Recovery/Taper Phase

After a very hefty week, I am finally at the recovery / taper phase of my training. With only 29 days to go until the big event in Barcelona, my body is starting to break down and rebel.

This past week were several larger swims, a bike up to Ifrane (where the chain busted again and I didn't have the joy of returning down the hill), and an 18.5 mile run. This morning was a light 30 mile bike to stretch out the legs and grease up my new chain.

In regards to the bike, Simo and I were planning on a 6-hour ride. We humped it up to Ifrane in a little less than 3 hours without stopping. Three weeks ago, I did the same trek and stopped twice for 5 & 10 minutes. Overall it took 3:15 riding time, but 3:30 total. I was very encouraged by the strength in my legs, the ability to breathe just fine and how much I still had in my tank when the chain broke up at the top of the mountain. Really buggered that I didn't get to return, but was greatly encouraged mentally.

In regards to my run, I started out at a nice easy pace. I was actually focused and engaged within the first mile. Normally it takes about 3 - 4 miles for me to fully get focused and in the groove. It wasn't until mile 7 or 8 that I realized I might be able to hit 13 miles around 2 hours. I pressed on and was able to complete the first 13 in 2:04:00. By far the best time I have ever run. I realized that on a race day for a half-marathon, I really could post under 2 hours. That's encouraging. I finished the final 5.5 miles just fine. At the end, I was still able to get my pace below 9 minutes/mile. And the amount I still had in my tank was outstanding. Overall, my pace was 9:45/mile. That is way faster than I have ever done on a long distance run. Greatly encouraged again.

To be able to finish my final push week posting some of those times and distances, I am mentally encouraged and excited. Now I need to rest my legs, my arms and my mind for a couple of days. Then I need to keep pushing on and finish the training strong. But not over push myself. Trust the training plan.