41 Days to Go (A Friend Told Me I was Delusional. I almost fell off my Unicorn.)
Date - Day - Scheduled Workouts (Intervals within desired pace)
8/13/18 - M - OFF
8/14/18 - T - 7 miles @ EA (8:14)
8/15/18 - W - 6.6 miles @ EB (7:42)
8/16/18 - R - 3.4 miles @ EA (8:14)
8/17/18 - F - 2 miles @ EB (7:42)
8/18/18 - Sat - Madison Mini HM
8/19/18 - Sun - 18.8 miles of indoor biking (55 min)
Running duration = 4:30 hours
Running mileage = 33.0 miles
Indoor Virtual Biking duration = 0:55 hours
Indoor Virtual Biking mileage = 18.8 miles
Total (training) duration = 5:25 hours
Total (training) mileage = 51.8 miles
Number of running SOS intervals within pace = x/x (x%)
8/20/18 - M - OFF
8/21/18 - T - 22.0 miles of indoor biking (60 min)
8/22/18 - W - 20.0 miles of indoor biking (60 min)
8/23/18 - R - 22.6 miles of indoor biking (60 min)
8/24/18 - F - OFF
8/25/18 - Sat - 34.5 miles of indoor biking (90 min)
8/26/18 - Sun - 40.0 miles of indoor biking (104 min)
Running duration = n/a hours
Running mileage = n/a miles
Indoor Virtual Biking duration = 6:14 hours
Indoor Virtual Biking mileage = 138.5 miles
Total (training) duration = 6:14 hours
Total (training) mileage = 138.5 miles
Number of running SOS intervals within pace = x/x (x%)
The week of 8/13/18 - 8/19/18:
As has been covered plenty of time, this was a rough week from a personal stance because we had to put our dog, Lucy, down on Monday 8/13/18. I'll treasure the time we had together. The rest of the week was spent at easier pacing. The T+D for most every run was in the 150s. The right ankle was only somewhat bothersome during the week (minimal at best, and definitely an improvement over the prior week). Although it was certainly more of an issue during the race, then it was during the training leading up to it. After heading home from the race, we immediately headed out to Chicago and I spent the better part of the day hobbling around. G with some pizza from Eataly.
My legs were somewhat sore, but my ankle was worse off. But by Sunday night, things felt somewhat normal again. I decided it was in my best interest to ride the bike and not push my luck. I had planned on using Zwift, but for some reason my phone instantly was drained of battery when I tried to start the app. So I was relegated to going somewhat old school without Zwift and just the bike, trainer, and the computer that's attached to the trainer (for distance, time, FTP). I watched Netflix show Disenchanted (which appears to be from the Simpsons creator).
The week of 8/20/18 - 8/26/18:
Monday was my off day, and I was getting more confident the ankle was resolving. Still no pain to the touch anywhere on the leg. Still could pass the jump test without issue. A massive storm rolled through Madison on Monday night dropping 15.5 inches of rain in 24 hours in some places. We were lucky to only get 2-3 inches and had no flood damage. The city has not fared well though as it was not prepared in the least for such a storm (prediction was 0.5-1.0 inches of rain). Glad I chose not to go to the grocery store though as plenty of people ended up with flooded cars or stranded.
Tuesday, I was ready to start running again. So I laced up my old Kinvara 6s. I thought maybe the cushion in the Kinvara 8s and Triumph 3 (walking shoe) were giving me problems so I was going to try something a bit flatter. After about 4 steps in with the 6s though, I decided to bail. Something didn't feel right. Either the shoe was too old (it is quite old, but not a ton of miles), or the ankle wasn't ready yet. So I quickly moved to the bike. Steph thought I was being a bit mental, but as I explained to her, I Love running, and I merely tolerate biking. If I could run, then I would be. G decided to join me for my ride. So I hooked up Zwift and no battery again (even though I had 80% before I started). So we watched Coco instead. Rather uneventful and after 60 min I decided to call it a day at 22 miles.
Wednesday we took a peak at the house progress and then made our way back. Since the shoes were the likely problem I was ready to give it another go for a run day. So right before I started to get my stuff on, I decided to do one last jump test. And I definitely felt "something". Not a lot, but a little something. This was the first time this had happened on a jump test recently. So I decided it was in my best interest just to get on the bike and ride. So I rode the bike for 60 min and G and I watched Nut Job 2 (meh movie). Ended at 60 min and 20 miles of biking.
Thursday I knew it was right to the bike. G decided not to come down and watch, so I decided to finish off Nut Job 2 (because if I'm going to commit that much time I might as well see it through), and then started Snowden (much better movie). After another 60 min ride, I called it a day. I was just trying to match my duration of what my run would have been. The HR has been much lower, but as the days have been progressing I could feel myself recovering and getting stronger post the Madison Mini. I tried covering the computer with a towel and that made the ride more enjoyable since I had little reference to time. Ended up with 22.6 miles in 60 min.
Friday was to be another bike day of 60 min. But it was Steph's grandmothers birthday party (turned 80) and their 62nd wedding anniversary. So went out with the fam and celebrated that instead.
Saturday was to be a 90 min run, so I made it a 90 min bike. I finished off Snowden (recommend watching) and then started Arrival (Amy Adams movie). It's been quite some time since I biked. But even then my longest ride ever was 87 minutes (31 miles per Zwift). So a 90 min ride was new territory. My average HR was 116 which was relatively high compared to the majority of Zwift rides I had done. As the end of the 90 min was coming up I was dripping sweat like crazy, I had drank at least 35 oz of water, and my legs were quite sore. But my breathing was barely moving the needle. I ended up with 90 min and 34.5 miles.
Sunday was time to push the envelope just a little further. The run scheduled was a 4x2 at T for 110 min. So I aimed for a steady workout for 110 min. I was dragging towards the end from fatigue but still able to maintain. I had finished off Arrival and went with TMNT 2 (which wasn't as good, so I think my mind was wandering). Easily drank over 50 oz of water which is way over what I would have consumed outside during a hot run. So the HR may say 118 average, but I know I was working for those 104 min. Ended up with 40 miles total. It was a definitely noticeable workout when I got done. Similar to the feeling of a 15-17 mile long run. It burns for a bit, but it was a good burn.
For the week it gave me just over 6 hours on the bike and an "estimated" (because I have no idea how accurate the computer is, but it seemed close to Zwift anytime I used that on a flat surface virtual ride) 138.8 miles. Nice to have this option as a replacement for running if in case something is actually wrong. Tuesday will be the big test as I plan to get out there and run again. But if something doesn't feel right, I'll bail, ride the bike, and make a call to the Dr to get a professional opinion. I'm hopeful, but realistic about what the future may hold.
The house is still making great progress.
G dressed as a 1920s flapper in her walk-in closet.
Moving right along. Good timing on the roof as rain is called again for the week so they can do some stuff inside now.
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