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Phase 3: Weeks 12, 13, and 14






Week 13 started the REAL Ironman training. Everything else these last three months have just been building up to starting this phase of Ironman specific training. Intensity is higher. Workouts are longer. Lifting is heavier. This part of training is what I feel differentiates what I do from other athletes. This is what makes me an Ironman.

I don't have anything motivating to share with you this post. I'm definitely tired, physically and mentally. Outside of training and work, I have little energy to do much else. I'm always proud of myself when, despite the fact that I feel sore most days like I got in a minor car accident, I still manage to hop on my bike or lace up my shoes and hit the pavement or throw on my suit and jump in the pool. I can't seem to get enough sleep. I think I could sleep for 13 hours if I had the time!

Less than 70 days until Ironman Boulder. I feel like I'm getting closer to being ready - what I need is a couple 3hr+ runs and a century ride under my belt and then I'll feel ready. Longest run to date has only been two hours (except my trail half that was 2:30). 

In terms of each discipline at this point:
Swim: Already swimming the full Ironman distance most swims and feeling strong, quick, and prepared.
Bike: I'm way faster this year than I was last year. I can't wait to see what I can do on course in Boulder in terms of average speed. I know on the trainer I'm averaging about 2mph faster than last year... tbd to what that translates to outside. My longest ride has been 82 miles (Ironman is 112 miles)
Run: My new average easy pace as a runner is 8:30 min miles. I can maintain that pace, with hills, for more than a half marathon as "easy". Last year my long runs were 9:15 min/miles or slower.... I don't know what has made me quicker, but I'm not upset about it! I don't feel prepared yet to run a marathon, but will be soon.


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