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Week 4: TESTING



Week 4 - TESTING WEEK! This week focused on determining target heart rate zones in each sport to be able to better push in future training. Last year I didn't do heart rate testing. Many Ironman athletes base their workouts and heart rate zones based on perceived effort which is how I trained last year. In an attempt to stick to my goal to improve on the bike, I knew that this year I needed to do the bike test and find my true target heart rates instead of just listening to my body. It was scary to do this test - because Isaac and I tested the same night, and it's a little embarrassing to see how weak I am at cycling compared to him. I hate being weaker and slower... For testing, you have to have someone there with you to write down your heart rate and perceived effort at each MPH increase. I'm hoping that having done this test and knowing my target heart rate zones moving forward, I will improve my bike time and skill. Also, Isaac ordered me a new triathlon bike online this weekend... which should help me improve as well... pictures to come when it comes in!
Swims weren't too long this week. I've been so bad - I've been skipping technique swims because I hate them, and this week instead of skipping it I stole a swim from week 12 to do instead. I am going to need to force technique swims in the future, I can't always skip them. They are just so slow and I'm always in the pool at the busiest times in the fast lane... so I don't want to be doing drills for 30 minutes slowing down my lane!
My run on Thursday was so gorgeous - the weather was so warm I ran in a t-shirt, I saw a group of seals along the waterfront, and the city was alive and vibrant with people celebrating st pattys day. It was gorgeous!
 
Saturday: I switched my weekend workout days. I wanted to get in a mountain run before the runs get too long to take the trek out to Cougar Mountain. I rode my bike for an hour then drove out to hit 90 minutes on the trails. I can't find the words to describe how I feel trail running, especially out there. I just love it. When people always claim that running helps them "clear their mind" or whatever, only trail running out at that mountain actually hits that zen place for me these days. I still love running in the city, but trail running is incredibly different. It takes focus, it takes mental strength to push up 10 minutes of uphill climbing, it takes navigation skills... it just connects you to earth. I love it. I came to the realization yesterday while I was running in terms of what my goals are and why I'm doing Ironman. I do love the sport, but I'm not concerned with qualifying for world champs in Kona... Isaac is. I am going to help Isaac qualify for Kona, and then he is going to help me run a 100 mile trail race. Long trail races like that require support, and at times allow a running buddy for portions. So that is my goal - get Isaac to Kona, and he will get me to a long trail race.
Sunday: 3 hour trainer ride and 20 minute t-run. Same as I've done a few other weekends. It's going to hurt as I'm super sore from the trails yesterday and lifting afterwards. I am currently waiting to get on my bike, since Isaac and I are on opposite workouts he gets to start on the trainer with his 1 hour ride pre-run. Can't complain about sipping coffee and getting a chance to wake up before sitting on that saddle for 3 hours. (I can't wait for my new bike - it comes with a way better seat than I've been riding on - it'll be a lot more comfortable!)
 
Successful week. I hit every workout this week except a lifting session on Thursday. Heading into another build week but looking forward to it. Can't believe I'm already 4 weeks into training, feels like less.
 
I can't say I found that spark this week that I've been looking for, outside of having the best run ever on the trails yesteday, but I didn't have a tough time getting in my workouts and getting shit done, so that's been nice. Training was enjoyable this week.



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