Week 19
Planned: 10:15 total hours (1:30 swim, 5:40 bike, 3:05 run)
Completed: 8:41 hours (1:27 swim, 4:01 bike, 3:13 run!!!)
What can I say about this week … I got three runs in, which was great. I've moved back to my PureConnect's which helps the leaden feeling, but I'm hardly floating. That being said, I'm out there running and getting it done which is more that I thought would be possible a few weeks ago. I did an 8 mile run this morning, and while it was slow my endurance was totally solid and that's ridiculously encouraging.
I also dropped one bike this week. GASP! I shifted around my schedule because my foot was sore after the cortisone shots, and I was tired and it was rainy and I decided that rest would do me more good than pushing it or, even worse, going down in the rain. My bike is totally solid, so even though I'm a little freaked out that I missed my numbers for the only week excluding spring break, I keep telling myself this was a good call.
So, what do I want to remember for race day …
I AM WELL TRAINED. I have followed the training plan pretty much to the letter for 19 weeks now. I'm nothing if not prepared for this race. My swim is solid. My bike is absurdly solid. The pain on the elliptical served it's purpose, and my run is even reasonably solid. There is absolutely no reason that I shouldn't be able to cross the finish line, and to finish strong. I'm not going to qualify for Kona, or place in my age group, or even put forth the best time that I could under more ideal circumstances, but I will finish strong and proud.
I HAVE TO PACE MYSELF. I won't even be able to run slow if I leave to much in the water or on the bike course. I need to think of the swim as a warm up. I need to keep the bike conversational - it should feel slightly stronger than a Sunday ride in the park, but my breathing shouldn't be noticeable and I should never feel tired. I need to be sure to pace the run, too. The first 6.5 miles needs to be easy, and then at the turn I can evaluate what I want to do for the back half - either hold on, or see what I can pull out. No matter what, I want to run the run. I proved to myself today that I have the endurance, so this is still the ultimate goal. Running slowly I will still pass those who bonk and are left to walk the run course.
THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL THAT I AM NOT FINISHING. Nuff said.