150 Days until Ironman Los Cabos
So What’s Next?
After finishing Tahoe I gave myself a full week off to do nothing but enjoy life, let my body heal and not think about training one little bit.
I felt great, I had a lot of extra time that I mostly spent relaxing, with a little holiday decorating, baking and working thrown in. THe second week after Tahoe I worked out a little but just what I wanted to do, weight training here, trail running there but not on any schedule. WHile I enjoyed the break I am starting to crave a schedule again, I take this as a good sign that I am doing a good job at the mental side of recovery. I will take one more week of working out when I want to but try to get in a little more so it won’t be too big of a shock. Then I will get back to work, because I have three big A races that I am already registered for next year.
So here’s what’s next….
First up will be my first crack at an ultra distance trail race. Cory and I signed up for Orcas Island 50k in Washington on February 1st. I am so excited to spend more time on the trails this winter with Cory.
Next up will be Ironman Los Cabos in Mexico, I was lucky enough to spectate last year and when I got 20% off for participating in Ironman Lake Tahoe the deal was sealed. On March 30th I will be toeing the line myself.
Lastly I will participate in Ironman Canada in Whistler on July 27th. After seeing all the photos and reports from this year I am excited for my turn to participate in this race.
After that I think I would like to do more trail running, maybe even a 50 miler, but I will wait until after Orcas to see how I like the distance.
So there it is, any big plans for 2014?
Ironman Lake Tahoe – Race Prep
Later that night we headed back up to Squaw Valley for the Athlete dinner and meeting.
The food was blah or bad and it was freezing in the tent. My fault for not wearing warm enough clothes. The meeting was boring and kind of long. The only important information I heard was that the private neighborhood would be open on Saturday from 3-5 for athletes to drive if we were interested in seeing that part of the course. I think in the future I will eat my own dinner as both IM dinners I have been to have not been good. They have to feed so many people it’s not surprising but I would rather make my own choices (plus it’s expensive for guests).
Crazy….I had a bike and run on my schedule from coach but I just couldn’t wrap my head around going out in the cold and wet. Plus all of my jackets, gloves and hats were packed away for race day. So a bagged the shakeout sessions and decided to just drop my stuff off instead. They were nice and allowed us to put bags over our stuff as well as over our bikes so things wouldn’t be soaked come morning.
I was glad I did because people’s saddles that weren’t covered had ice on them race morning. After dropping my gear at the two different transitions areas (much more of a pain than having one transition area) I had a big lunch then headed out to drive a loop of the bike course. Driving the course looked as I suspected very hilly in the back part of the loop with long stretched of steep 10%+ grades and technical steep down hills that scare me a bit on my TT bike (yes, I am a wuss). After driving the course I was nervous, I knew I was ready and fit enough to finish an Ironman but THIS ironman held many challenges. I told myself to show up, do my best and see where the cards fell. I had planned on having a light dinner but I wasn’t feeling hungry after our big lunch and probably nerves.
Ironman Lake Tahoe – Taper
Ironman Lake Tahoe – End of Peak Training
Two 100+ mile bike rides with hill repeats
Many open water swims
Four weeks of “climbing camp” where I road different hills from the Tahoe course on a computrainer
One loop of the Tahoe course on the computrainer
Lots of time climbing up mountains on my bike
YMX by Yellow Man – Product Review
This jersey is great not only because it is really soft and breathable but also has really deep pockets in the back to hold all the gear you would need on a ride from 10-100 miles plus! I also like that it is very visible for motorists and even has reflective tape.
I also got to try out the Infinite Phoenix LongSleeve Shirt. I have been eager to try it out but the temps in Colorado have been ridiculously hot, 80+ degrees even in the morning and evening. So I haven’t been able to take this baby out for a run yet. I am looking forward to trying it out on some cooler fall runs. Maybe it will even make an appearance in Tahoe! I did try on the shirt and it fits and feels great!
Designer Whey Sustained Energy – Product Review and Giveaway!
Earlier this month I was given the opportunity to try out Designed Whey’s newest product “Sustained Energy”.
Designer Whey describes Sustained Energy as:
Designer Whey® Sustained Energy™ is specifically formulated with our proprietary Endurance Blend™. Designed to give you balanced, stimulant-free, sustained energy through fast absorbing whey protein and slower absorbing soy and casein proteins, giving you a steady supply of essential amino acids while helping you control hunger with fiber. Packed with 16 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 19 Essential Vitamins & Minerals and naturally flavored and sweetened – all for only 100-good-for-you calories!
I was excited about this opportunity because I have enjoyed designer Whey’s products in the past and I use a lot of protein powder for training nutrition and recovery.
I tried vanilla bean in my protein recovery shake
The shake kept me full and tasted great! What’s in it:
- 1 banana
- a couple handfuls of spinach
- 1 cup of vanilla soy milk
- 1 scoop vanilla bean designer whey sustained protein powder
I threw thew this all in the blender and let it run for two minutes.Then I added about two cups of ice, blended for another thirty seconds.
This is a great recovery drink or breakfast. If you have a rushed morning you can pre-make this shake and store it in the freezer.
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3/4 cup oatmeal
- 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 chocolate designer whey sustained protein powder
- Pinch of salt optional
To make:
- heat the peanut butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds mix well with honey
- Mix in the oatmeal, flour, salt and protein powder. Stir until well blended
- Mold into balls, bars or whatever shape you want. I like to use a mellon baller to make bite sized balls for easy eating on the bike.
These protein balls have gotten me through countless miles of training, five half ironmans, one full ironman and will help me get through Iornman Lake Tahoe.
Want to try Sustained Energy out? I have been given the opportunity to give a few tubs out. Leave a comment below with the flavor you would like to try (chocolate or vanilla bean). I will contact you for shipping information by next Monday if you are selected.
I was provided with this opportunity via my affiliation with FitFluential. I was given the products at no cost to myself, but was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own!
Sign Up For Ironman Boulder Series TODAY!
Hi Friends! I am sure you have heard that Ironman is FINALLY bringing a full to Colorado. I am excited to finally have one in my backyard.
Here We Go…Pac Crest 2013
I *think* I am all ready to go for Pacific Crest half Ironman
My stuff is layer out and my bike is checked in.
My main goal is to survive and finish given my knee injury but I would really like to beat my time from 2011. Fingers crossed, catch you all on the flip side!
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