The New Fit

Well, I finally took the TT bike out for a spin.  It was essentially my first ride outside since overhauling it this past fall.  The upgrades included an SRM compact crank, a new cockpit (Bontrager integrated bar), and a new fit by Dean Philips at Fitwerx.  I was getting a bit concerned because I just wasn't feeling great on the trainer.  But, as I should have realized....trainer fit does not equal outdoor fit.  Anyway, my first ride was only 2 hours.  But, it included 4x 10 minutes  at race pace.  It went well and was able to stay in the bars for most of the ride (and all of the intervals).  I'm looking forward to getting out there again.  Hopefully the weather will continue to improve!

Last night I also spent some time on the phone w/my coach.  We went over the upcoming weeks.  I've been getting concerned that I haven't been doing enough volume..especially on the bike (we've been focusing on quality).  Anyway, that's about to change.  The big weeks...they are a comin'!

Finally, Jenn gets back from China tonight.  It will be nice to have her back...for many reasons.  Selfishly, one of the reasons is that she takes so much off my plate at home for training.  I'm going to need that looking at the schedule!

Done and over....

This past weekend was the Boston Marathon.  I hosted my parents and my buddy Harry for he weekend.  It was fun...but always tough to get my own workouts in.  This weekend was another crap weekend w/bad weather.  I'm sick of riding on the trainer.  However, this weekend looks good....and my intention is to finally get the Tri bike out on the roads.

Speaking of the marathon, this year I was able to snag some VIP seating at the finish line.  While I was there I saw BTT newbie and sometimes training partner, Drew Shattuck, finishing.  He had a strong race.  Every year it's the same story for me while watching the finish....I want to do it.  So, I decided....after I "retire" this year from long distance triathlon, I'm going to run another stand alone marathon...then perhaps do boston again.  We'll see...

Boston Marathon Time

No, I'm not running it.  But, I do love the marathon.  It sort of marks the real start of the New England race season (which I don't feel ready for).  It's also an opportunity to check out the Expo...and see all of the new products that the companies bring out....especially new shoe models.  This year I have some racers staying w/me.  My friend Harry is running for the first time after qualifying in the Fall.  I think he's looking to break 3 hours.  My parents are also coming up.  My 67 year old dad is running his 6th Boston (I think it's six).  He kills me....he always goes into his marathon training expecting to PR!  That said, he did PR at age 56 at the Disney Marathon....going 3:12.  You wonder where "I" get it......well....there it is:-)  Like father like son!

I had planned to race Wrentham Du next weekend....but w/the marathon and the guests....and Jenn heading to China tomorrow....I decided it was just too much.  Besides, I could really use the weekend for training.  So far I've been exclusively riding the road bike outside.  But, assuming the weather cooperates, I think it's time to break out the TT rig next weekend.  Now that Wrentham is out...the first scheduled race is only a few weeks away (Season Opener....Hopkinton).

-PD

Sticking to the plan...

Well, the nice weather has finally arrived here in New England.  Hopefully it's here to stay (knock on wood).  It's great to finally get outside on the roads.  However, I'm sticking with the road bike until the water and debris clear up a bit.  This past weekend (Easter Weekend) was difficult.  Everyone was heading out on Saturday to ride 4-5 hours....but my plan only called for 90 minutes....followed by an hour run.  Although it was a bit more intense than a long ride, it's tough to pass up these nice weather opportunities to get the distance in.  But, if you're going to have a plan....you need to stick to it (and trust it)....as difficult as that may be!

I'm re-reading Once A Runner by John L. Parker.  If you're an endurance athlete and haven't read this book, go out and buy it.  It was out of publication for some time (it originally came out in the 70's).  Until it started getting re-published a year or two ago, the book could cost you around $300 on ebay for a paperback.  The book is loosely based on the training of Frank Shorter and others back in the 70's...but with fictional characters.  If this book doesn't get you out running, nothing will.  Since my original edition is about to fall apart (it's an inherited edition that's been read probably 40-50 times....about 8 by me), Jenn got me the new edition for Easter.  Now I can read it another 8 times without fear of ruining it!