7 hours of quality training in this week. Quality for both mind and body. Nothing forced, nothing pushed, nothing cut short. Got done exactly as much as I wanted to, not a step more or less. This is something I can say rarely, because many times I do push too much or I sell my motivation short and cut out a workout (at least, recently I have). But this weekend the schedule seemed to come together comfortably. And as an athlete, that is all that I can ask for. Give me the opportunity, or let me create the opportunity, and I will aim to follow through.
Saturday consisted of a 3-hr bike at a zone 1 pace, which put me just over 50 miles in that time frame. About 2,500 feet of climbing, but my legs didn't really feel it. I followed it up with a 1-hr run at a 8:20/mile pace. Also light, but more of a zone 2-3 run because my body was worn from time in the saddle. Felt very good after this brick - felt like I was focused and in training again. I don't start up AR50 or IMCDA training for another 8 weeks or so, but putting in some longer workouts makes me think, at least a little bit, that I am laying a foundation for some serious focus and miles. Plus, always good to get used to time-in-the-saddle.
Sunday's workout at 6:30am was with the team - I can't believe we are 16 weeks into the season. There were three options: 8, 16, and 20 miles to tackle, depending on which race participants are signed up for. Though I had the legs for the 20, I pulled back and stuck with a couple of participants going 16, and I'm glad I did. No need to overdo anything. My hips are a bit sore tonight from all workouts.
The run was a slow pace for me, and my feet and legs are barking at me for the 3-hr left-right-left. But it was very important to me to see everyone who had never run 16 miles before finish this workout. These are folks who started the season not having run more than 3, 4, or 5 miles. It is a testament to their dedication. And I admire that.
Oddly enough, I've been snapping a lot of landscape pictures while out on my runs. Something about the sunsets is fascinating. So included for you are some SoCal sunrises and sets, and a couple of shots from along the route today.
It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment - Marcus Tullius Cicero
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