triathlon schedule

Last week marked my three months of training for my goal race of 70.3 in September. Part of me finds it hard to believe as the three months have flown by. But the other part of me that is tired and challenging to balance work-life- training balance isn’t surprised at all.The workouts are getting long and will continue to do so over the next few weeks until my taper starts. Last week I made an effort to get back in the habit of training with my training partner Kat and getting my long rides in with Nanc is helping to pass the time there too. While the physically challenge should be the biggest obstacle at this point, for me, it’s really becoming my mind. Staying committed and really getting it done. There is no question that obviously I will, but as my book deadlines get closer, and the search for a home for Tribe continues, and I’m trying to enjoy my summer with family, the challenge is strong.

So, here’s how last week went.

MONDAY: Today again I combined my TSX run crew with out Tribe run crew and rocked out my 90 minute run. As always the company was great, but my leg were tired (theme for the next 2 months). We went to Remembrance park and did our sprints alongside the crew from Black Toe. It was nice to change up the scenery and run in the shade.

TUESDAY: After last weeks Tuesday training break, and the fact that I do three intense workouts in a row (Saturday-Monday) I’ve decided to continue to Tuesday as my rest/yoga day. I ended up having to go into the office today which pretty much gave me the entire day off training apart from teaching YFit at YYoga and leading an evening community yoga class. It’s nice to get my stretch on during the class which still keeping my personal workouts light.

WEDNESDAY: Today I woke up and did a 1.5km swim before some work I needed to do from home. Needing to be in the office yesterday really mixed up my schedule. Late afternoon I got in a strength session at Lagree before our Tribe 5km run that evening. I would much rather do the strength workout in the morning, but it seems this is the only time that is actually fitting in my schedule these days. And in order to stay injury free – these workouts are key.

THURSDAY: Today the deadlines really kicked in for my book. I spent most of the day writing until it became to late to head out for a ride, so instead I hit up yyoga early and got it done indoors. Not ideal, but with the warm temperatures we’ve been having the break from the heat was nice.

FRIDAY: Bright and early Kat came over and we did a 2km swim. Our pace was a little slower than usual, but we got it done and caught up too (which would be why it took us longer). I headed to Hamilton for errands and got caught in traffic on the way back. The book deadline is still haunting me, so no ride today – just more work on the laptop.

I hate skipping workouts, but sometimes it has to happen. It doesn’t happen often, so I don’t get worked up over it. Trying to find balance has been key over these past few weeks, and sometimes things have to get dropped.

SATURDAY: Bright and early for a 1.5km swim before a Tribe 20km run. With Seawheeze weeks again we are getting to the peak of our training cycle. A little early for my 70.3 to be hitting these distances, but it’s pretty close and i’m glad to have the crew to run with on the weekends. Post run brunch at What A Bagel was the prefect way to wrap up the toasty run.

SUNDAY: Today started with a 60 minute yoga class at part of Tribe Yoga Jam with New Balance Canada. This weekly yoga class is back, and I definitely enjoy it. Yoga, out in the sun, 80+ people, such a great experience.

After yoga I drove to Waterdown to get my ride on with Nanc, Kim, and Ang – team #Rumblestino (our nickname for our group of 4 who raced my last 70.3 together in Muskoka) is reuniting for an Olympic Triathlon in Wasaga beach in a few weeks. I’ve always said I would never race an Olympic – it’s middle distance, which just sounds ick and I like the reaction I get when I say that I’ve only ever raced a sprint and half Ironman – but I think it will be good practice for my goal race and fun to do as a group.

The weather today was supposed to be hot and I was worried about our late start, we all were, but with a cloud cover and low 20s temperature the 83km ride and 3km run was quite nice. The hottest part of the brick was the run. Luckily it was short – but definitely not sweet.

With a long weekend ahead I look forward to the change of scenery and getting my long ride on over the rolling hills of Kincardine – I never thought of them as rollers until my last ride up there where my GPS gave me the truth of what I was riding.

7 weeks until race day! I got this!

Missed a week of my training?

Week 11 Week Ten Week Nine Week Eight Week Seven Week Six Week Five

Week Four Week Three Week Two Week One

It’s hard to believe that as I’m writing this I will be starting the second month of my 5 month training program. Time certainly is flying and the great news is that I’m still having fun.

Last week was another big build with one three hour brick – eventually this will grow to be around 7 hours. Finishing workouts like this require prep – not only the physical prep of the body to get to a place where it’s doable – but also prep of life – having the time to get it done – having the supplies/fuel you need to be successful. Time is often no problem – I’m able to get it done – I’m still a little unorganized when it comes to fuel and supplies, so that will continue to be my goal.

Here’s how it went down:

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MONDAY: As with every Monday, today was a double run day. Sprints with our workplace crew at TMX, followed by Sprints with Tribe. This was my first real sprint session back after my ankle and I really enjoyed picking up the pace. The CNE was packed with people on their way to a concert, but we dodged the crowds and got the work in. Certainly not as fast as pre injury, but I’m looking forward to working on that in the coming weeks.

TUESDAY: I did my first of two big bricks this week on Tuesday, alone. I got in a 1.5km swim followed by a 50min bike. I got my 10km run in after teaching YFit on a special Tribe run with City Running Tours Toronto. This run was a charity event supporting the fires of Fort McMurray. The tour was their music history tour – it was a lot of fun, but my legs were spent and felt like bricks.

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WEDNESDAY: I switched up the 45min ride for our Tribe 5km run. With all the other Tribe events happening this week only a couple gals showed up, so we kept it nice and light. Stretching and rolling filled up the rest of my night.

THURSDAY: After a blogger event in the morning I took part in the Bike For Tykes charity spin class. I rode for 60 minutes with all funds raised going to SickKids. This was my third time participating in this fun event for a great cause.

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My day ended with another sweating for social good event with the Black Lungs Ekiden Relay. This is a very fun crew event where local run clubs an crews enter teams of six to run the distance of a marathon. Tribe had 3 teams, and I was very happen to run a 6.1km leg of the race. As a result I kept the remained of my training light (aka I didn’t swim). If was a lot of fun, filled with Tribe Love, and many laughs.

FRIDAY: Knowing I wouldn’t be available to work out on Sunday I moved around my weekend brick and got it done today. After training a morning client I started with a 1.5km swim at 10:30am, hopped on my bike for two hours, and during a very hot point in the day went out for a short 4km run. The heat was brutal and my lack of fueling prior to the workout and during the swim and ride really showed. I simply wasn’t prepared with great breakfast food and then taking quality food with me during my workouts. Again, I just need to get my butt in gear and have great food to fuel on and train with all the time.

SATURDAY: Although we have started our Tribe SeaWheeze training, many of our crew are continuing to come out for 10km. Anticipating this I went out prior to our crew workout to get some extra km in. This plan worked out very well and allowed my to hold pace with the 10km ladies while getting my full workout in.

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Saturday afternoon I met up with Courtney, Mel, Kat, and Ale for a brief and dang cold open water swim. We went to Cherry Beach, which wasn’t as packed as I had anticipated and took to the water. The cold really got the best of me. I did about 400m but my hands, feet, and face just couldn’t handle it. I was still happy with the work, but know i’ll need to get out there even more as I prep for my half iron man.

SUNDAY: Today was my rest day and was all about family. I had hoped to do a strength workout, but I slept in until 9am (so nice) before attention a family event for the remainder of the day.

My goal for this week is to take either Thursday and Friday and ensure my kitchen is stacked with great food to fuel my workouts. I need to make sure I have quality breakfast foods that will sustain me and get used to riding and running with hydration for my long efforts.

Missed a week of my training?

Week Six Week Five Week Four

Week Three Week Two Week One