Weekly Training Update: 7/7-7/13

And so another cycle begins.

This week marked the beginning of training for my fall half marathon, Fort4Fitness, and my preparations for the Go Girl Triathlon in Indianapolis. My primary efforts are directed toward Fort4Fitness but I am giving the triathlon the due diligence it deserves. It might be a bit tricky at times but I feel confident that I will be able to make it work.

For the half, I'm following a plan I found on Competitor's website. I debated - a lot - about getting a coach as I have found myself disappointed at the finish line of this year's half marathons but I just couldn't justify the cost. This plan scares me. A lot. However, I do think it is doable and with that, I knew it was the right plan.

To get ready for the triathlon, my greatest concern is the swim. I have never had lessons and am not especially proficient in the water.  While the race is 500 meters and, hopefully, will take 15 minutes or less, It will be the hardest 15 minutes of my life. I will be hitting the pool on Mondays and maybe Wednesdays, when I'll also bike. I plan to do one of the running plan's easier runs on Sunday so I can combine it with a ride for a true brick.

Of course, I say all of this and we're getting ready for vacation. Training on holiday is hard enough but I'll be at altitude, and I know it's going to be a challenge.

But I'm ready.

The week, in training:

Monday, July 7
CROSS TRAINING | Boot camp

SWIM | 600 yards

Tuesday, July 8
RUN | 4.33 miles
Time: 39:21     Pace: 11.3 mph

First run of Fort4Fitness training cycle - 4 easy with 4 x 20s strides. I tried to keep the four easy, especially since I felt less than energetic - 9:15, 9:08, 9:05, 9:16. I was going for NS but eased up last mile to save energy for strides. The strides definitely hurt, and I might hate them more than 800s.

Wednesday, July 9
CYCLE | 10.3 miles
Time: 37:05     Pace: 14.4 mph

The first 1.5 miles took Mark and me to my in-laws where we dropped off the toddler. After we were able to unload the trailer, we picked up the pace. I was a bit surprised at just how well I was able to get into a groove. If this ride is any indication, I will be in good shape for the triathlon.

Thursday, July 10
RUN | 5.01 miles
Time: 46:04     Pace: 9:11

Reunited with my BRF! We started out conservatively, both of us sore from the day prior's boot camp. As such, we nailed perfect negative splits. The morning was gorgeous, to boot, almost crisp and a bit of fog.

CROSS TRAINING | Ripped

Friday, July 11
REST 

Saturday, July 12
RUN | Runners on Parade 5K + WU and CD

Sunday, July 13
RUN | 8.1 miles
Time: 1:17:28     Pace: 9:33

After the previous day's 5K, this run was all about getting it done. My legs felt tight, and it took almost 6 miles for them to loosen up. Figures. My abs also felt pretty sore, which made the first few miles interesting. Just glad to get it done.