I don’t know if people taper for sprint triathlons, but when you give yourself 4 weeks before your big day to train, the luxury to taper isn’t really there. It’s a precious week of working on my base.
I did decrease my swimming to workouts to 2 vs my usual 3 I’ve been making myself do. I also knew, that I needed to get in at least 1 ten mile bike ride before Wednesday. As for running? Running is always a big part of my life. I’ve been wanting to sustain 50 miles a week but I had to give that up. I did come pretty close! Why 50? I don’t know, seems like a nice number. Last year I was content with 35 a week. My, my how ultra training will change your perception.
Once thing I also didn’t do was take a rest day this week. It was probably a little dumb, but I told myself I didn’t earn it, after taking 4 days off last week.
Monday 8 Mile Run 1,000 yds swim
I had a pretty good run. About 8 minute miles before I knocked the treadmill key out. Nothing like ruining my groove with a sudden stop. For swimming, I wanted to see if I could actually swim half a mile without a break. So slowly but surely, and many awkward turn around moves, I swam 900 yds while trying to avoid putting my feet down in the shallow. I got tired, But it’s good to know it was possible.
Tuesday – 6.5 mile run, 12.34 mile bike
Not a pleasant run. I overheated myself by starting too fast and had a miserable last few miles. The evening bike ride went much better. I wanted to go a little faster than usual to test out my legs, unfortunately, there’s nowhere I can bike nearby without cars. I hit a few stop lights and almost skid in a parked car but got up to a 13.8 MPH pace. It sounds way too slow for a bike, but I have traffic, stop lights and MBTA buses to work with. I like to avoid getting hit by a bus!
Wednesday 8 mile run
Still couldn’t focus. Couldn’t mojo myself into a higher incline. Stuck around 2 at 8:22 pace.
Thursday 1,000 yds swim, 6.4 mile run
I learned a new thing. Kicking. Yea, when people swim, they should kick. It helps you move forward. Unfortunately, I got tired of kicking very quickly. After swimming, I waited for Tony to get home and we ran a little bit on the Malden bike path.
Friday 8.3 mile run
While I can’t say I completely got my groove back, it was a nice start. Maybe the nice 70s weather helped. I decided I couldn’t miss out on running outside, so I went on the Charles. There was some construction that derailed me and frazzled me, but I eventually got back in my groove. Ended up being around 8:26 pace. Not my best for the Charles, but a happy run.
Saturday 4.2 mile run
Shaking out the legs. Went for a short brisk run around a hilly pond. Was doing 7:45 minute miles. I think it was here where I tweaked my adductor, because I felt the pain Saturday night but chose to ignore it since I had a race.
Sunday – 900 yd swim, 10 mile bike, 3 mile run
The big day. So big it deserves its own recap. Check out my Appleman Sprint Triathlon race recap.
Total Miles – 44.4
Total Feelings – Proud but injured
I gave up doing 6 more miles Sunday night to reach 50. I had the energy; however, my adductor on my left leg felt very sore. On Monday when I woke up, it hurt to walk. Luckily, with rest for 2 days, where I barely moved myself off my work chair or couch, I am back to being my wonderful running self!
