past two days

Yesterday and today were good workouts.

Wednesday was in the pool for 29 minutes. I got 3/4 mile in, which all in all isn't that fast, but I did each quarter in 9.5 minutes which is 30 seconds under my goal for the race. So, that was good.

Today was pretty good too, I went to the reservoir to run and finished with some hills. I'm starting to plateau a little bit, so I'm going to have to start mixing in some weights and more speedwork. Hills today maybe the track later, but I have to do it.

Mini goal is coming up in a couple of weeks: Up, Up and Away 5K in conjunction with the balloon fest. We'll see how things go...

I had to try it...

...so I did.

I had to try biking for a spell and then running. It was crazy. I didn't know that my legs could feel like that. I didn't know my body could feel like that. It was all herky jerky and I didn't feel like I could get any rhythm. I was also undecided as to how far I'd be jogging, so any resemblance of a normal pace was out the window. I'd try to pace it out, then I'd have to run harder...

...it's going to take some time...

I'm now about 5 weeks out from the race and I'm also heading out of town all next week. This is going to be tricky.

All in all though, for the bike, my pace was right on. 3:30 mile and the run was just over 8 per. I'd really like to get that run down to 7:30 or so, perhaps some speedwork or hills this week and for the rest of the weeks leading up to the race?

We'll see...

The joys of work

My job is taking a huge chunk out of my training schedule. I've been in Chicago for the last couple of days and will be home all next week. THEN off to Milwaukee, WI for the youth summer trip for another week.

Right about now I have to trust in the training that has happened already. Trust that I am actually in better shape than I feel since the Motel 6 Rolling Meadows, Il absolutely blows and haven't ran, swam or biked since last Tuesday.

I have been overwhelmed by everyone's support though. As donations start to roll in, it's clear that there are folks that have joined up with me in this venture. I am proud to represent Jared in this endeavor and in some ways all of you as well.

Okay, I'm excited again!!

Thanks for checking in!

excited and yet...grrr...

All this gear is expensive. Shoes, shorts, wet suit even, biking stuff...

I love this whole training thing, and I'm still UBER pumped about everything going on and I am growing to truly love this sport.

But, dang!

The gear is expensive...

And...we're back

Now fully back from vacation, it all seems like a distant-ish memory. But, it's my part of the bargain to keep y'all informed about my workout regiment during vacation and how thing are going.

So,

Vacation was great. Time in the Pocono Mountains of PA afforded me lots of different ways to train that I wouldn't have had here. Mostly, I took advantage of running trails and hills at the retreat center that we stayed at. I also spent lots of time hiking with the family, the boy in a kelty backpack for most of them, and biking the main roads to and from Wilderness Camp and the Retreat Center.

I am pleased with the effort. Pool time was non-existant, so I tried to really beef up the hiking, running and biking.

Once we left PA, it was on to CT where we visited some friends. No running, mostly biking on the Farmington Canal trail. Our host, Eric, actually biked with me for what ended up being the longest trip...somewhere in the 13-14 mile range.

Once back here, I've actually become more motivated to keep at it. I feel like I've plateaued a little bit, and I'm afraid it may be time for different shoes. My jogs are ending up with lots of back pain, the last three anyway, and I'm thinking my shoes are the cluprit. It's a shame too, because they're so dang comfy. I think though there's not enough cushion and my back is paying the price.

Speaking of paying the price...

It's now officially time to start banging the pavement for donors for what I'm affectionately referring to as Team Jared. Don't forget, this race isn't about me. It's about raising funds for our friend undergoing treament for leukemia. I'll be asking, so be ready to respond. Yes or No, it's up to you.

I did receive my first donation the other day and it made me really glad to be able to help Jared and his family out. My guess is that I'll be blessed time and time again by the generosity of others.

Today was swim and bike. Not bad, not bad at all...

Tomorrow, long bike...should be great!!