Triple what?

This weekend was the beginning of the LONG taper for Ironman Texas (our long taper is really just a 2 week sharpening phase, still with lots of work (very specific work), and then a 10 or so day actual taper when it feels like you're not working out as long or much). Now, this Sat/Sun, we still had a little over 10 hours of workouts, but it really seemed like "only" 10 hours in our crazy little messed up world.

Saturday was the workout that had been looming on the schedule that I knew was going to require mind over matter. It didn't "look" too hard on paper, but something told me not to trust that paper. The workout was a brick where, after a warm up, we had a certain amount to ride (20k) and then a 5k run off the bike THREE times. Sounds not too bad, right? Well, with the wattages (is that a word?) and paces we were trying to hit, this turned out to be the toughest workout of the season.

James and I headed to Fiesta island. It was great to have him there, even if he was about a mile ahead of me all day. It was just nice to know that someone was suffering in my general vicinity along with me. Fiesta island is a wicked little 4 mile loop that looks harmless enough, but can suck the life out of almost anyone with it's ripping headwind and unchanging scenery. Do enough loops here and its time to question your sanity. But its an uninterrupted 4 mile flat stretch that is perfect for time trials of any sort

this is supposed to show how its really windy. eh, doesn't look so bad.

The results of the workout were half "fine" and half good. It was one of those days that I reminded myself that it's not about each individual workout, it's the sum of all workouts that will get you that Race Day Magic. Not that I'm justifying that it was okay to miss my power numbers on the bike, but I gave it what I could on that day in that place. And, let's face it. When, I'm not in a race, holding "race-like" numbers is reeeeaaaally hard for me- I just can't get that eye of the tiger for my lonesome self doing crazy repetitive loops of some barren island. Instead of thinking, "I should go faster! Nail it!" I start thinking, "What's for lunch? Why am I doing this again? Riding in circles.... really?  mmm....smells like chargrilled burgers...these people on the beach are having WAY more fun than I am.." Anyway, those thoughts were mostly during the bike portions of this episode in workout mania. I had some nice glimmers of hope each time the run came around, and was able to hold just under 20 minute 5ks off the bike within a given heart rate zone. That, I like.

So, the workout was "fine" and I was happier than ever when it was over (and my partner in crime was as well!). Thank freaking goodness. I'll take a 5 hour ride and one hour t-run any day! The real joy is that we get to do this workout again next weekend. BUT, the reps go down (can I get a "woot!") and I know that with a little less to wrap my head around, I will nail it next time.

quick recovery soak. glad its over. the SOAS tri kit was perfect for this workout. 

So, 3 weeks until Ironman Texas! The real long stuff is over (except for a couple 2-ish hour runs I just noticed on my schedule this week) and it's time to sharpen and hone that Ironman pace with lots of race specific workouts. I also have a couple bigger swims to get under my belt. I've been consistent with swimming masters 3 to 4 days a week and my swim feels solid, but I have yet to log ANY swim over 4,000-ish yards and I know I need a couple of these for confidence. I saw a 4x1500 main set swim on the schedule. Huh? I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. 

Other than that, dishes are done! Looking forward to the big taper in about 10 days. (Can I get another "Woot! Woot!"?)