I'm kinda sick and tired of my sick and tired attitude, so this July it's going to be different and I'm bringing "+ Lori" to the table!
Choices...yep, I've got choices.
July training has started off well with another couple of learning hurdles. On tap Saturday was a 100 mile ride plus a run. Since my work week was a bit hectic, I scratched the drive up to Madison to ride the IMWI course and headed out to Barrington. The roads are a little rolling with a couple of hills. Nothing like the IMWI course, but unlike the pancake flat Northshore Chicago!
The temp was 91 degrees with the heat index close to 100. A pothole caused me to loose a bottle as I was finishing the 2nd hour which put me behind in the nutrition/drink plan. I finished 92 miles and called it quits and hit the run.
I know "ironman-in-training" are not suppose to quit, but if quitting gives me the chance to not ride my bike in a dehydrated state off the road into a tree or an oncoming car...I'll short the workout and find out what I need to do for next time.
So once again...I got the feedback on what I should have done in that situation...and what I would need to do in a race. And I'll keep plugging forward and not get wrapped up that I missed out on 8 of the 100 miles. Comparing the first 75 miles to a ride I did in May on the same route, I had improved A LOT. Baby steps...I'm taking them.
The weekend also had some swimming which was easy, uneventful, and actually relaxing.
4th of July Monday was a long run and it was long and hard, and way too slow. This week I'll do a sweat test to evaluate how much I need to be drinking on these rides and runs, because this weekend with the hot weather proved to be an issue with dehydration and cramping.
Even though it wasn't perfect and no training break throughs were made, all the training was logged and again, I was able to learn more about the process. With some of these back to back longer workouts, it just makes it clearer compared to training for the shorter triathlons how critical managing the aspects outside of the workout are becoming. I can't sit at a desk for 12 hours and think I'm going to have a great run. I can't go to sleep at midnight and expect to wake up at 4:30 for a focused swim. I can't skip meals and think there's enough energy to get through the long workouts. One of the reasons I fell in love with the sport is because it forced me to have some time management. This Ironman training is now just forcing it to the next level...and I only see the benefits of it. Balanced work/life/play/relationships...eat healthy....sounds like a good deal to me!
Just to wrap up a couple of my favorite pictures of the week...
Wednesday am swim at Gilson...
Seeing a baby deer on the Sat bike ride...(saw it's mom, dad, aunts and uncles on the ride, too!)
Having coffee on the balcony with Bixby Sunday morning...
It was the first long holiday weekend that I've spent in Chicago that I can remember the weather be amazing the entire time. It was an awesome weekend getting training done, meetings in, getting some extra sleep, and relaxing in the A'ville 'hood. Seems like a good way to start an awesome month ahead!
I think your July Attitude sounds awesome. I think reflecting on the amazing things you have going on in your life today should make you feel blessed. You have the power to do anything and everything you want to do. This Ironman goal is so cool and you will be prepared and achieve greatness ! I am happy to be able to share this with you. Maybe even 50 miles next time !
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