My goal for the week.....

With the week off, I am in need of some serious saving. That is, I need to be saved from myself and the dumb things I have the potential to do. I may need to hire someone to babysit me. Anyone up to the task? I'm not as rambunctious as I was when I was younger so no duct tape will be needed to keep me in check.

Today was a scheduled day off, but I went to the pool. I did an easy swim to help flush out my legs from yesterday's long run. My right hamstring reminded me today what happens when I do a lot of treadmill running and then take to the streets. My poor legs suffer as a result. So I wanted to help myself along. I went down to the dreaded Y and their 100 degree pool. Well, maybe not 100, but it can feel like it at times. The board on the pool deck said 86 degrees, but as soon as I slipped into the water, I knew it was much cooler. They play games with the old folks there. They put up a higher number to make them think the water is warm. Personally, if the old folks would just SWIM and not stand around and flap their gums, they would be warm. But I digress......

There weren't many people there, but I wound up being the odd one out and had to share a lane. I picked the end lane because it's slightly wider than the rest. My lane partner was a man with a sweater on. OK, it wasn't a sweater but he could use some serious manscaping. It wasn't long before most people got out of the pool and then it was just me, one other swimmer and 3 lifeguards. I finished up my swim, took a quick shower and then came home. 

I'm fighting the urge to go downstairs to ride. Wingman is working late so I am on my own for a little while longer. In my head I can convince myself that it would be an 'easy' ride, but I know at some point I'll blow it. Arghhhh, I'm going stir crazy!!!! And to think I am not even tapering...........

Breaking through

Every few weeks, I can feel a change in my workouts. The volume builds and then it backs off. With each recovery, I can feel the difference. This week was no exception. I am in my final week of adult rehab PT. The last 8 weeks have been filled with heavy lifting and being on my feet 8 hours a day. Then I come home and workout. I've had to flip flop workouts to adjust to how I feel physically. This week is a bit of a 'light' week.

I've been stuck inside mostly due to the weather or darkness. I've been eager to get out and ride, but the time is not right yet. The bright side is the trainer rides have been going well. The trainer keeps you honest. There is no coasting. I can feel a difference in my cycling since January. I've been using a powermeter to give me feedback about my rides. I can see my average watts coming up over the last few weeks. I will be doing a formal power test soon so we will see if I still pedal like a 5 year old.

Most of my runs have been on the treadmill. Last weekend the wind, cold and darkness kept me indoors. The hamsterwheel treadmill also keeps me honest. The pace setting on the treadmill is not accurate. I know what pace I run outside and when I set it on the treadmill, it's not right. It's too fast, so I just go by perceived exertion. If it's supposed to be an interval run, I just turn up the speed and then slow it down to recover. I feel like I'm working hard.

I got home early yesterday and had the opportunity to run outside in the daylight. It was a 4-5 mile easy run. I got changed, popped on the headphones, and made my way out. Almost from the start, I was feeling good. I was lost in my thoughts and before I knew it, I could feel the watch vibrate and realized I was 3 miles in. I made the turn into the home stretch. Another 1.6 miles and I was home. It felt so nice to be outside and the temperature was comfortable too. Now if spring was only just around the corner.

After the run, I was thinking about the last few weeks of training. I could feel I've made a small breakthrough in my training and fitness. I feel I am on to the next level and ready for more challenges.