After my last post I almost threw in the towel and gave up.
However, today I did a brick workout and am feeling really good about things again.
The workout constisted of doing 40 minutes of a spinnervals DVD on my bike trainer. I chose “No Slackers Allowed”, which is the hardest one that I have. I haven’t done a spinnervals DVD in a long time, so I was a bit worried I would be a slacker. I kept up well until the last two sets. On those two sets, I had to skip just one rep. I consider this excellent for this DVD. In my prime last year, I could just barely complete this workout.
As I got off the bike, I downed a Gu pack. I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch, which was 7 hours ago…and I’d had no carbs since breakfast.? Surprising that I got thru the bike workout, actually.
Then I put on my running gear and headed out the front door. I felt just a little sluggish running up the hill by my house. My stomach felt cramped from downing that Gu on empty.
I stopped at the top of the hill to stretch my hamstrings. They were good, so I started running. I felt good and strong. I held onto that feeling for the entire 4.5 miles. Near the end of the run, I started feeling tired and wanted to slow down. I kept going strong by repeating “No Slackers Allowed” in my head. That worked 🙂
I didn’t make a great pace on the run, but I wasn’t slogging either. I’m back on track.
BTW, my running legs feel better after a hard bike workout. I don’t know why, but I’m sure glad. Maybe something to do with warm muscles that have already been moving fast. That’s why I wish every workout was a brick workout.
I haven’t tried an indoor/outdoor brick either. What I found out for myself is that it’s much easier to motivate me for challenging workouts than for easy ones.
– Martin
Oddly enough, I never considered doing an indoor/outdoor brick. I’ve always done either all indoor or all outdoor. Have you tried the new virtual reality series? They have one to preview Lake Placid. Here’s something from the Spinervals site on it: “Enjoy incredible scenery as you ride on Troy’s wheel as he coaches you on proper technique, gear selection and intensity during this high aerobic endurance training ride of about three hours in duration. As this ride covers much of the race course for the famous Iron distance event in Lake Placid, you’ll hear tips and suggestions on race day nutrition, pacing strategy and more!”
Here’s a link
Way to go! Hang in there. If you remember, I periodically email you with my trivial triathlon questions, and I just want you to know that I admire who you are and what you do, so keep up the good work! Your saying, “No slackers allowed”, reminds me of a saying that I use when I get out of the groove. Actually, I read an article in Triathlon magazine, and Michellie Jones said, “You’re stronger than you think you are.” For some reason, that quote really stuck with me. During a training session I might think to myself, “I’m hot, tired, and slow” and I want to stop. However, instead, I think, “You’re stronger than you think you are.” Because I am. I sometimes have to work past the negativity of my mindset to realize I’m being a sissy, and that I have more to give. Dig deep – it’s there! Don’t give up on the things you love to do!!
Chary