Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Back in Action

I feel so awesome. I wonder if this plantar fasciitis is a blessing in disguise. I can't run right now so I've been hitting the bike, swim, and weights hard. After the Great Western Loop on Saturday, I stupidly ran 8 miles on my stupid foot. After a quick nap, I grabbed Torch for a quick 1 hour ride on the bike path before sunset. Apparently, the sun sets at 5:45 now. Awesome. I also revamped my 2009 IM-Canada training plan. Did you know Ironman California 70.3 is only 6 weeks away (gulp)? And the Solvang Century only 3? I'm going to find out this year if undertrained is better than overtrained (for a change).

Monday morning I swam UCSD masters. I love it. I can't get enough. I swam again this morning. We had an 800 free test set mixed in. Awesome. I'm swimming faster too, shaving time off my 100 base. I am recovering very quickly from my workouts with only minimal soreness. Monday evening, I popped Torch on the trainer for 60 minutes of base training with Coach Troy. Felt so good. Last night, I grabbed Pandora for some hill "repeats", except in San Diego, there is no reason to do one hill more than once. I headed up Portofino, a short, steep, force you out of the saddle climb. Then, up the outside of Torrey Pines, a long, gradual hill for a steady, seated climb. Then, down to the Shores and back up La Jolla Shores Drive--a mix of seated and standing. Then, back down Torrey Pines and up the inside for a shorter mix of seated and standing. 22 miles of hills. Aaaah. Felt sooo good. I'm not sore today either!

I think I'll hit the gym for weights this afternoon. And why break my record of biking 4 days in a row? I think I'll hit the trainer again tonight too. At least I'm sleeping like a baby!

10 comments:

Grey Beard said...

:D ... you go girl! I think when your PF heals up you'll find that with the extra biking it's not only your swimming that has improved, your running will improve too. By bearing a large % of your body weight, biking allows you to work your lungs and legs much longer than running or swimming permit. 6-8 hr rides are common.

When I still ran I used to alternate running and biking days for best effect.

Love the psyched attitude. Good luck in Solvang!

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/5121664

teacherwoman said...

I am glad to hear the PF isn't affecting your cycling! You go girl!

Diana said...

IM so close and you sound soooo calm!
I can't wait for biking weather around here!

Renee said...

Your hill work sounds awesome! I live in a very flat area so my goal this year is to really work on them more and not be so terrified when I see them! I am glad your workouts have been great and the PF is not slowing you down!

Benson said...

Yay, nice job and you're feeling good.

Iron H said...

Man, I wished I lived where its warm.

Anniversary Moments said...

nice workouts!! you'll definitely see an improvement in your running with the added biking you are doing, your body is becoming much more efficient at passing through oxygen as greybeard noted.

and great job on those hills!! you were biking in my neck of the woods and i have yet to venture out on my bike as it's been in the shop, but i see everyone on those gradual inclines, and my quads and gluts hurt just thinking about it. i'm nervous for my first socal ride...but in a good way! keep it up!

Marci said...

It's great being back isn't it???

donnamc said...

jealous of all the hills you are able to get out on! way to go! they will make you that much stronger at IMC. Looking forward to see you out on the course in August!

Fitness Insights said...

Welcome back Rachel - if you want something that can help you stay injury free then check out this article designed for triathletes and injury prevention. It attempts to explain how the body reacts to the different things a triathlon does to it and how to combat these.

Check it out and let me know what you think:

http://tinyurl.com/daos7g

Jamie