Getting back on (the) track

Part of the reason I'm bringing back the blog is to hold me accountable for my training. I've really struggled this summer to get into a routine, and it's showing. My weight is up and my speed and durability is down...it's ugly. My swim is just horrendous right now. I haven't done anything over 2k in probably 18 months. My bike is meh... I've been on it on and off, but mostly just for maintenance - no long rides (over 60 miles), very little speed and hill work. My run is weak too. I haven't done a long run of over 1:30 this summer that I can remember. Some of the turnover is still there as I did a 5x800 track workout this morning (and thought of the title for today's musings) that didn't go horribly. I'm not sure what the numbers I hit this morning would translate to in a longer race.

My original plan (months ago) had been to be focused during the summer months and race an olympic distance tri in August, a 70.3 in September, and run a marathon in October. I've decided to scratch the Oly race and try and use these next 5 weeks to get ready for the 70.3. From there I'll decide whether or not I'll run the full marathon in October or just do 1/2. I've never been one to mentally be able to have a "B" race or just race to get fit. That might be what I have to do this fall though.

The first "test" will be to see how I handle the next 5 weeks leading up to a local 70.3 at the Jersey Shore. I'm going to hop right into the middle of a Matt Fitzgerald program even though I haven't done the appropriate build up for it.

Lots on my mind, so there will be some good reads coming up! To hire a coach or to self-coach?! The pressure of my last year in the 25-29 age group. More goal setting, and the big question: what am I capable of? Check back for more...

Oh yeah, and here are some pictures from the past few weeks/months that are share worthy.

Andy Potts dominated for the second year in a row at IMLP. I'm a HUGE fan.

Maddy was a stripper...

The challenged athletes give me chills. Amazing stuff.

New swim start at IMLP. I think it will definitely help me out next year.

We drank some good beers.

I got some new toys that should translate to free speed.

I got Maddy an engagement ring and she got me a bike. That, my friends, is a perfect relationship.

PW