Another Lesson Learned the Hard Way

Monday was boot camp class and I felt like I was one of the stronger in the class until the abs portion were we started pushing out of the comfort zone. I can push myself with any other muscle group to the point of exhaustion, knowing the pain is coming, and don't hesitate. Once I start to feel the first iota of discomfort and I am done. Have to figure out a way to overcome this mental block.

Tuesday was a fiasco all of its own. Was really looking forward to my Tuesday brick. It is one of the bright points of my weekly workouts. Was thinking I wanted to push it to 20 miles bike/5k run. I get my wife and daughter out the door and start prepping my bike when I notice the back tire is flat. Have not changed a bike tire but figure it can be too hard. Took me maybe 10 minutes and I even took the bike for a short ride around to make sure we are good. Loaded everything and on the way to the swamp we go. It took me about 6 miles before I started noticing the rear end is getting a little squirrely, but think it is just me imagining the problem. At the 10 mile mark I stopped the bike because something just didn't feel right. Again I notice the rear end is loose. I take a look at the Garmin and see that my time really sucks this week. Limp the bike back to the car and I am so pissed at the time I don't even think of running. Bad discipline on my part. In the car I call my LBS (local bike shop) and told them I am on the way. East Coast Cycles is awesome, they immediately put my bike on the stand and tell me to come back in 20 minutes. Come back and apparently the step I forgot was to clear the tire of any debris, as I had a piece of wire that was still in the tire. So today I have gone through a total of 3 tubes including the one now on the bike. A $40 mistake but I call in a win because I made it out the bike shop without buying anything extra!

Wednesday was an off day so I could prepare for Thursday's long run. Thursday ended up being what I called a survival run. I seem to be a little short on the mental side once I get over the 10 mile mark. So to fight this the plan is to run from the house and not turn around until I hit the 6.6 mile mark. That way I have to hit the 13.1 miles that is required for a half marathon if I want to get home. Also wanted to try a little different load out for this run by adding a 70 oz camelback along with my fuel belt and first run with my compression sleeves to boot. Got all this gear on and felt more like batman than a runner so I just took the camelback, compression sleeves, and the new storage unit from my fuelbelt. Ended up drinking two camelbacks worth of water and it took me over three hours, but I did it. I have run half marathon distance with only three weeks till my race.

Will add the rest of the week to the next post. Waiting for a Friday workout and a long ride with the Fat Frogs group on Sunday, weather permitting. Suppose to rain Saturday and lord knows that is not what I need after the bumper car issues of last weeks ride! Will post again when completed.