Rain, rain, and more rain!

It is now 5 weeks to IM and the countdown continues. Training has been a little more challenging the last few weeks, not only with physical issues, but mental as well. Two weeks ago I did my first 80 mile ride, and followed it up the next day with a 16 mile run. That was at the start of our annual summer vacation to the cabin. The plan was to take an easy/recovery week while we were up there, but still try to take advantage of being on the lake and try to get some good open water swimming in. I swam a total of....ONCE! The weather was so cold and rainy, it just didn't happen. I didn't even bring my bike up, so no riding except for some time on a stationary bike at the club in town. I ran a few times, walked a lot, but mostly just sat around and ate. I gained a few pounds!!! This is good since I'd been dropping a little too much. So I used this time to re-charge the batteries and spend quality time with the family. I even read an entire book....only my second complete book in 5 years!!! Sound like heaven, right? What was interesting, but not surprising, was how much it felt like tapering before a race. I felt heavy, sluggish, and my brain was mush. There's also this strange feeling of being, "off", and not comfortable in my own skin. It's anxiety I think, and the fear that I'm going to lose fitness and all of the hard work I put in so far. And there's the simple fact that my brain works better AFTER a training session. I really have to focus and remind myself that this it what my body needs to get stronger, and what my mind and spirit need to retain balance. It's sometimes frightening how strong the pull into obsession can be. I'm extremely fortunate to have Mike, Katie, and Sue, and the girls who recognize this in me and are able to pull me back from the edge of the overtraining cliff. WHEW!
The girls and I actually left to come home on Thursday of our week. We had my cousins wedding to attend on Friday. I was able to get on my bike on Friday morning for a longer ride, then run again on Saturday. So it was an odd and different week in the Northwoods this year...and yet it was exactly what I needed.
At least I thought it was? This week has been tough. My intention was to get right back on schedule for the biggest and final push before the race. Monday was awesome! It was one of those days where everything comes together. I felt very fresh and strong on my 3 hour bike ride and long swim. Tuesday I still felt pretty good in guppy class and my afternoon run. Wednesday morning I could hardly get out of bed! My upper back and neck has seized up and I was having spasms. I had a hard time turning my head in either direction. This has happened before and occurs sometime during the night while I'm sleeping. It tends to work itself out over time, but it makes for a rough several days!! :-( I still managed to ride easy in the afternoon, but really had a hard time during the night. I resorted to taking some Advil, which I'm NOT supposed to take because of the HHT. I promised myself, "only two". I finally got some sleep! God I miss Advil!!! It's the wonder drug....seriously!!! Tylenol just doesn't do it quite like Advil! ;-)
I skipped my Thursday guppie class. That's when the mental madness started. I NEVER miss GC if I can help it! And I already missed last week because of vacation!! And the next two weeks they are closing the pool....so NO GC for TWO WEEKS!! AHHHHHHH
To help calm my brain, I decided to do the Aquathon that night. My neck was feeling a little better, so I went early to get in the lake to test things out. The water was a lot calmer then the last guppiethon and all felt ok. The swim, I THOUGHT went well, I was feeling more confident and I was sighting better. But my time was 10 seconds slower! My run time was slightly faster, so overall I finished 6 whole seconds faster than the last one....WHOO HOO!
Yesterday morning I woke up and my left groin area was very ouchy....and so was my neck. SIGH!!! I needed to try my first 6 hour ride, but storms were predicted. SO I call Katie...., "What do I do??? We decided to push my long ride to Saturday, and TRY to run longer, but to stop if the pain was too bad. I managed to run 14 miles but at a very slow pace. My body warmed up into it, so the pains were all manageable. And the rain actually felt good! I took an ice bath, (torture!!), ate my way through the rest of the day, and mentally prepared for my ride in the morning.
I woke up to thunder and lightning, storms worse then yesterday and they wouldn't clear out until around 10 or 11. I have plans this evening starting at 5. GRRRRRRR......KATIE!!!!!!
Today I'm taking a rest day! :-) We'll try it again tomorrow. It's predicted to be very hot and humid....good for training, right?? :-O
I am learning important lessons about flexibility, dealing with the unexpected, and about having a plan B, C, and D. I am realizing that if I stay motivated and committed to this goal, that I will succeed despite the occasional side trips along the journey. I am working very hard on managing the anxiety and pushing aside "stinky thinking". It's all a work in progress, work that is never completed. Self-discovery is a job I NEVER want to be finished with!
Enjoy this day! :-)