I can't believe how much better I've been feeling. I'm diligently planning my training plan and figuring out what races to do. I'm trying to be very conservative.
I can't believe I signed up for IM-AZ! What the f--k was I thinking? A big part of me wants to back out. I was so humbled by the HIM. Then I got so sick. I can't do the marathon I was planning on doing next weekend so I'm not going to get a chance to do one before the IM, which means that will be my first marathon--not exactly what I had planned. I don't feel ready at all! On the other hand, a big part of me really wants to do it. Just to finish and prove that I can. I would feel the ultimate sense of accomplishment if I could just cross that finish line. I have a huge respect/fear of the distances now.
My plan is to do a few Olympic distances this summer and if all goes well, and I regain my fitness quickly, don't get injured, and don't get sick again, finish out the season with another HIM. This will boost my confidence, my base endurance, and be great practice for nutrition and hydration for the IM. I thought about doing a marathon instead this fall but I think it would be smarter to do a HIM in preparation for the IM. Since my body isn't used to marathon distances yet, the recovery time would be significant and the risk of injury would be very high. A HIM, on the other hand, won't be as hard on my body and will be better preparation for the IM. So that's my rationale.
Last week, I did a little bit, but not too much. This week, I did 1 workout every day for 6 days (I got a massage on Monday). It feels great! I haven't lost too much, especially the runnng. The swimming--well, hopefully it will come back quickly. I've lost a lot of power and muscle so it will be important to really focus on weights. That's my body type for you. I haven't gained any weight after my stint of inactivity, which is great but I basically lost muscle and gained fat. I think it will redistribute pretty quickly after a few weeks. I'm also starting to make healthier diet choices--eating small meals frequently is sooo key.
Here's how my week played out:
Monday--lymphatic massage--Tried to drain out the remnant of the sinus stuff. Was verrrry relaxing.
Tuesday--ran 4 miles. slow and easy. lots of fun.
Wednesday--ran 5 miles with my new running group. they're a little fast so it's good speedwork for me.
Thursday--biked up the coast ~25 miles. haven't lost too much speed but the Torrey Pines Hill definitely slowed me down. Feels sooooo good to be back on Bluebell!
Friday--biked Rocky (mtn bike) into work and took the easy trail through the UCSD park for my inaugural off-road ride. It was uber-fun! I can't wait to hit the trails again for longer!
After work, jumped in the pool. I really didn't want to do anything. Extreme case of Friday-itis. Started a basic workout and decided to stop at 30-50 minutes. After a brief warm-up swam a 500, 400, then a 250 with active recovery breaststroke in between. This was my first time back in the pool after a 4 WEEK BREAK!!! After 30 minutes, I started to get that cranky feeling I get mentally when my body feels a little spent and called it quits. Surprisingly, it went better than I thought. My breathing felt good and I focused on form lot, not caring about speed. I've lost muscular endurance. The important thing was that I didn't push it.
Saturday--quick, zippy 20 mile bike ride through Rose Canyon, around the East side of Mission Bay and the outer loop of Fiesta Island and back. A lot of traffic and headwind on the way back. But it felt soooo good.
Sunday--slow, relaxing 8 mile run with my other running group (Jason says I'm a running group whore--hee hee). It was fun and the farthest I've gone in awhile.
It feels good to be easing back into it. I'm trying to do a little something 6 days a week until my body feels like I can handle more. One thing I've noticed is that these workouts totally wipe me out. I'll plan on doing weights or something later that evening but I've been totally exhausted. I've been going to bed early, taking naps, and getting lots of sleep as my body gets reaccustomed to the training. I'm sleeping like a baby!
9 comments:
Great job with the workouts. If you are feeling wiped-out at the end of ever day, you probably don't want to add any more volume or intensity until you get past that and feel good at the end of the day.
I agree with you that a HIM would probably be a better tune-up than a marathon, especially if you are looking just to finish the IM and not really "race" it hard. The pounding of a marathon can take a long time to recover from and derail your training for quite a while.
I'm glad you're feeling better. And there's plenty of time to get ready for IMAZ. Your base is good, so I know you're ready for the training, now that you're on the mend!
Sounds like you have a great plan and you're being very smart about easing back into things. I agree with bunnygirl - there is PLENTY of time before IMAZ. If you keep taking care of yourself as you have been, you will be more than ready to become an Ironman next April!
I think just building up your aerobic base is what helps the most for your first IM.
I think Half IM training races are better than marathon races for IM.. I think doing the marathon is just a mental thing.
Glad to hear your back to training. Just take it easy. You'll be back to your old self in no time..
I think it is great that you are back in top form, we missed you! Looks like you had a very productive week. I was totally going for IMAZ but the misses put the kibasch on that one. Too close to the wedding I was told. So I am having to work on rescheduling.
I was not sleeping well earlier in the year, and now that I am getting in 7 good workouts a week, I am sleepig really well.
Great to read that you are well and back in action! You'll be ready yet for IMAZ.
hi! i am so glad that you are feeling better and are back to training. have a great summer!!!
Rachel- glad to hear you are feeling better!!
IMAZ- YEAAAHHH!!
Yay..welcome to the crazy world of IM :o)
Yeah like everyone say....just take it easy :o)...this season I really slow down on my training. I don't force myself to train. I learn to listen to my body and know when to back off.
Don't worry..we are all here to support you. Speaking of which..i need to get some sleep as well.
Post a Comment