6th week in - It was a "lighter" week, but didn't feel that way - Can an Average Runner Become an IRONMAN?

This week, I started a 4-week plan to prepare for a 10 mile (running) race on November 14 (my birthday!). So… a little more focus on running this week, which is bringing the overall volume down. Even though volume was down, this week did NOT feel easier. Here’s why…

Sunday – Half hour swim. I’m trying to take less of a breather at the end of each length of the pool. Sometimes I even get to the end of the pool and immediately take off for the other end!! (You really don’t have to readjust your goggles at the end of each pool length…) These “more full” half hours tire me out more – mentally and physically. I’m embarrassed to admit, yet this is the reality right now. I’m looking forward to my swim endurance “breakthrough”! I’d like to push myself in coming weeks to complete really full half hours. = 30 minutes

Monday – Pieced it together. Did a 4 mile run easy, then jumped in on the second half of a strength class. Then the 15-minute ab class. Finally went upstairs to do about 15 minutes of stretching and foam rolling. = 100 minutes

Tuesday – Cycling class. Did a 45-minute class with a 25-minute hill, it was an endurance-building class, and I felt this. Stayed after for some additional easy cycling minutes. – 60 minutes

Wednesday – Off.

Thursday – 4 mile run fast. Since I’ve registered for Ironman, I’ve been running at marathon pace – so fast today was average 9:22. Half hour swim in the evening. Just tried to focus on one thing at a time. I can’t seem to do my legs “right” without getting panicky with my breathing, so I decided that I’d focus on practicing my legs when I’m on my back. I did 2 lengths of the pool (not consecutively!) in which I breathed every 5th stroke! = 70 minutes

Friday – Was going to go on a bike ride with my friend Betsy. Then we saw a forecast with 25 mph gusts of wind. We were planning a lakefront ride, so that can get dicey with waves lapping up on the path – so we skipped it. Instead I fit in a 4 mile run for fun. Didn’t pay attention to pace and ended up averaging 9:28. = 40 minutes

Saturday – Cycling class: Another endurance-building class! In the 60-minute class, we did a 45-minute climb. Phew! I’m feeling this in my legs. I’ve even got sore shins. Also did some stretching. = 80 minutes

TOTAL = 380 minutes (6.3 hours)