Training Rollercoaster

Last week was an up and down week on the training front.  Normally, I'm used to this.  Some days are good, some days are not so good, but all in all, I get through them.  Last week, I hit the extremes.

My current training block has me focusing on increasing power and strength on the bike, and speed and leg turnover on the run.  I am currently doing no swims, and am strength training 2 days a week.  The bulk of my interval training spans Tuesdays through Thursdays (back-to-back-to-back interval days), with a "rest day" on Friday consisting of strength training.  The weekends are somewhat usual, with a longer bike and transition run on Saturday, and a long run on Sunday.

Weekly Volume from last week.  Only 21 miles short on Saturday...

My Tuesday workouts I have been destroying.  I push hard and usually have a great workout.  Wednesdays I'm usually still on it, and have a great run.  But by Thursdays, I'm dragging.  This is where last week fell apart.

I took an extra day off,  on Thursday, and pushed my zone 5 interval ride to Friday.  It went well, and at the time, I was really glad I took the extra rest. In fact, the Friday ride was one of my better sessions to date!  I was feeling great, and was looking forward to my long ride and brick run on Saturday!

Saturday rolled around, and I was feeling pretty good.  I got on the saddle and started going, and immediately knew my legs were toast from the previous day.  I had multiple intervals of 15 minutes to get done, but knew my legs didn't have the strength.  After failing to reach zone 3 in my first interval set (ZONE 3 is basically a somewhat easy, sustained pace), I was done.  And pissed.  Deciding to skip the bike, I quickly threw on my run stuff and ran out the door in a huff for a short zone 3 transition run.  Again, I struggled to get to and maintain my zone 3 heart rate.  By the time I got back, I was fuming.

I RARELY cut workouts short, and when I do, it's usually due to an outside conflict.  Saturday was a bad day for me, and I truly don't think I've been that upset after a workout before.  It was all I could think about the rest of the day.  I was just frustrated and disappointed in myself.  Before going to bed, I told myself to let it go, because it is DECEMBER!  I had a longer run planned for Sunday, and told myself I was going to go out and kill it.

And that's exactly what I did!  It was my longest run since the KC Half Marathon in October.  I got 9 miles in, with 2 sets of 2 mile repeats at a 7:15 pace!  It was a great day, great weather, I saw a huge hawk/falcon, and finally got over my poor effort from Saturday.  I felt awesome!!!

mmmmBirdie! 

I still consider myself a new triathlete, but I am learning that you only have so much energy "in the tank."  I shouldn't be discouraged if I need to cut a workout short, or if my legs are feeling tired.  It happens, and is more than likely due to the previous workout and recovery.  Training has ups and downs, and you just have to roll with them.  After a crappy workout, take some time to rest, eat some food, and destroy your next workout!!!

I'm sure everyone out there has had similar times, whether it be with endurance training, work, school, kids, etc. etc.  Just get through the day, and come out fighting tomorrow!

I'd like to thank Steve in a Speedo for the shout-out/twitter love!

Thanks for reading!