It is true that Elizabeth already has an appreciation for good house music. Thanks to Pandora, she has been getting a good dose of what her mom and dad listen to. With that has come something a little unexpected. She has learned how to “fist pump” at the tender age of 4 weeks old.
We were listening to Calvin Harris “Feel So Close” when we took these pictures.
And just like that my confidence is on the right track. Today’s route is quickly becoming my “bread and butter” route. Earlier this week I basically failed twice. This route is downhill on the way out, so the way back always seems to be a little bit of a struggle. Well, today, it wasn’t really a struggle. There are a bunch of POI on this course that I’m always dreading. There is a foot bridge at 135th that (on the way back) is the start of my agony. Then soon after, climbing out of the tunnel on Mur Len, I always hate. Even the little climb on Lindenwood at the university always seems to take so much out of me. And, the worst part, is the last half mile. Because I can see the finish, but its a rolling road to get there, and the rolls seem like mountains nine times out of ten..
Today, none of it mattered. I even had a little bit of gas left to rev the engine on the last quarter-mile. I was feeling good and I just wanted to see how much energy I actually had. It turns out that I had enough to do at least one sub-8 pickup.
And just like that, my week feels like its on the right track. “Do the workout” has been the goal or mantra, or maybe both. I didn’t do any workout yesterday, and even though that hurt me a little, I’m sure that played a part in my success today. But, even though Monday and Tuesday were both failed workouts, I think I’m where I’m supposed to be going into the weekend.
Not only did I feel pretty great at the end of this workout, it was also a PR for this course.
On top of that, I was able to makeup 20 minutes of yesterday’s workout while my wife was on her way home with the baby. It doesn’t sound like much, but with as busy as things have been, I’m so happy that I was able to get on the bike.
Oct 26
So, I’m not quite where I feel like I should be. Tuesday, I had another “not quite” workout. I only had about 4 hours of sleep and it was back to back running days, but it still hurts my ego a little. My endurance just seems to be lacking.
I’m realizing that my plantar fasciitis is getting a little out of control too. When I wake up in the morning, it takes me 5 times longer than it should to get to the bathroom. After Gobbler Grind, I’m going to need some serious rehab time.
Oct 25
I’ve got a beautiful wife and newborn baby daughter. I have to be very careful about scheduling stuff on the weekends.
Tonight I proposed a first draft of my schedule for 2012. I say first draft because I’ve given my wife veto power and the ability to make changes without notice.
I’m doing one race a month, most of which are paid for by my employer. I’ve also agreed to limit my training to Sunday morning instead of both Saturday and Sunday. In order for me to keep my race schedule, I’ve got to keep my family happy.
I’m much more budget-aware going into next year. I’m much more time-aware too. Getting my workouts done at work is the goal and limiting my need for new gear is up there too.
I’m still going to get my miles. I’m going to focus on quality workouts.
With approval from my wife, its time to run my schedule by coach Ken. I’m hoping its doable because I’m not going to ask for additions from my wife.
Oct 24
I had an 8 mile workout scheduled today. The second half was supposed to be at race pace. My goal pace for my next is 8:37 and I couldn’t keep it up on the way back.
As good as I have been feeling about my training lately, today it ended. I feel like I’m setting myself up for failure.
I’m shooting for 1:52:59. I need to get my weight back in check quickly and really focus to make any improvements over my race last week.
I want to get out on the Gobbled Grind course this week and tackle that climb.
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