78 Days Remaining - 50 Mile Brick With My New Entourage

This was a great morning for training. I did not get my ride in last night. After my swim yesterday I was sucker punched by either a nasty little cold or a massive dose of allergies. It just took over my bald head and my chest. I was sneezing, coughing, and struggling with a massive headache. I cancelled my ride and went to bed around 8:30 since I knew I had a big workout today.

I really wanted to do this workout outdoors and practice the real transition, but the weather kept me indoors. I was not in the mood to deal with the cold, wind, and rain.

It took me about 25 minutes to clear all the gunk that dried in my throat and sinuses from sleeping. I felt like a turd, but eventually I was ready to rock. My legs were tired, but after a few miles I was in a good groove.

I decided to go with a ride at my Olympic Distance on May 20th. After a 3 mile warm up I kicked in gear for 25 miles. I kept my cadence all above 80 for the ride and grinded out on a big chain up front and about 15-14 on the back. I watched three episodes of Entourage and that really passed the time. I never watched this show before and I stopped by the library yesterday to find something to watch. This really helped me out at 5 am in the morning.

As soon as I hit 28 miles I jumped off my trainer and switched to my running shoes. I tempted no socks and prayed for no blisters like last time. I made my way to the treadmill and ran 3 miles.

I wanted to run a 5K. I don't know why my mile splits were not recorded which makes me mad. I know I ran like a 8:05 on the first mile, then picked up the pace to 6:45 - 7:15 the second mile and then ran 6:30 or faster the last mile. I was cruising and it felt nice and relaxed. I was surprised. I did not have the jelly leg feeling. I am sure part of this was due to the trainer and not having real hills to climb.

After the run I had about 7 minute transition as my son was up and I had to get him settled. Amanda was up with Ava so I double checked to make sure things were good and headed back downstairs to ride another 17 miles. I watched Entourage some more(great, great show).

My goal on this set of the ride was to maintain 80 cadence, but I felt like I was cruising on tired legs. I cranked on the big chain up front and 11-13 on the back. I had push, but it did not feel forced. I was so thirsty during this ride. I killed some water big time while riding through this section. Upon finishing this ride I jumped back on the treadmill for two miles. I wanted to hit 50 miles for the day.

Once again, I don't know why my mile splits were not recorded. At one section of the second mile I ran at a 6 minute mile pace for .2 miles, then eased up to 6:30 mile pace for about .5 mile, then finished with 6:00 mile pace for the last .2 miles. I pushed on this one, but once again it did not feel too forced. My breathing was heavy towards the end, but I did not feel exhausted and I recovered quite quickly.

This was a great workout. I needed this. This helped me mentally for my race. If I can feel like this come race day then I will be able to achieve a great time. Things are falling into place on piece at a time.

I have a big day of running tomorrow. I will be running the practice run for the QCDC. I will get in a bike ride prior to the run and then knock out the 13 miles. I will be going nice and easy and not trying to overdo it. This will end a great week of training.

I will train strong through Wednesday, then take some needed days off while in Florida competing against 14 countries with my robotic team.