The 10k Mission...

Ever since my injury, and basically since I became more 'serious' about my training, I have used the 10k as a bench mark for my fitness and progress. 10k just seemed like a good choice, as there are multiple 10k road races in NYC throughout the year (many on the same course, so it's easy to compare races) and it allows me to include OLY distance triathlons in the mix.

I have a sort of funny history with the 10k. My two fastest runs have been off the bike. My three best open 10k times are all within 12 seconds of each other.

This weekend, I hope to change that. I get to warm up with a 20-ish minute swim, stretch and cheer for hopefully less than 1:20 while my dad bikes, and finally get my chance at breaking 45:00 in the 10k (and maybe then some??) on a flat, fast course.

As Nation's is NOT my goal race and Syracuse is only 7 days after, I will build the run. The plan: 2 miles at 7:30, 2 miles at about 7:15, 1 mile close to 7 then 1.2 with whatever I've got left. I did some repeats this morning off the bike and was able to find and hold all of these paces, and am super excited to see what happens!

But when it comes down to it, I am SO SO excited for this weekend with my family!!

The views just keep getting better...

For Olivia...

Which way?

This is...83rd and Madison.

Perfect Start to the Weekend...

Despite the threat of Hurricane Earl derailing the holiday weekend, the weather had ended up being perfect. On Saturday, after a full morning of workouts, I enjoyed a beer and hot dog with a wonderful view....

There are some pluses to staying in the city when everyone else heads out of town...Free seats on the 1st base line!!

Trying to motivate for long ride #1 of 2 of the weekend. However, I plan to enjoy my coffee and CBS Sunday Morning before doing anything...

Confession.

Although I do comment on some of the blogs I read on a regular basis, I am a total blog stalker. Only one good friend knows my true blog-reading obsession, a quality she shares, and the conversations we have about blogs we both read, as if we truly know the people, are highly comical.

One blog I have come to enjoy, for many reasons, but mainly because he is based in a city that I think I will eventually come to call home again, is DC Rainmaker.

He provides a great view to living and training in the DC area, as well as how training can fit into the life of someone who is constantly on the move for work (and to some tough areas to train). He inspires me to be more inventive and committed to my training when my Africa travel ramps again in the next few months.

He's having a contest. Of something I want. So I finally left a comment on his blog.

Training update:

Longest brick of the season this morning, 90 minute base ride, 60 minute Z2-Z3 run. Was able to hold my HIM goal race pace in the run pretty easily on very tired legs. Can't wait for some rest for my weary legs, hopefully can find time for a massage in the next few days as well.

And now I'm sitting on my couch trying to come up with legitimate reasons not to go to work toady. hmmmm.....

Six Weeks.

Between my return from a work/fun trip to Europe, in July (where I go to watch in awe as 20+ teammate rocked Ironman Switzerland!) I had 6 weeks to fully commit to Syracuse. Mind and body, I was ready to do what I needed to achieve my goals. Looking back, part of my fear/apprehension going into Eagleman knowing, in the back of my mind, my training and commitment had been sub-par to achieve the goals I had placed on myself. Unfortunately, with a job that includes last minute travel, this commitment is sometimes out of my control.

However, between August 1 and Syracuse, I only had one small trip, no work involved, and it would be to one of my favorite running cities in the world, San Francisco.

There is nothing quite like catching up with best friends over a 15-mile run with a turn-around view like this...

I was able to run everyday in San Fransisco, as my two best friends out there are training for their first marathons, bringing me my biggest mileage of the year thus far, and I felt better each run. I am finishing up a pretty big (for me) 4 week block that will lead into a gradual 2 week rest. I have been focusing on strength, speed, and hills while knocking out way more longer runs that any other time this year. Although I am a bit apprehensive about not being on my bike for many 'LDS' rides, the quality has trumped quantity. Mentally and physically, I am on the brink, but just need to get through this weekend and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As a quick tune up before Syracuse, I will be racing Nation's on 9/12 as a relay with my Dad. I CANNOT WAIT for this day - this is far beyond my father's comfort zone and a wonderful, fast course in the city where I grew up. My dad has been training his booty off, has even started to lead and organize group rides with his local tri club!, and I know he is going to surprise himself (and probably me!) with his result.

I will swim, then play in transition and cheer on teammates while my Dad attacks the bike, then I hope to run a speedy, faster-than-tempo 10k on the flat course. We lucked out and aren't in the last wave (start at 8am), so we will hopefully be done with drinks in hand by 11am at the latest. And the boy is racing Nation's as well, and if my Dad beats him on the bike...well....let's not even go there :)

Breaking the silence.

After Eagleman I fell into a bit of a funk. I know I shouldn't (and I'm not) disappointed in my race or the result, but I had some trouble re-focusing and figuring out the recovery from such a long and hard day. I tried to get back into training too soon and was totally depleted and needed to let my body rest and re-set.

I got in some good training in early July and threw in a fun Aquathon with the boy to test out the race legs. We got matching hardware :) - 3rd overall.


As of August 1, I am all in for Syracuse 70.3 - I have been able to find my motivation, be honest with myself about my goals for the rest of the season and into next year, and have the time and support I need to try to accomplish these goals.

I was able to fit a small, local triathlon (not-quite-OLY distance) into a long training weekend at the Jersey Shore this past weekend, and am very pleasde with the outcome, my best ever to date - 2nd overall!! It was the most painful run off the bike I have EVER done, but I am happy with the pace and it was a good test of where my fitness is and what I need to do over the next 5 weeks before Syracuse.

Welcome back!