Week Sept 16 - Training & Recovery

This Weeks Training

Started off with a cold over the weekend which really affected my energy level.  I pulled through though.  My training this week consisted of the following:

Monday - Active Recovery Day - Kicked around the soccer ball with the kids
Tuesday - Strength Run - 10 minute warm up run then 4 times through (10 lunges, :30 plank, 4 deep squats, :30 plank, 5 minute run).  Finished up with a nice 15 minute cool down jog.
Wednesday - Ran with the Red Lizard running group (6.5 miles)
Thursday - Ran with OHSU running group (4 miles)
Friday - Pilates
Saturday - Active Recovery Day - Did a short hike with the kids, played a bit of soccer.
Sunday -10 mile run

Recovery for this week:

Lactic Acid Buildup
I was really sore ~ ALL OVER ~ I felt like I needed more than just a massage so I went out searching for a foam roller.  I found and purchased the Grid Foam Roller.  It is compact and easy to travel with.  I loved this roller.  I can't really compare to other rollers as I have never used any other but this worked great and really worked out all the lactic acid I had built up over the week.

*I have also purchased the trigger point kits...but I will save my thoughts on that until I have had an opportunity to use it more.

Recovery Drink
I am one to limit what I eat and drink before a training to avoid the sloshing around feeling.   Additionally, the mechanism in the brain that says you should eat shuts off after a long run so I tend to wait hours before eating anything.  I will however drink water.   Really bad combination that needs to be changed.  After my long run last week I was really crampy and having lots of muscle spasms.  I went out to my favorite Traithlon store and picked up a recovery drink.

Now I am not a fan of protein shakes but out of desperation to avoid the soreness and fatigue I was having I broke down and purchased First Endurance Ultragen Recovery Drink-Cappuccino flavor. 

After my long run this past weekend I immediately pulled out my recovery drink mix.  When mixing as directed it did not clump and was actually tasty.  Aside from the great taste I had energy the rest of the day and never felt weak or sore.  This isn't something I am ready to drink after every training session but after an intense training session and I know I am going to need assistance with recovery this will be my go-to drink.

Triathlon - My Vise

This symbol represents my vise, it's what I do, it's what fulfills my desire to challenge my body and mind - Triathlon.  

 

Triathlon training is intense in that you must focus on three separate disciplines - Swim, Bike, Run - I true Ironman distance is 2.4 mile swim, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles.  Up to this point I have only competed in sprint distances.  I just haven't had the opportunity to challenge myself further.  With final baby # 3 and school obligations out of the way I feel I have the time to really bring this game to a new level.  Even with my lack of training I was still coming in 1st or 2nd.  With that I know I have the potential.

FINDING BALANCE
Balancing family, career, and training will be the key to my success.  Elite triathletes find that either their family time suffers (or personal life) and training becomes their job.

For those who have family obligations I think it is important to note that in order to be a real competitor you really need the support of your family.  They are your backbone as well as your cheer squad. 


MY MISSION 
My mission is to qualify...and complete in the 2014 Kona World Championship.  I have a lot of training ahead of me.  I need to build strength and I need to improve on my speed.  I am not an elite triathlete just an age grouper with a mission to make it to Kona.  My two year quest, filled with intense training, is what will get me there - without adversely affecting my family time and my career.

TRAINING SEASON - As training for most is coming to a close my training season has just begun.  This blog will be my weekly outlet to share my progress.  I look forward to blogging and keeping you entertained!