Training update...

It is HOT! The heat indexes the past couple of weeks has routinely been in the triple digits and Excessive Heat Warnings have been routine.  Since I am profoundly against dreadmills (would rather barrel roll 5 miles than run on a treadmill for 5 miles), it has been a sufferfest. I am now 7 weeks out from Louisville 140.6 and am feeling overall pretty good.  I will be doing my second 100 miler this weekend and will be getting in a 2-2.5 hour run this week as well. It has been 2 years since I last did a 140.6 , so my memory may be a little fuzzy, but my legs are feeling way better at this point of the game than they did in 2009.  Must be the Recovery Pump and the First Endurance Multi V:)  I do need to get my diet straight in these last few weeks, but other than that, everything seems on track. 

For those others training out in this crazy heat, stay hydrated and safe.  See you guys at the races!

Training unplugged...

This year I am going back to the 140.6 distance at Louisville this year in August.  I did this race 2 years ago and am ready to tackle the course again. This year, though, I will be making a few changes in the training schedule.  Some of the minor ones are swimming only 2 days a week, increasing my run days (not necessarily more long runs, but more runs in general), and only doing 2-3 rides of 100 miles or more (but increasing the rides in the 80 mile range). Hopefully these changes will keep me fresh for the race while not leading to burnout like I had a couple of years ago. 

The bigger change though, is I am training without using a computer, stopwatch or heart rate monitor.  I am going unplugged.  And so far, I like it a lot.  I wanted to go out and train for the race and enjoy it without being tied down to how fast my workout was, or what HR zone I stayed in  or how my cadence compared to other rides.  I just want to go out and swim, bike and run.  If I feel like I can push it some days, I do.  If other days I feel slow, I slow down. So far this season, I seem to be benefiting from it. I have been able to run and bike faster than I have in previous years. I think alot of that comes from the fact that I am enjoying it more and not having those "disappointed days" where I didn't measure up to some metric that I felt like I missed or didn't quite hit.  I am doing it for fun and doing it with a smile on my face.  For those of us that aren't podium material, the race and training should be something we enjoy.  And this year I am enjoying it more than ever!

Keep moving forward and keep smiling! See you at the races.

Short and sweet....

I thought I would use this post to do some a couple of very short but sweet product reviews.

First up is the Avia Stoltz.  I have been using the Avia Bolt III for a couple of months and it was light and FAST!  Being a bit larger triathlete, though, longer runs and racing flats don't usually mix well on my feet.  I completed a half marathon in the Bolts, but that is about my limit in the Bolts or any other race flats for that matter.  About two weeks ago, I received my new Avia Stoltz.  Besides looking great (check them out at www.avia.com), they definitely give me that bit of extra cushion to push past the 13 mile barrier my feet had seem to find in racing flats.  The Stoltz are marketed as mainly an off-road shoe, but through talking with Avia, I found out that they make a great road shoe as well.  First thing I noticed was the extra cushion. Very comfortable shoe and unlike other brands cushioned footwear, the Stoltz weigh in at just 10oz!  That is as light as some other's racing flats.  The shoe also comes with speed laces, a microfiber mesh upper (to keep your feet cool) and a gusseted tongue that stays in place.  If you are looking for a good cushioned shoe that can double as a training shoe or a long distance race shoe, give the Avia Stoltz a look. 

Next up I would like to rave about the TYR Nestpro googles (www.tyr.com).  Best goggle I have ever used...hands down!  These things are light and do not leak.  What more can you ask for in a goggle.  They offer a great range of vision that works well in both the pool and in open water swims.  They also don't leave you with raccoon eyes after long swim sessions!  If it is time to replace your goggle, give the TYR Nestpro's a try...you won't regret it.

Two weeks until Rev3 Knoxville.  I am excited....under trained but excited.  This race has always been on my schedule as a training day as well as a weekend to meet some of my Trakkers teammies.  But with all the rain and severe storms we have had (not to mention the multiple days sprinkled in with no power at the house), I am feeling a little behind on the training.  Regardless, it will be a fun weekend.  Can't wait to see some of you guys there.  Hope everyone else's training is cruising along.  Summer is right around the corner!