Disney Training - Week 8

What a week! I am really happy with what I achieved and overall felt great! I did not get my fifth run in, but my legs were extremely dead and I decided to play is safe and not risk injury. I did however get in swims, which helped me immensely. I am sure I could have done better with recovery, but I did not get in all of my stretches like I have been in prior weeks.

Swimming
I got in two swim sessions this week!!!! Both felt really good. Unlike my usual recovery swims, I actually did two swim workouts. Both consisted of varying interval drills. Even though my Garmin watch didn't capture a huge chunk of my first swim, I didn't really care. The results were my quicker-than-usual recovery.

Cycling
I had hoped to get a session in on Friday or Sunday, but I came up with excuses not to. I'll try to work on that for next week, but I rather get in swims.

Running
I completely four out of five scheduled runs; including my long run. Overall all of my runs felt amazing. I did have some strange pains in my left leg during my long run, but they were associated to not stretching enough, which caused my nerve damage and back issues to flair up, which causes issues in my left leg. But it was temporary and even though I was completely exhausted after my long run, I was still able to do tasks around the house afterward.

My pace for each run was consistent with my what have been training for. Even though slower than I want, I am right on track for my modified goals. All that matters is I keep proper form, stay injury free, and enjoy my runs; all three of which I am doing. I am hoping to have another successful week coming up!

Strength
As I noted already, I did not get in all of my stretches. I am sure some of my runs would have started a little better if I had done them. On a good note, I think I have figured out a generic strength routine I will be starting up this upcoming week. I wanted to start back to NTC, but I just don't have the time.

Nutrition
I definitely slipped a bit on nutrition. I snacked a lot more than I usually would, but overall still ate healthy. I was inconsistent with logging my food into MFP, and will continue to work on improving this.

On some other nutrition fronts, I have moved full swing into race fuel; before, during and after. Although I can't seem to get around the Nuun carbonation issue in my small bottles, I have it before and after my runs, specifically Nuun Active, and it's been helping my run and post-run out a lot. In addition, I have been using Honeystinger gels instead of Gu's and random snacks and my body has been reacting very well to them. For long runs I have also been including Honeystinger Chews, which I finally mastered eating and not getting them stuck in my teeth or accidentally falling out of the pouch when I open it. I also have been using Quest Protein powder for post workout for any big workouts as well, which has helped keep my insane hunger cravings at bay. I still have some tweaking, but I think I have found a really good fueling spot.

Final Thoughts
A great week and I look forward to many more. I realized during my long run this week that even though I am training for Disney Dopey, I am really base training for my Ironman later in 2018. It was kind of cool to think about it, even though a bit daunting. If I can keep this week's momentum going, I'll be right on track.

Half Marathon Training - Week 1

I completed my first week of half marathon training. I am extremely pleased to say that I not only got in all of my runs, but I felt pretty good during and after each of them. I am having considerably more back tightness than usual, so I will definitely need to dramatically increase my stretching. I also need to be extra vigilant about getting my strength sessions done. I felt amazing 2 weeks ago when I got in all of my strength sessions; a primary reason I think I felt so well overall this week.

Swimming
I got in 2 relaxing swims. Both were at a much slower pace than I would like, but I didn't push myself either since the whole purpose of the swims were to loosen up my muscles from running. And these two sessions did just that. It felt great!

Cycling
I rode stationary after one of my runs. I went at a fairly easy cadence and resistance in order to help "shake-out" my legs. This worked out well, but not as good as swimming.

Running
I got in 5/5 of my runs; 2 easy, 1 interval, 1 tempo, 1 long. Although my easy runs were at a more relaxed pace, they were still challenging since all but one run was outside and with hills. I'll definitely need to be starting to bring water with me on most runs, but I was able to manage with no hydration for my runs under 5k. Also, I really love using Nuun Energy or Hydration when I run, but I cannot use my small belt bottles for a tab. So, I need to figure out a solution for this.

Strength
I only got in 1/3 strength sessions completed. The session felt really good and I am definitely mad at myself for missing two really important strength sessions.

Nutrition
I have been doing terrible with nutrition. I don't have time to log my food, let alone plan meals. Also, my portion sizes are getting out of control and I have been stress binge eating junk food. On a positive note, I am at least getting back to cooking more, and aside from 4th of July, every meal I have cooked has been super healthy and restricted portion size.

Final Thoughts
I will continue to get my runs in, as well as cross training. I really need to start getting more rides in as well, but I will not miss a run for that. I will also be making sure I don't miss strength training in addition to making sure I stretch more. Aside from that, I will worry about nutrition once I can get more consistent with cooking.