2008 is all but history. were already a full week into 2009 and im tired. i finished up my first “big” block yesterday as part of ‘the plan.’ brick workouts including hill repeats, and tempo trainer rides, mixed in with some yoga to settle the mind. ive done bricks before, and i was tired then to, but for the first time i think im not just training, but more so, im learning how to train. as i think ive said, the race is the easy part, getting there is hard. and on top of that, i figured i knew how to train. well, with a christmas spent with coach, i quickly realized i dont know how to train.
i remember way back then, i poo pooed intervals, and hill repeats. i was old school man. miles. put in the miles and the time, and youll be fine. LSD. maybe mix in a little speed (not the muscular kind) to make things go by a little quicker and youll turn out alright for a race. nope. im dumb. its like learning how to walk all over again. which is quite humbling. have you ever ran with someone older? maybe youre doin a run in the park, and there old grey beard (hair), so you pick up the pace a little. you get shoulder to shoulder, and you dont want to glance over, thats too obvious. except you pick up the pace a little, but they hang in with you. I felt like that, except i was the older person too. coach taught me the art of the hill repeat. and as nice as he is, he ran with me… ‘coached’ me along. yelled when i needed to be yelled at. encouraged me when i needed to be encouraged. didnt push the pace. in fact, i think he even let me beat him up the hill once. he didnt even tell me his heart rate, and i didnt ask. but i knew. (i was at 180) so i learned the hill repeat.
yesterday was the same kinda vibe. but, i think, i prevailed. i felt good. tired, but good. i even managed to run home afterwards. so, i keep tellin myself im getting stronger. not ironman strong, but maybe sprint tri strong.
you what else is great? a support crew. my live in partner in crime has been a stay at home mom for the past 4 days. amazing. food prepared. i dont have to do anything. except train, and sit. its wonderful. but now shes at work. if i only i could afford to keep her at home. boo urns.
Craft Pro-Zero Base Layer
i have one other thing to commend. Craft. nope, not the cheesy dinner, altho its great, but the swedish clothing company. they have an undershirt that is gods gift to athletes. nope, its not green merino wool, probably tonnes of polyester but it is THE BEST wicking shirt i have ever owned. period.
go buy one now.
Waydago T! It’s a learning curve that’s for sure but frankly? Nothing beats that tired but satisfied feeling.