Hello,
It has been a while. I believe the last time we talked was Thursday; a day of baseball, swimming, and an easy base run.
I suppose that's one more thing checked off someone's list of things to do; see a professional baseball game. We watched the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago White Socks, while relaxing in the "Chill 'n Grill" section. Buffet's can be dangerous, especially with all that heart healthy ballpark food, all part of the baseball experience.
I think there were two field goals, and one of the Diamondbacks may have scored a hole in one.
Thursday's swim was of the technical buoy variety. Sitting in the van after enjoying the buffet, I was secretly praying that we catch each red light. Every minute between the ballpark and Ft. Lowell was one more where my arteries were given a chance to clear. Never before have I been so happy to be waiting in a construction zone.
All those hours spent on the Washington Ski Bus taught me how to get comfortable in any school bus or van. Extreme slouch, knees on the chair ahead, tilted fetal position. Perfect recovery for a decent swim.
Friday's focus was our first brick workout of the year. Early recon rides led us to a perfect brick loop out by Sabino Canyon, hilly, smooth, fairly quiet, and only one easy to run through stoplight.
We did a total of 4 bike run efforts, building the intensity on each. On our second loop I thought, "Ok, if this is race pace and we are building intensity, the next two will be all out." Sometimes it's good to go race pace plus. The cool thing about going all out is you are given the chance to think, "I'm going as fast as I can, how do I go faster?" Nice hard work in the sun.
Aerobic afternoon swim, so long and fair thee well to those returning to Victoria, dinner and bed
On Saturday we rode through Old TuKson and checked out the east side of Sagurno (sp) National Park with another ride through Gates Pass. Rolling through the pass we were all mezmerized by the hawks, effortlessly sailing the updrafts.
Back at the Lemmon house we started a summertime classic, juggling the soccer ball. Growing up, a few summers were all about the hacky sac. Fun memories.
Evening easy run, dinner and a movie, bed.
Sunday was with a 3 hour ride out to the air base, and a recovery swim as we prepare for two more weeks of specific race prep leading into a short taper for Mazatlan.
Now I am sitting at the breakfast table with 1/2 an Onion tied to my leg with a bike rag. I think I was stung by some weird TuKson fly on Friday's ride. As a kid, I remember my Grandpa Tom telling me to put an onion on a bee sting.
There is a good chance he was just testing to see if I would actually do it, but either way I will be carrying the pleasent aroma of onion and bike grease for the rest of the day.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Grande
One of the major themes to this training camp has been teamwork. We are a training group; we have particular training partners for different sports; and we are a group of good friends.
In sport we go through natural highs and lows from one training session to the next, even within a single session. Sometimes we feel fantastic, invincible, unstoppable, in a place where we can go forever. Other times that monkey crawls onto our shoulder creating a little extra drag, and we feel it.
Both these feelings take the same amount of energy to create. Add in mental and physical fatigue and the equation might shift. But ultimately, it comes down to choice. This is one place where teamwork comes out to play.
In the past few weeks I have noticed the amount of inner support within our group grow exponentially. I thought about it a couple days ago, then again yesterday morning in the pool, then again during the TT on Lemmon.
Anything from a single word of encouragement, to getting the group a glass of water while we are watching TV, to a smile; these are all actions which compound, creating strength and support.
Teamwork makes the choice to be strong and feel happy a little easier. So, good work supporting one and other, lets keep it up.
Tuesday's run was epic, leaving us nice and loaded for a solid swim set on Wednesday morning. 2400m of race pace effort = soleeed. We left the Lemon Tree house on our stallions at 1:30 returning at 7:30 yesterday evening, with an estimated 45 minutes of stop time. Back home we laced up the running shoes for a 15 minute jog to Taco Bell and a Grande Meal.
Nice. Today is Adaptation.
Rest well.
In sport we go through natural highs and lows from one training session to the next, even within a single session. Sometimes we feel fantastic, invincible, unstoppable, in a place where we can go forever. Other times that monkey crawls onto our shoulder creating a little extra drag, and we feel it.
Both these feelings take the same amount of energy to create. Add in mental and physical fatigue and the equation might shift. But ultimately, it comes down to choice. This is one place where teamwork comes out to play.
In the past few weeks I have noticed the amount of inner support within our group grow exponentially. I thought about it a couple days ago, then again yesterday morning in the pool, then again during the TT on Lemmon.
Anything from a single word of encouragement, to getting the group a glass of water while we are watching TV, to a smile; these are all actions which compound, creating strength and support.
Teamwork makes the choice to be strong and feel happy a little easier. So, good work supporting one and other, lets keep it up.
Tuesday's run was epic, leaving us nice and loaded for a solid swim set on Wednesday morning. 2400m of race pace effort = soleeed. We left the Lemon Tree house on our stallions at 1:30 returning at 7:30 yesterday evening, with an estimated 45 minutes of stop time. Back home we laced up the running shoes for a 15 minute jog to Taco Bell and a Grande Meal.
Nice. Today is Adaptation.
Rest well.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Sweetest Thing
We're having more great training each and every day out here in the Tukson valley. Here's a brief recap on the last few days:
Sunday:
Long group ride out through Gates Pass and into the neighbouring valley. My hat goes off to PK for providing us with support in what must have been a smoking hot truck throughout the day. We all greatly appreciate the support. I also need to throw a shout out to the rest of our group for the awesome company and great ride. Sharpie, Aaron, Kerry, and the Lemon Tree team, Scotty, Andrew, and of course J "rock star" P, that was a nice ride. Great work all the way through, especially on the final climb up Gates pass.
Nice quick run off the bike with Andrew, 10 minutes at race pace followed by 20 steady. Good run.
Monday:
Ahhhhhhh . . . a little bitta rest, to the tune of adaptation.
Recovery swim in the sweet U of A pool, midday relaxation in the shade with a good book, late afternoon run by the wash, Easter dinner, and that's a great recovery day.
Today:
Fast Swim in a Fast Pool, Smooth Bike on a Great Route, Fast Run on a Fast Track. You know the chorus: Fast is Fun! Thanks for the great workout guys. Scotty, nice work finishing off 8 solid K's. Andrew, as always, great running.
Now I am far past due for a shower.
Rest well.
Sunday:
Long group ride out through Gates Pass and into the neighbouring valley. My hat goes off to PK for providing us with support in what must have been a smoking hot truck throughout the day. We all greatly appreciate the support. I also need to throw a shout out to the rest of our group for the awesome company and great ride. Sharpie, Aaron, Kerry, and the Lemon Tree team, Scotty, Andrew, and of course J "rock star" P, that was a nice ride. Great work all the way through, especially on the final climb up Gates pass.
Nice quick run off the bike with Andrew, 10 minutes at race pace followed by 20 steady. Good run.
Monday:
Ahhhhhhh . . . a little bitta rest, to the tune of adaptation.
Recovery swim in the sweet U of A pool, midday relaxation in the shade with a good book, late afternoon run by the wash, Easter dinner, and that's a great recovery day.
Today:
Fast Swim in a Fast Pool, Smooth Bike on a Great Route, Fast Run on a Fast Track. You know the chorus: Fast is Fun! Thanks for the great workout guys. Scotty, nice work finishing off 8 solid K's. Andrew, as always, great running.
Now I am far past due for a shower.
Rest well.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Mt.
Have you ever heard Paganini? Before departing to TuKson, a friend lent me the 2 concertinos. Playing the violin solo part with an orchestra in concert is like the Stanley Cup of Violin, or World Champs of triathlon. Pretty amazing sounds.
On Thursday we had a recovery day with 1h50 on the bikes and a 4000 yard swim. It was nice to catch up on a little sleep, do some laundry, and generally relax for the day. Good preparation for what was a beauty day of training yesterday.
We met up at the base of Lemmon at 8:30 to start our climb. We will have at least 3 attempts at the hill, the idea being to descend each one. This being our second full assault to the top, we all had a place to go from.
To me, the first attempt was about introducing myself to the Mountain, and getting to know her. By the end of my second attempt I was hoping to be on a first name basis. We are now pretty good friends and I am learning a few of her secrets.
I decided to toss a water bottle, TT bars, and some clothing in the support vehicle (Thanks PK for the sweet support), so Andrew and I started the climb a few minutes back from the group. We had a solid rhythm to start, averaging about 4:20 for the 1st two miles, then back down to a steady 4:30ish pace.
Riding through the peleton was sweet as we had some encouragement from the guys. You guys seriously rocked that climb! Nice one.
This time through, on the advice of A-Russ, I decided to put back a couple gels during the effort, 1 every 8 miles. Good advice, Thanks. The first time it was easy to throw one back and consequently feel like a humming bird. At 16 miles I was more focused on pedalling than eating, so most of the gel ended up on my bars, where it still is.
At 18 or 19 miles PK rolled up in the truck with a nice cool bottle of water and a few words of encouragement. Save some for the TT! More good advice, Thanks. Now I know one of the places where I will shed a few more minutes.
This time, Summerhaven and 24.5 miles in just under 1h43.
We rode back to the Lemon Tree house for a brief tempo run off the bike, only having time for 10 minutes tempo, 10 minutes base before a quick lunch and back to Ft. Lowell for a buoy swim. (No worries, it was a nice and fast tempo.)
Swimming outdoors is sweet. Buoy swims are sweet x 2.
Thanks to Mt. Lemmon for being there. See ya in a few.
Rest well.
On Thursday we had a recovery day with 1h50 on the bikes and a 4000 yard swim. It was nice to catch up on a little sleep, do some laundry, and generally relax for the day. Good preparation for what was a beauty day of training yesterday.
We met up at the base of Lemmon at 8:30 to start our climb. We will have at least 3 attempts at the hill, the idea being to descend each one. This being our second full assault to the top, we all had a place to go from.
To me, the first attempt was about introducing myself to the Mountain, and getting to know her. By the end of my second attempt I was hoping to be on a first name basis. We are now pretty good friends and I am learning a few of her secrets.
I decided to toss a water bottle, TT bars, and some clothing in the support vehicle (Thanks PK for the sweet support), so Andrew and I started the climb a few minutes back from the group. We had a solid rhythm to start, averaging about 4:20 for the 1st two miles, then back down to a steady 4:30ish pace.
Riding through the peleton was sweet as we had some encouragement from the guys. You guys seriously rocked that climb! Nice one.
This time through, on the advice of A-Russ, I decided to put back a couple gels during the effort, 1 every 8 miles. Good advice, Thanks. The first time it was easy to throw one back and consequently feel like a humming bird. At 16 miles I was more focused on pedalling than eating, so most of the gel ended up on my bars, where it still is.
At 18 or 19 miles PK rolled up in the truck with a nice cool bottle of water and a few words of encouragement. Save some for the TT! More good advice, Thanks. Now I know one of the places where I will shed a few more minutes.
This time, Summerhaven and 24.5 miles in just under 1h43.
We rode back to the Lemon Tree house for a brief tempo run off the bike, only having time for 10 minutes tempo, 10 minutes base before a quick lunch and back to Ft. Lowell for a buoy swim. (No worries, it was a nice and fast tempo.)
Swimming outdoors is sweet. Buoy swims are sweet x 2.
Thanks to Mt. Lemmon for being there. See ya in a few.
Rest well.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Recently
One particular Fall day back in Guelph, Suke and I went out for one of our epic roller ski sessions. We would drive just past the town line, park the car on the side of the road, clip in, and be off. It was sweet to point the skis in one direction for two - three hours, turn around and head back.
When you're out training for these long sessions, the mind can wander off to discover different places, or remain right in the one place where your body lies. Conversation too, can wander. When you think about it, we spend a lot of time with one and other, learning more about ourselves and our training partners. There are only a handful of sports where one is fortunate enough to train this way.
Mike, remember the base runs. Those long base runs are some of my fondest memories from Ontario.
This particular roller ski was one of those perfect training sessions. We have all had these perfect moments in some shape or form; whether it be sailing with Orca whales into the sunset along the Georgia Strait, enjoying a hike through the mountains, or playing some good music.
On our way back Brian said something that has stuck with me. "Isn't it funny how when we're out training, we talk about training? I mean here we are training right now. This is it." Simple but true. This is it.
I think that our thought process during training evolves along with the training itself. Every now and again, I experience what I consider a major shift in my thought process which carries through from daily living to training and racing. In early September I started on a new journey during a hike up in Strathcona park. The message has always been present, but timing and awareness allow us to understand.
In the past day or so I thought about the cyclical nature of our sports. They are repeating motions. As we finish on one side, we begin another. There may exist a brief pause in between motions, I'm not sure yet. It's much like the cyclical nature of the rest of our life, living, eating, breathing. I'll leave it there for now, because the rest will sort itself out in the journal.
Have a nice day, and Rest well.
When you're out training for these long sessions, the mind can wander off to discover different places, or remain right in the one place where your body lies. Conversation too, can wander. When you think about it, we spend a lot of time with one and other, learning more about ourselves and our training partners. There are only a handful of sports where one is fortunate enough to train this way.
Mike, remember the base runs. Those long base runs are some of my fondest memories from Ontario.
This particular roller ski was one of those perfect training sessions. We have all had these perfect moments in some shape or form; whether it be sailing with Orca whales into the sunset along the Georgia Strait, enjoying a hike through the mountains, or playing some good music.
On our way back Brian said something that has stuck with me. "Isn't it funny how when we're out training, we talk about training? I mean here we are training right now. This is it." Simple but true. This is it.
I think that our thought process during training evolves along with the training itself. Every now and again, I experience what I consider a major shift in my thought process which carries through from daily living to training and racing. In early September I started on a new journey during a hike up in Strathcona park. The message has always been present, but timing and awareness allow us to understand.
In the past day or so I thought about the cyclical nature of our sports. They are repeating motions. As we finish on one side, we begin another. There may exist a brief pause in between motions, I'm not sure yet. It's much like the cyclical nature of the rest of our life, living, eating, breathing. I'll leave it there for now, because the rest will sort itself out in the journal.
Have a nice day, and Rest well.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Training Updates
Monday:
Chilly day by TuKson standards. Beauty day by Victoria winter standards. Morning ride, 3.5 hours. We found a sweet trail along one of the dried up river beds. It's a little like the paved sections of the goose back in Victoria, perfect riding.
The day warmed a little by mid afternoon. Good time for a swim in Ft. Lowell. 5K and I'm happy to be doing some "real" swimming.
Tuesday:
AM swim in the University of Arizona pool. Sweet pool! It's hard to beat any kind of swim when you're outside in the sun, enjoying every stroke.
Afternoon ride to the base of Lemmon, 60 minutes smooth steady state up, turn around, and back home. That's good for another 4.5ish hours. It was nice to slow down for this climb and enjoy a bit of the scenery. The differnence between just a few km/h is huge when climbing. It takes lots of self control to keep the pace down, but definitely worth it.
Today:
Early morning swim back at Ft. Lowell. Real swims are sweet + I was feeling awesome. 1:50 on the bike for an easy ride up at the foothills. Lunch. Run this afternoon with some fartlek. It'll be a nice and hot one.
Time for a nap.
Rest well.
Chilly day by TuKson standards. Beauty day by Victoria winter standards. Morning ride, 3.5 hours. We found a sweet trail along one of the dried up river beds. It's a little like the paved sections of the goose back in Victoria, perfect riding.
The day warmed a little by mid afternoon. Good time for a swim in Ft. Lowell. 5K and I'm happy to be doing some "real" swimming.
Tuesday:
AM swim in the University of Arizona pool. Sweet pool! It's hard to beat any kind of swim when you're outside in the sun, enjoying every stroke.
Afternoon ride to the base of Lemmon, 60 minutes smooth steady state up, turn around, and back home. That's good for another 4.5ish hours. It was nice to slow down for this climb and enjoy a bit of the scenery. The differnence between just a few km/h is huge when climbing. It takes lots of self control to keep the pace down, but definitely worth it.
Today:
Early morning swim back at Ft. Lowell. Real swims are sweet + I was feeling awesome. 1:50 on the bike for an easy ride up at the foothills. Lunch. Run this afternoon with some fartlek. It'll be a nice and hot one.
Time for a nap.
Rest well.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thank You
A quick post as my eyelids now require routine propping open.
Things are great in Tucson! I love the dry heat. I love the riding! I love swimming outdoors! Running feels awesome and all is well.
I just had the feeling like I need to send out a big Thank You to everyone who is and has been a part of the living adventure. Everybody has been so gracious, helpful, kind, and I am truly thankful.
I will catch up with some training updates tomorrow.
In the mean time, rest well.
Things are great in Tucson! I love the dry heat. I love the riding! I love swimming outdoors! Running feels awesome and all is well.
I just had the feeling like I need to send out a big Thank You to everyone who is and has been a part of the living adventure. Everybody has been so gracious, helpful, kind, and I am truly thankful.
I will catch up with some training updates tomorrow.
In the mean time, rest well.
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