Weekly Training Update
Monday - This is usually a generally a rest day for me. I went for a sunrise walk in my neighborhood. This is often just a quick jaunt downtown and back to grab a cup of java. My work day flew by as it often does when I'm especially busy. Got home and had an urge to go to Bikram Yoga. I've had a lot on my mind lately and was just feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to process it all. I love Bikram, but I've been out of my practice because 90 minutes is tough to give. I love the heated room, the 26 postures and the mental toughness and release that always happen in class. Not to mention, I always feel great after. This time was no different. I love Bikram and it didn't disappoint. It left me on a high. I slept well that night and woke up the next day feeling amazing. Just wish the class was 60 instead of 90 minutes. I think if it was, I'd be able to commit to going more often.
Tuesday - Strength Training Day. I worked out for a solid hour and it felt great. Lunges, squats, dips, kettleball swings, sit-ups, push-ups. WHEW! Definitely felt the burn. Actually did a cool down, which I often skip, but I'm learning the importance of making sure that I do that along with consistent foam rolling. After work I went over to Equinox. I've been debating joining a gym for over a year now, but was reluctant to do so because I have access to a gym at work. Sure, I could continue to use the gym at work, but if I join the gym, I'll have access to classes (spin, yoga, strength, meditation, TRX, etc.), a heated pool, plenty of weights and access to a spa. It was a great day to see the gym as they were having a Autumn party to usher in the new season. I was able to see it in it's peak in terms of the number of members in the building. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't fight to find parking, there were machines available and everyone was extremely nice and friendly.
Wednesday - Was supposed to go Masters Swim class in the morning, but had a work call that I needed to take. No worries though, I went to my new gym and hit the pool. I was able to get a solid workout in and only had to share my lane for a short period of time. The guy I was sharing with was super fast, so when I needed to do my fast set, I chased him up and down the pool. I was never able to keep up. Maybe, one day :). Before heading to the pool, I stopped in to get some PT work done and a realignment with the folks over at Health Logic. Dr. Mike is so awesome. He really knows his stuff. I've been having a bunch of neck and shoulder pain and I got a stern talk from him about the importance of doing the maintenance at home too. I'm no spring chicken in terms of age and I must learn to make this a daily practice instead of every once in a while. I think this will be critical for me as I build over the next nine months to compete in a 70.3 distance race.
Thursday - I was awakened by the sound of rain this morning. Our first true downpour of the season. The backdrop of the heavy rain coupled with my morning mediation was simply amazing. I had set my clothes out the night before so I could get in my run workout. Unfortunately, I had no idea that it would rain, and this wasn't a light rain, so I opted to run later in the day. Since I was already up, I decided to hit the gym for a yoga class. The message today was to focus on intention without judgement. I am so inspired by living with intention and the fact that the yogi decided this was our practice today, gives me confidence that I am tapping into the right vibration in the universe. After work, I laced up my running shoes and hit the pavement. I ran about 7.5 miles and felt great. Coach told me to keep it in Zone 2 and that's just what I did. It felt great to just simply run. I've learned what it feels like to run by feel. I knew I could stay within the 10-11 min mile and my splits told me I was consistent. I also know how to turn it up a bit when I need to. Overall, I had a solid and consistent run and it felt good. I knew my body could go on for another hour if I needed it to and that is a good feeling with the Nike Women's Half coming up next month. I hope to get a double-digit run in within the next week or so, just to see how I feel.
Friday - Coach scheduled me for a easy commute ride today. I originally thought I would just go take a indoor spin class, but then I was like, there's really no reason to not ride my bike to work. I procrastinated a bit, but I eventually got my ish together and made my way into the office. Surprisingly, what I found is that I can actually make it to work in less time than if I had driven to work. It's only 9 miles, and theoretically should take me about 22-25 minutes, but lately it averages between 25-35 minutes. I made it to work in 32 minutes on my bike. #Winning!
Saturday - I did the Canary Challenge Ride to raise funds for early cancer detection with the Vanderkitten Pros and VIPs. What an awesome experience. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel that I met coach Liza and then she introduced me to the Vanderkitten VIPs. I've been meeting a few over the last six months of working with her, but many I had not met. Well that changed this weekend. Many VKVIPs traveled to the Bay to ride in the Canary Challenge ride. To ride with them was so freakin awesome! These ladies really do kick ass! I rode the 75K distance which had over 3,500 ft of climbing while the other ladies did 75 or 100 mile distances. We all stuck around and cheered everyone in. Afterwards we were invited to the home of the Canary Foundation founder and it was a celebration of the success of the ride. The foundation raised over $1 million dollars. WOOHOO!!!
Sunday - I asked coach Liza if I could do a double-digit run on Sunday. She told me to see how I would feel after the Saturday ride. Clearly she's the professional and I'm the student because she was right. I didn't have the strength to do double digits. My body was tired from chasing all of those kittens up the hills :). I met up with some other members of the SVTC Tri group. I recently joined this Tri club and so far everyone has been so cool. There were 8 of us all doing different distances. I did completed 6 miles at a little below race pace.
I finished my Sunday with a mani, brunch and shopping with my bestie. My pockets took a hit, but my spirit took a bunch of deposits. Its been awhile since we sat down and really chatted and boy did we laugh up a storm. Great way to end the week.
Overall, I had a solid week of training. I managed to get in two days of yoga, three walks, 2 runs, 2 bike rides, 1 swim and a couple of strength workouts. Roughly 12 hours of training. It was a good week.
How was your week of training?
