Week Eight

This week gave us some bummer news. Apparently the people who run Ironman events decided that TNT should not get special privileges. That is, TNT participants should reserve their own slots just like anyone else. The problem is, they told us this too late to reserve any slots.

We have the option of doing the full ironman distance Vineman triathlon. The thing about this is that is that I did Barb's Race last year, which is the same course, having done one for each of the two Vineman laps. Having been on the course takes some of the magic out of it, for sure. Also, VIneman is not ironman sactioned, which means that I wouldn't get some of the great traditions that come from doing an ironman.

But, just yesterday, I learned of another option. Ironman France on June 22nd, and it's 85% full right now. It's late enough (I think) that I can still train well, and it is also over a week after school gets out, so I can get there early enough to adjust to the new time zone. I told others on my team about this race, and I'd love for them to come too. I have to decide for myself if this is something I'd do alone, on the chance that no one else chooses it. It fits my personality. It would just be a very different, intrapersonal kind of challenge.

So, that's where I'm at right now. Deciding what my ultimate goal is going to be. I'm definitely leaning towards France. I can see my heart being way more into it as a final goal.

My best training day this week was my ride yesterday. It was cold (34 degrees!) and I wore 5 layers, one of which I ended up stuffing in my pocket. It was a beautiful sunny day, though, and I love to bike in the sun. Then, shortly after the turn-around at Davenport, without warning, the skies totally opened up. I had never biked in the rain before, so I defintely slowed down a bit, but I saw it as a great challenge. I also learned that my new black jacket is pretty waterproof!

As for training this week, I did okay, but I lost some motivation on Thursday and Friday (maybe I was bummed about losing the Lake Placid slot?) It really does bother me that I slacked from what it says on the calendar, and I want to do better at really sticking with it:
Monday: rest
Tuesday: spin 50 minutes
Wednesday: track
Thursday: no time (school, meeting, evening class) I suppose I could have spun when I got home, but I was tired and sore.
Friday: I planned to go swimming, but it was sooooooo cold. Instead, I got a tour of 24 hour fitness (they have an indoor pool). I think I may sign up so that cold is no longer an excuse. Man, two days of not training in a row!
Saturday: I rode to Davenport and back: 92 minutes.
Sunday: Today I plan to swim at the gym and then go on a 70 minute run, as it says in the schedule.

Body Check: My knee is really improving. Sometimes it hurts right after a workout, but in general it feels fine. My back's doing okay (just tight, not painful), and everything else feels good!