Big Weekend in the bag

Last weekend was the final *oomph* in a 3-week build and the largest volume to date.

Fancy Lake

Thursday was a long swim, 4500m open water, at Fancy Lake. I started  before the regular practice doing laps from one end to the dock and back (600m). It worked perfectly as part way through others started their swim and I used them as carrots to pick up the pace. Then an easy couple of laps as cool down. 1:30 means I’m still on pace for Louisville.

Friday was a complete day off, the first in a couple of weeks and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Sitting, drinking, watching the tour, babysitting Figaroo.

Figaroo aka Figs the Grandkid

The forecast for the weekend meant a switch-around, rain on Saturday, not-rain for Sunday. Plus Cliff’n'Figs were heading out on Saturday and I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. Sorry Coach! Sometimes family has to come first!

When run time came, the heavens opened. Thanks Mother Nature! Oh well. One thing that you get used to doing triathlons is running wet. At least it was warm rain! I headed out still waffling about my route and the distance. Coach had programmed 1:45 but in my heart of hearts I really wanted to get a 20k under my belt, as much a psychological boost than physical one. I figured the weather played right into my hands … so I went for it. It took me 2:15 – slow I know – but I ran the whole way, felt strong with a few minor hip twinges at the 2k-to-go mark. Stoked!

Sunday dawned misty with promise of sun and heat. Perfect for my epic ride. Again, Coach had programmed 6hours but I was hoping to get in a full 180k, another mental boost. I headed out around 10:00am knowing my route wasn’t exactly flat but would mimic Louisville’s course. Hit Chester just after lunch and stopped at Tim Horton’s for an egg sandwich and iced coffee. That stuff ROCKS!

Tim's Iced Coffee

After starting again, the fog came in and it was COLD! I was dressed for heat. Not for mist and cool ocean breezes. I tried to figure out how I could get 30k if I didn’t turn off to the Aspotogan loop. I decided that if it was clear at the East River turnoff I’d go. If it was misty I’d keep going straight and figure something out on the fly. Mist. Fog. Ccccoool. And then as the Blandford road sign loomed, the sun broke through and I could see blue sky. Sweet!

Stopped for 5 minutes to buy some water at the store in Blandford and another stop, stretch (and to scarf some Hickory Sticks – sorry TJ, THESE are the Food of Champions!) in Hubbards.

Hickory Sticks - Food of Champions

Once away from the ocean, the temperature soared into the 30C’s … hot, yes, but again, a perfect training opportunity. I was getting low on water so stopped in Chester again on the way home, almost stopped for an iced coffee but convinced myself to wait until Mahone Bay as a treat/carrot and the boost I’d need to make it home. Still felt good, tired sure, a few twinges in my neck but nothing I couldn’t live with. Was on pace for a 7:30h finish for 175k. Niiiccceee!

Unfortunately, had a bit of bad luck as I went through Western Shore. The pavement dropped away and I went down. Erg! Luckily an off-duty RCMP helped me up, got me some ice for a bit of roadrash and made me phone for back-up. Dang it! Oh well, in retrospect it was probably for the best. Guess I’ll get my iced coffee another day. Total riding time: 6hours/135k.

A good weekend’s work I think!