On The Road Again

The new year has definitely started out with a bang - in my converging worlds of work, training, and travel. Currently I am training/vacationing in Spokane, WA, while the boy in my life takes a few doctoral seminars at Gonzaga U. Last week I was in Santa Rosa/Napa/Petaluma for work, which is always a great overall destination.

I managed to get in a good swim last week at the Airport Club in Santa Rosa, and have mustered the motivation to continue my swims and runs here in WA. The pool at Gonzaga is a convenient place to splash around, and the Centennial Trail is a great place for a scenic run. One thing I am missing though (other than my teammates) is the bike! I am thinking about renting one on Wednesday and heading toward Idaho. Hopefully this all works out, and that the weather is cooperative.

This trip, albeit in the winter this time, makes me think of how far I've come since last summer. I don't think I am any fitter, per se; perhaps a bit more well-rounded due to the cross-training, but certainly a bit more mature in my approach to fitness. I mean this mainly in terms of giving myself a break! I now realize how important recovery is, and I take those "days off" very seriously. Right now we have Fridays off, since the Ironman training needs to occur 6 days per week. If I feel burned out though, I take it easy on Mondays as well.

I think the two most difficult things about IRONtraining right now are 1) balancing the schedule with the rest of my life and 2) making it through two-a-day workouts. Right now Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays tend to be both running and swimming days - or at least that's how the schedule is developing. My motivation around running still tends to be low, so I really have to push myself (especially after a good swim). The new running shoes certainly help, and I feel I am well on my way...

Overall, I can see and feel the improvement in my swimming, and with a strenuous/hilly 30 mile ride under my belt, I know I will continue to improve in my cycling. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the time I have away, while looking forward to getting back on my bike with the team.