ironman canada // week 27

After 27 weeks, the final week of Ironman Canada training before taper! I’ve said it a million times, but I cannot believe race day is just around the corner. TWO WEEKS! Honestly, it’s seemed so far into the future that it’s all make-believe. But, here we are… the fittest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life, the jitteriest and nervous I’ve ever been in my life… ready for one of the biggest days in my life.

And, I am beyond grateful. During Sunday’s ride, already a bit emotional – I can only imagine the rubber lip I’ll get running down the finisher’s chute – I reflected just how grateful I am to be swimbikerunning my heart out and loving every second of it. This isn’t something I have to do; it’s something I GET to do. And, that’s pretty fantastic. Even better, I have some pretty amazing people by my side supporting me. You know who you are… thank you. #attitudeofgratitude

Anyway, it was a solid, well balanced week. Check it…

Monday

A rest day filled with lots o’ relaxation and reading.

Tuesday

A quick bike outside + then a power test on the trainer after it started pouring. Ouch. I started out waaaaay too hard for the three-minute test, and 45 seconds in, my legs were toast. With 15 seconds left, I realized I was in the wrong gear (I should have downshifted two more gears). Average watts: ~249. Still learning what the numbers mean, but… not bad? Definitely room for improvement!

Wednesday

I was up bright and early for six miles at 8:24 pace. My legs felt great! As hard as it is to crawl out of bed at 5a, there really isn’t a better way to start the day. Love running before the world is awake! After work, Nick and I eeked out a 2,300-yard swim at Lake Nokomis before sunset. I felt a lot safer swimming with him than solo. And, such a gorgeous evening!

Thursday

Today’s tempo run wasn’t easy – my heart rate was sky high because I haven’t gotten enough sleep lately – but with one foot in front of the other, I finished. After a two-mile warm-up, I ran four miles at 7:30 pace (30 minutes) and cooled down with an easy one-miler at 8:00 pace.

Friday

Just a so-so morning run… 4.27 miles at 8:45 pace.

Saturday

My last long run before race day! Seventeen solid miles down Minnehaha, around Harriet and back. The best part of it: Running into my good friend Sage midway around Harriet. And, no long run is complete without the essentials: watermelon + Mexican Coke.

Sunday

My last somewhat big day before the race! It started in the pool with my longest swim ever – 4,150 yards. I was a bit apprehensive about swimming that far in a 25-yard pool, but the 1:15 flew by and was actually enjoyable. After a quick transition, I was off on a 60-mile loop to Afton and back. Is it just me, or is the swim-to-bike transition way tougher than bike-to-run? I’m always drained when I start pedaling; it usually takes a solid five to 10 miles to get in my groove. Nonetheless, it was a fun ride, including the 2,500-feet of climbing.

Also, loving my new sunnies, Oakley Miss Conduct Squared!

Nick rocking his longest swim ever: 5,200 yards!

In non-training news…

We got to doggie sit this crazy hound for four days. She’ll drool for just about anything, even bananas. #lucythevizsla

And, no photo, but we enjoyed our last sweet treat Sunday night – Cow Bella gelato, obviously – until after the race. It’s been awhile since I’ve eliminated sugar, but I know it’ll be worth it. Can’t wait for some post-race treats, though 🙂

Weekly stats

12 hours, 37 minutes.

Swim: 6,438 yards, 2:04:50
Bike: 109.52 miles, 5:42:40
Run: 34.35 miles, 4:49:24

This week: It’s taper time! Whoop!

Have a great weekend, friends!