It's funny how we as Western humans tend to focus on the negative. The local news is filled with up-to-date segments on the bad happenings in the area and anyone can spend hours watching "Fail" videos on Youtube. It's no wonder that I was feeling down about my lack of training the last few days. For one thing, it is not at all in tune with my "70.3 Plan" and that is always a concern because it's planned out with specific purposes. But then again, I don't have a typical nine to five job and listening to the body is important. So after a look into my training log, I realized I didn't hit the trails or jump on the bike because my back and legs were asking for a break. Well that and I've been putting in 6-9 hours of landscaping in everyday for two weeks. Back to the point, I'm slowly bringing the bike back on-line after a major break. That century training really made me miss running. Here's a photo breakdown of what I've been up to since my last post.
May 30 Thursday
The original plan was to ride the Padden Triathlon course but after a dropped chain on the hill coming into Fairhaven, the wind left my sails. I just cruised on home past Boulevard Park in the late afternoon sun.
May 31 Friday
The swim was uneventful, really just going through motions there. On the run I wanted to explore some of the outlying trails at Lake Padden. I was not disappointed. I'm putting this area on my top lists in the area. Soft trails, mud pits and silence make for a lovely time.
June 1 Saturday
I called this 14 Herons because that is exactly what I saw during the section where I turned north on Lummi Point. Most were standing around but a few must have been disturbed by me and made long swooping arcs away over the water. They are quite graceful birds. Then I dropped my chain and I was pissed but also bonking. I was not a happy camper when I walked in the door. Reminder: don't bonk on any ride, nonetheless 30 miles.
Jun 2 Sunday
Since I always find my HR hovering in Zone 3, I thought I should work on my pure aerobic system while building a stronger foundation in my legs. Prior to the run I was dreading this long, slow run w/o music but it allowed me to focus on my breathing and form. I usually up my effort on hills but this time I made a conscious effort to keep the HR low.
June 3 Monday
This was the first time I swam with anyone all year and it goes to show that it should happen more often. I saw a post on FB Bellingham Tri Club and thought it a good chance to meet some new folk. I love open-water swimming. There are no excuses to quit when in the middle of a lake and I have no discipline in the pool by myself.
June 4 Tuesday
I was craving a test on my climbing ability so I rode over the campus and did three laps up to through the arboretum. First lap was in the lowest gear and I stayed seated throughout. Second lap was lowest gear but I stood up on some of the steeper spots. Third lap was in second gear and shifting up/down when necessary. No HR but I was breathing hard on every lap.
June 5 Wednesday
This was by far the most fun I've had running. Fitting for National Running Day. No shirt or HR monitor, split-shorts and cool temps in the shade of the trees. See that big hill in the middle. It was tough and I loved every minute of it. I was even able to knock some quick miles out afterwards too.
June 9 Sunday
I really wanted to do a long ride the day before but after shoveling dirt most of the day, all I could think about was food and resting my back. So this morning I squeezed this in before another day of back-breaking(stengthening?) work.
Overall I am happy with my progress the past few months. I'm chocking it up to the fruits, veggies, and stretching. Even with all the landscaping, I've been able to keep inflammation in check. Self-massage and hearty doses of vitamins help me put in work w/o getting burned out. It's a feather-light balance of too little and too much. The key is listening to the body and pushing it when it is able but backing off at other times. It is difficult to describe the relationship between mind and body and expect others to understand because we all have our own way of communicating. What I'm trying to say is, focus on how you feel, quiet your mind and tune into the unspoken language of your personal energies. Too often we are distracted by external forces and fail to see the signs of over-training. So, have some tea, sit on the ground and chat with your body. You may learn something.
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