There is something surreal that happens when a major project or event comes to an end. There is a sense of relief in the midst of confusion and perhaps a bit of loss. Now that SSSVEDA is over, and I can shift my focus to the wedding and my training, I’m still wondering what to do with all this free time.
This week, I’m re-adjusting to whatever normal looks like. Yeah, let’s face it, there really is no such thing. School has started, we are getting married, and there is still training. There are many races to run…some of them metaphorical, some of them literal.
(Rant alert) I find myself becoming disillusioned more and more with some of my Closed or Private Facebook groups. In the midst of devastating hurricanes and terrifying wildfires, the conversation revolves around a rumormill that hasn’t changed stories in months. This probably warrants its own post, but I just need to say this. I wish my life were easy enough that the only thing I have to complain about is whether or not one race will happen. Sorry folks, I can’t be bothered with the torch- and pitchfork-bearing mob. I really just want my kid to grow up well-adjusted and happy. Maybe my standards are too low.
The exhaustion/low-level stress is getting to me, and just getting out of bed is a challenge some mornings. So I allow myself to get out of bed slower than normal, rest and sleep when I need to, and just generally take care of myself. I rode the bike a couple of times, but this month I’m switching it up a bit. I’m trying out the Aaptive app, which provides music and coaching through a variety of workouts. I haven’t used it a lot, but I hope to get a lot out of it this month, and report back about it soon.
My speed workout Wednesday though? Holy cow! I had a 2 mile Tempo at 9:40 pace followed by a series of short intervals. The tempo section is the second fastest 2 miles I’ve ever achieved, and I set a new threshold heart rate! Basically, my maximum heart rate, according to Training Peaks and the data I’ve given it, has gone up about 4 beats. This basically means that my heart is stronger than ever! I’m most excited about the speed gains. With one week to Arvada Harvest 10-Miler, I’m hoping for my best showing this season! If you want to follow me on Strava, find me here!
What I listened to/watched (aka, what inspired me or made me think):
On this week’s long run, I started off listening to the Disney Dish with Jim Hill and their third installment in the “History of Fantasmic!” series. Jim and Len talked about the joys of being at a media event when the pyrotechnics guys have a show and tell.
I followed that up with my regular AMR podcast, and it seems like this happens all the time, but this was a revelation to me! While some of the conversation revolved around the “pelvic floor,” much of it helped to redefine what the “core” really is (hint: it’s not just your 6-pack abs). As I was listening, they talked about what the indicators are for improper form, like a swinging ponytail. Wait, I have a swinging ponytail!! As the podcast went on, I found myself adjusting my running form, and hopefully re-teaching my body how to be more efficient!
On the bike, I tried keeping up with all of the SSSVEDA channels, and I’m still behind.
How did your training week go?
