April 2007 Archives

I keep looking at my Polar HRM with a mixture of incredulity, anticipation, and fear. I've input my event IMCDA to show up on the watch as a "motivator" ALL THE TIME. It is now only 55 days away ... and I am wondering if I am going to be ready. Hmmm

Well, at least I'm not injured or sick. And my foot is, so far, behaving itself (plantar fasciitis under control for the time being). I had an excellent week 5 of training and was able to complete the required number of hours of training at the appropriate intensities. And ... it was fun (bonus).

So ... this is my half way point. The start of week 6, out of a total of a planned 13 week training program. I guess I shouldn't feel too ready yet, or that would mean I was peaking too soon. I'm worried about the bike, however, as I've been doing this low heart rate training, which means I ride quite a bit slower than I am used to. But, according to one of my training partners, who has taken a few USAT coaching courses, there's still time to get faster on the bike. He claims that speed work shouldn't start until 5 weeks out from your event (which would be two more weeks for me).

I did my first "brick" workout for the season last night. It is the end of Week 5 of my 13 Week Training Plan. Why so late? IMCDA is less than 2 months away, you might be thinking. Believe me, it wasn't by choice. You see I have been babying my left foot due to an intractable case of plantar fasciitis. Anyone who has ever had this nagging problem knows what I'm talking about ... it is so hard to get rid of. Rest, ice, stretch, massage, repeat ... until you can't take it anymore and finally resort to surgery, which I am trying to avoid.

Anyway, the great news is that although I was sure that the 30 minute run on the track last night (after an intense 27 miles on the bike) was going to cause me terrible foot pain today, but it did not. In fact I had NO pain ... it is a frickin miracle. The only way I can account for this miracle is that a) I ran slowly and methodically, really paying attention to my form (cadence and foot strike), and b) I stretched out my calf and soleus muslces very well afterwards and before getting my car to drive home. Whatever the reason, I am ecstatic ... and there is hope that added running mileage will not necessarily end up crippling me.

This is week 4 of a 13 week Ironman distance training plan, and it is a step back week. My training volume was cut in 1/2, and at first I felt a little weird - like taper - like something was missing - like getting up before dawn, packing food and workout gear, and work clothes, etc. for the day, getting to bed late, and generally feeling exhausted - yeah, all that was missing! Actually it was an uncomfortable feeling for the first few days, as my body adjusted to the general lack of adrenalin (and I felt like I really had to be super cautious so as not to get sick ... like my defenses were down). But as the week progressed I started to feel so much better in terms of my mood and mental alertness. My body has responded well to this break, which indicates to me I really needed it. I have a renewed sense of wellness, and healthfulness, as well as mindfulness about what it is I am doing during each workout. Working out is FUN again - yeah!

So far so good ... I've completed all the workouts in the first two weeks of my 13 week training plan easily with the exception of a couple of the running ones ... my foot pain (plantar fasciitis) and ankle pain (cause as yet TBD) have forced me to modify the plan, by using the elliptial, substituting brisk walks, or riding extra time on the bike. In one instance I simply skipped a run workout. I have not, as yet, succumbed to aqua jogging. The thought of it sends chills up my back. I hate it, hate it, hate it. But, having said that, I will do it if I have to. I just hope I don't have to. I saw a massage therapist yesterday and the pain in my foot and ankle seems to have subsided during today's workout on the elliptical ... so there is hope that I can manage it up until my event.