, congrats to my teammate Sarah on her first AG podium at Saturday’s YWCA of Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon in Minneapolis! Way to rock it, girl!