Taupo training weekend

Last weekend was like a personal training camp for one ;o( How very sad...But I like it! I don't really train with groups, apart from swimming and some run/core training, so I had plenty of time to focus on...focussing over the weekend!

Saturday

Today's session was a S/B/R brick. I started with a 3km swim in the lake. I felt pretty average to be honest. Swimming east I was a bit battered by some head on swell and kept swallowing a ton of water! I took it easy though and tried to relax. My mind keeps telling me what a crap swimmer I am, so my body follows it. How frustrating...! Anyhow, onto the bike, I did 2.5hrs up to Broadfields and back and got a slow puncture in my rear wheel, and with the nasty side and headwinds it was tough on the way back! Following which I did an hour ten steady run. Overall I felt like I was just going through the motions. I wasn't particularly focussed at all. I was thinking that Imustn't push too hard, have 180km tomorrow on the same course! Still, I did it at IM pace, which makes me feel like I'm plodding, but to do it for 12 hours will truly leave me stuffed.

We stayed at the Waireki resort so Bede could play some golf. So wemet up afterwards, had a spa, had dinner there and met up with a work colleague for coffee, which was great fun.

Sunday

The biggie....the whole course 180km...I woke up with serious toilet trouble....nothing immodium didn't fix, but with me this is normally a sign of dehydration and too much sun from the day before, so I made sureI drank heaps of water and Enervit all day.

The first lap I took it nice and easy....the wind was better today, and I whizzed out to Reperoa, the return lag was hard work against the wind though. A few guys passed me drafting, nice race simulation eh...I can battle Mr Blowhard on my own thanks! Fisrt lap took me about 3hrs 10 mins.

The second lap I picked up the pace to steady IM pace for 50 mins, easy 10 x 3. After dosing up on caffeine tablets, coke and my current faves Cookies and Cream Powerbars I really enjoyed the second lap, with my focussed sections. Talking to the cows I passed though did start to get me slightly concerned....well there ain't much else there!

I ran off the bike for 20 mins, but felt like I could just keep on going. It felt great!

Nonetheless, I was pretty pooped. Spa shower, food, mini golf and more food followed! Fell asleep watching the Ozzie Open, damn it I wanted Tsonga to win!

Monday

I wanted to do one whole lap of the run course, and in 2hrs so that there are"no surprises" come race day. I like the course, I like undulations, I imagined everyone out there cheering us on. But coming into the lastcouple of kms, my lack of breakfast and nutrition ( I only had water and replace on the run) started to take its toll, plus it was really hot. However when I finished I had goose bumps and was cold. I had a migraine coming on, so enough was enough. My body's way of telling me it's your easier week now, enjoy it! Your last ease up before the big one....

I was tired, hungry, and morning long runs on an empty stomach and me don't mix!

So my easier week kind of tapers towards a BT half IM simulation number 2 on Saturday, so I'll treat this week like a race week!

Tuesday- Bike 2hrs including 5 x increasing intensity 10 mins
Wednesday - 40 min open water swim
Thursday- 75 min easy-steady run
Friday - Swim 75 mins, technique
Saturday- Half IM simulation - 3-4 km swim, 100km bike, 20km run (IM pace)
Sunday OFF!!!! Zilch, nada, nothing!

I'm in Wellington at the moment for work, so I can't bike, which is great for resting. What beautiful weather Wellington has put on. Gorgeous run this morning! Chance to catch up with my family, which I love.


Wednesday