Of Mice and Marathons

AM: 56.6 mile ride. HR 116, but suspect.

Started from the Birmingham and rode into Detroit to Belle Isle and back. We got pulled over from running a stop sign in Berkley and luckily avoided a $125 ticket. It was cool (60s or so) and it rained for a good portion of the ride, but we ended up having a super fun ride. We went to Astro Coffee for a baked good and a coffee. We went to Griffin Claw Brewery after and I had an awesome burger. I was so cold I turned my heat on in the car and put my heated seats on. I bought a sweat shirt at the brewery.

Washed my biked and took it into the shop for a tune up and new tires. Needed a new chain, which apparently stretch out in 1500-2000 miles.

PM: 4.4 miles treadmill in 45'

Did very light weights after as I didn't have much time and I haven't done them in about 2 weeks.

Night: AIS, PT, and pushups

Noon: 10.4 miles, averaged 8:41. HR 156. Did some strides.

Heart rate higher than perceived effort would suggest.

PM: Off. GI issues.

Night: 4.2 miles treadmill, averaged 8:22. HR 147.

Did weights after.

Planned to do a workout this mornign but got up very late and just was not feeling up to it. Ended up taking two naps in preparation for not being able to sleep/being anxious about the first day of classes tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

Talked to my mom earlier and one of my dad's best friends died of a stroke. He just went to the doctor this morning and was cleared for more strenuous activity (he had a triple bipass surgery within the last few weeks). I am quite sad as he was such a funny guy. We always used to horse around from the time I was little. I know my dad is going to be gutted.

Looking forward to a double header of bike racing this weekend.

PM: 14.3 miles, averaged 8:05.

8-Mile Tempo

First day of teaching, which went well particularly given that it means I am getting paid again and contributing to society. Students were great.

Came home and took a nap, you know because working from 8-12 is exhausting. Slept quite a while. Still felt tired when I got up, but needed to get in a workout. Scheduled called for 45' tempo @ marathon effort. Good conditions, and I figured 7:30 pace was probably going to end up being the right effort, which is frustrating given the number of hours I have been exercising, but it's where I am at (officially my slowest since probably 2011). But I know things will start clicking from here.

Felt strong throughout the tempo and could have pushed to 10 or 12 miles. I got tired but breathing and legs were good.

Splits: 7:30, 7:29, 7:27, 7:30, 7:28, 7:30, 7:25, 7:18 (7:28 average)

4 up/2.3 down

AM/Lunch: 8.3 miles, averaged 10:59. HR 126.

Took it slow. Decided to ride tonight even with the double header of racing this weekend. Planning to take it easy. I had a tune up and new tires and I want to make sure everything is in order.

PM: 34.8-mile ride. HR 140.

Lunch: 4.3 miles, averaged 8:40. HR 142. Did some strides.

AM: Alma Grand Prix Cyclocross. 11 out of 18 Cat 4/5 44 and under. HR 175.

Did 30’ warm up including a lap of the course. Got out okay on the hole shot, but got into a serious pain cave with 2 laps to go. The last lap I didn’t think I’d make it. I made lots of mistakes as I got tired. Learned a good bit in my second cyclocross race I think. In some ways it’s as hard or harder than the 10k running.

AM2: 4.2 miles, averaged 10:20. HR 142.

Figured a jog cool down was as good as an easy spin. The 50+ mile gravel race tomorrow should be interesting.