191 Days to VT Ultra - Finishing the Week's Bike and Swim

Friday January 8, 2010:

I would only recommend this week's training to the most experienced enduarnce athletes. To everyone else, no way.

I managed to cram 100 miles of cycling on the Computrainer, 7000 meters of swimming and 16 miles of running into 5 days. Now this would be normal during the triathlon season, but during the offseason? Again, no way.

But I do have to pat myself on the back here! I mean, it really seems that I am starting to see some of the benefits of constant training again, and it's a great feeling! The running is coming more naturally, the spinning on the bike a little easier, and the swimming stroke looser and a bit faster.

Today, I finished the week of swimming with an easy 1500 meters of swimming. Where I was once very tight, my shoulders feel as loose as when I was in my 20s. I look forward to go to the pool every time now because of that alone.

The run today was only 4 miles on the treadmill, but I really didn't mind it at all. The running motion was a natural as ever. Now hopefully I can see the pace get naturally faster in the near future.

The bike, a huge 30 miles on 1) Prospect Park Course, and 2) the Columbia Maryland Course. I felt pretty strong and loose and never lost ground during the workout.

Despite the heavy week I feel quite well compared to last week. I went low intensity on many of the workouts, and it did wonders. I feel the effort and the increased volume on my body, but I am not worn down like last week.

-----------------------------
TRAVEL TO PUERTO RICO
-----------------------------

I fly out early to Puerto Rico tomorrow. Despite the fact that only 16 miles of running was involved this week, I will definitely make up for it next week as it is probably the only discipline I'll be working on starting tomorrow. I'm not sure if I will have web access, but I will try to keep this blog rolling next week.

Once I land in PR, I'll do a 4 mile run in the PM, followed possibly by a 15 mile run Sunday in the AM. This should put my run mileage for the week at a respectable 35 miles. That would give me quite a successful week of training and lays the foundation for a great week of running next week.