Sleep. I need more of it. And, it was even more apparent this week with four 5:30a wake-up calls. While I’m a morning person – there’s nothing quite like the quiet before the world is awake… so peaceful – this week was a struggle to drag my bum to bed at night and then outta bed in the morning. I was tired on Wednesday, and by Friday I was exhausted and could have used a three-hour afternoon nap. Week 19 of Ironman Canada training went pretty well, but I just felt sluggish, and my heart rate was higher than normal – a sure sign I haven’t gotten enough shuteye. So, this next week lots of sleep – at least seven hours a night, preferably eight – is a top priority.
Also, we booked our tickets to Vancouver on Tuesday! Ironman Canada just got real 🙂
Monday
After Sunday’s lazy day of post-race rest, Nick and I went out for an easy, 22-mile recovery ride. What a beautiful night in MSP!
Tuesday
Nothing too exciting here, just a 60-minute, 18-mile ride and a 3.74-mile transition run at 8:22 pace. I’m loving that my running is finally inching back to where it was before my hip injury in 2010.
Wednesday
I overslept this morning and didn’t get to the pool as early as I wanted, but still managed to swim, sans watch, 2,400 yards. Love starting my mornings in the water!
Thursday
My legs weren’t quite recovered from Saturday’s 70.3, so I cut my planned two-hour run down to eight miles in 1:08. The last two miles were tough, but I managed an 8:31 pace.
Friday
Another morning swim, another morning of oversleeping. Still, 12 descending 100s ranging from 1:35 to 1:28. Boom! After work, Nick and I dusted off the road bikes and pedaled (19 miles round trip) to the Nature Valley Grand Prix crit in Uptown (see pics below). Watching these faaast women race makes me want to race to cat one so I can ride with them. Because there’s nothing like the whir of peloton and riding inches from your teammate’s wheel.
Saturday
Nick and I were lazy this morning, so after sleeping in, we cleaned the house. It was in such a state of disarray it was no longer tolerable. We then hit the pool around 11a, where I swam descending 4 x 500. Final 500: 7:58. I never thought I’d see a sub-eight 500! Now if that would transfer over to open water. After swimming, it pretty much felt like I continued swimming on my run. It was super humid and then, at mile nine of 10, the skies opened. It rained so hard I couldn’t see a half-block in front of me. And, I laughed and smiled the entire time. Thank you to Birchwood Café for the towel to dry off and for the tasty post-run food!
Sunday
My favorite cycling weather is hot + humid, and today was perfect! After spending part of the morning with my family, I hopped on my bike en route to Stillwater to watch the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix (see pics below). I caught up with friends Laura and Kurt and then ran into Scott and Renee who I used to bike with in Alexandria. It had been about five years, so it was great to see them! After watching the end of the women’s race (and a terrifying crash on the last corner involving the race leader, Jade Wilcoxson) and a few climbs up monster Chilkoot hill, I wrapped up my 57-mile ride with an out and back to Marine on St. Croix (18 mph average). Aero felt pretty good, though my Argon still needs some minor tweaks so my neck doesn’t ache 20 miles in. The day rounded out with a 3.65-mile transition run, where despite the 8:07 average, there was borderline bonking. Need to dial in the nutrition…
In non-training news…
We went to a Saint Paul Saints game and hung out with mascot Madonna.
The Nature Valley Grand Prix. One of my favorite events each summer, I always make it to at least a couple stages. This year: the Uptown crit (first two pictures) and the Stillwater crit (last two pictures). Stillwater’s Chilkoot hill has an 18 percent grade, so it’s fantastic spectating. Definitely want to bring my Madone out for a few repeats.
We went out! To a bar! I don’t remember the last time I was out in downtown Minneapolis, and while we had a good time celebrating our friend Neal’s birthday, pretty sure I don’t need to go out downtown again for a long time. Also, bars and restaurants are smoke-free in Minnesota; WHY AREN’T PATIOS?!
And, this guy. #keeper
My car is shiny and new again!
And, I spent much of Sunday celebrating Father’s Day and my Mom’s 59th birthday. How lucky am I?! I don’t know what I’d do without these two amazing people (and my sister!) in my life.
Weekly stats
13 hours, 15 minutes.
Swim: 7,300 yards, 2:28:24
Bike: 116.64 miles, 6:51:24
Run: 25.65 miles, 3:35:45
Core: 20:00
This week: MORE SLEEP! And, my first really big training block is this weekend, and I cannot wait! Ten weeks until Ironman Canada!
Happy swimbikerunning, friends!
7 Comments
I always have a tough time balancing training and early morning wake ups. Thank goodness for naps : ) That bike race looks awesome! And your pictures are fantastic!
AMAZING pictures!! The hardest part of going to bed early this time of year is that it is still light outside later in the day. We have finally gotten ourselves on a schedule where we are in bed no later than 9 pm and usually up no later than 5 am. It has taken some time and was not this way when we were training for our first Ironman. We’ve found consistency is key…even following these bedtimes and wake up calls during the weekend…it is tough!! I hope you find a sleep schedule that works for you soon 🙂
Wow — busy week! Each year I forget about the NVGP until it’s too late and I already have plans. Maybe next year I can spectate! Glad your car is fixed!
Here’s hoping you get more sleep this week 🙂
Inspiring as always, sista! I don’t know how you do it!!! I think Cory and I need to get one of those pull behind things for our bikes so we can go on bike rides with Finley. 🙂 Even if it’s just on the paths of Woodbury. Lately, I feel stuck at night when Finley goes to bed. It’s light out, still gorgeous, but I can’t leave for a walk or anything!
And, you booked your tickets!?!? When do you leave and come back? I really hope I can come…
What a week! I’m tired just thinking about it…love those pics of you and Nick. 🙂
What kind of cycling sunglasses do you wear?? Those are SUUUUPER cute. 🙂
[…] two: Sleep. I mentioned it last week, and this week I started tracking it in Training Peaks. I knew I wasn’t getting enough, but […]