January Ease

I've been a little too quiet for my likings. A few people have even asked me for an updated blog so here it goes!! I wanted to write a little bit about my January training and my "easing" back into it. January 1, I was released to start training again. For new years, we went down to our friends ranch house and I was told the loop around the house would be a 3mile loop. I thought that would be perfect to start. Well 40 minutes later I found myself saying, "This is the longest 3 miles of my life"! It turns out the run was 5 miles and I was actually pretty darn proud of myself. I could still do this. But boy was I sore the next day!

The first week of January, I wanted to still take each day by the way I felt. I had 3 swims scheduled (every other day) and a few bikes and runs, with the majority of the focus being getting back out there and seeing how my body responded. I met up with my Coaches to do video analysis before anything. Technique is so important. I had a successful first week of training and clocked about 10 hours of training. There was some days I even pulled back and I really listened to my body. This is key when you are on the rebound. Listen to your body.

Week 2, the goals were to add an extra swim day and a few miles on the run. I went from 15 miles to 19 miles. Biking was beginning to cause a little ruckus in my back so I visited Shama Cycles for a quick fit. When the body goes through something dramatic, a new fit is always a good thing. After that evening, I found bigger watts and an easier/faster cadence. I was excited to test out the new fit in the morning on a ride, but noticed I still felt the little niggle in the back. Maybe this was too much too quick? I went to physical therapy that afternoon and they identified the problem. 2 weeks since this treatment and continuously doing my rehab activities I have fixed the problem. I am so highly aware of my bodies weaknesses it is insane. Week 2 things also got a little emotional. I found myself in a high on days when it went well (Im swimming faster than ever!) and in a low when things looked like they may never come back (How will I swim this on repeat?!). I had to remind myself that this is the process. The process to becoming the best. Its going to hurt and its going to take time. Patience.

Week 3 things were looking a little more normal. 14 hours of training (longest ride this month 2:15, long run 6 and long swim 2k). Still listening to the body. Focusing on good technique and cleaning up the odds and ends of weakness. You thought fitting in 2 workouts a day was hard. Well try doing those workouts and your 1xbillion rehab exercises with it. I felt like a full time athlete again. Just because the body feels okay doesn't mean the injury wont strike again. I have to continue to be consistent and dedicated to my physical therapy exercises. Coach Michelle text me Sunday night to ask how I felt. I told her, funny how alive I feel even with 14 hours of training. I am coming to find the difference between being beaten up and hurting and well rested and strong. I find myself seeking more but telling myself not yet.

Week 4 and here I am. Physical therapy on Monday was probably the best I have had yet. Tuesday I completed 4 workouts (swim, bike, run and strength) and Today I woke up obviously sore but realizing I am starting to feel normal again. I cant thank God enough for restoring strength in my body. This weekend I am heading to Napa Valley for my last little "Hoo-Ra" before Pro Liz comes back full attack. No training this weekend, just enjoying life and drinking wonderful wines! Remember what I said in my last post? Don't get so obsessed with your workouts, enjoy life!  That's what its all about anyway.

One last thing: I mentioned my Long runs, swims and bikes thus far. I am running 6 miles "long". That's 45 minutes! One thing I never understand is how someone fighting injury while training will continue to obsess about their long run over the weekend. People, Just step a few miles back and see how your body performs. It will still perform on race day and probably even better than you think. My long bike is 2 hours! In a matter of 3 weeks though I went from my FTP a measly number I wont mention to an FTP that I was performing at in the end of my season, 4 months ago. Don't rush the process. I am also only swimming 2k each session. Its hard to motivate myself to go to the pool for 30 minutes but technique trumps volume. I cant stress this enough. The second you get tired is the second you start going backwards. I have really only swam 25s,50s and 100s. Take a look at what my coach has to say and you will understand why and how I have become the swimmer I have in the last year. Trust in the process and don't think just about numbers. See his latest articles titled "USRPT and Triathlon Training" here: http://magnoliamasters.com/swim-efficiency/

ps. sorry I don't have any pics!!