Is it strange that I actually look forward to my weekend distances? There’s something about having hours to yourself alone with your thoughts that really appeals (not to mention no choice but to be away from a computer screen).
I woke up Saturday morning ready to hit the road and put my tired legs back to work. I had a 3 hour ride followed by a 30:00 transition run planned. I rather enjoy pedaling down A1A and find it surprising how no matter how many times I travel down this road I always discover new (extravagant) houses and (immaculate) yards. Sneaking a peak of the crashing waves between homes is not a bad touch, either.
I’ve got saddle sores flaring up again, which makes an otherwise no-stress ride incredibly painful. Having to adjust positions every couple seconds is not only annoying but will make my shoulders/back sore tomorrow. Anybody got any suggestions/tips for helping/preventing these?
I was supposed to stay in zones 1-2, so I didn’t push terribly hard, just kept it solid. I wanted to take note of my nutrition so my coach and I can come up with my individual plan. Someday I’ll find something that works and gives me enough energy without upsetting my stomach… until then, i’ll just keep experimenting. Coach suggests I get in at least 100 cal/hour on the bike. I stashed a pack of shotbloks in my bento box, filled my aero bottle with water and my cage bottle with 1.5 scoops EFS (orange). I was excited to give the EFS a try.
Nutrition
at 1 hour i drank 3 sips EFS
1:15 - 3 sips EFS
1:30 - 1 shot blok
2:00 - 3 sips EFS
2:30 - 3 sips EFS
3:00 - 3 sips EFS
I wanted to take in more, but i didn’t think my stomach would tolerate it. I felt like i got in enough, but i know it’s prob less than desirable. I wish that there were some non-fruity options for sports nutrition. i’m not a fan of super sweet stuff and i get that stringy taste in my throat i can only compare to drinking lemonade. I wasn’t a huge fan of the orange EFS, but still want to give it a few more chances. I didn’t bonk and had plenty of energy, so I think it’s got some staying power, I just didn’t love the taste… but I’m picky.
My transition run was pretty terrible. My legs were shot. It was tough… and slow… very slow. I was really tempted to turn around early (and it was only 30 mins!!), but thankfully I found the strength to finish it out.
Sunday was set to be a 1 1/2 hour z2 run. My whole body was exhausted, especially my legs. I had plenty of energy and my mind was in it, but that can only get you so far. Honestly, i just wanted to make the full 1.5 hours, i couldn’t aim for much more. There was no speed, just a leisurely pace. As far as nutrition, I just had 1 shot block at 45:00.
I got home and quickly (I use this term relatively… it takes me about 10 minutes and a carton of crisco) put on my wetsuit, grabbed a banana, and headed towards the beach. The tri club was starting their open water swims and I wanted to take full advantage of getting some time in the waves. It took a while to find parking since a jazz festival had all but taken over the area, but once I got out onto the sand my plans changed. The wind was angry, the red flag was flying, and while i did see the buoy bouncing in the horizon, I didn’t see any heads in the water. I realized this would not be the relaxing, low-key swim I was hoping for… so after a few minutes of indecisiveness, I waddled back to the car with thoughts of breakfast filling my head.
While I really want to get in some open water swims this year (aside from race days), I’m so glad I didn’t get out there. With an already tired body, it would not have been enjoyable and would have started my season on the wrong foot. So instead, I stopped by a gas station, picked up a couple bags of ice, and filled my tub while I whipped together a quick meal. Forget breakfast in bed… I’ll take breakfast in
Nothing like post-workout recovery :)
I proceeded to spend the rest of the day doing something I’ve never done before: yard work. Let me just say, being a home owner comes with some downsides. I miss the DC “yards” which usually consist of a window box, balcony, or if you’re lucky a small patch of grass. Now there’s something I could handle… Spending HOURS upon hours raking leaves until sunset is not my idea of fun. Can’t imagine this is good for my aching back…
On the bright side, I spent the day outdoors and got quite the sense of accomplishment when I saw how much I accomplished all by myself. I also planted lots of pretty flowers which will hopefully brighten my drab (for now) street view.
