Week One is Done!

So the first week of a scheduled 13 week Ironman training program is complete. This week covered 122 miles in 12.25 hours of training.

Monday - RDO's (regular days off/recovery days).

Tuesday- Late afternoon run. 1 hour run = 6.58 miles. Relaxed, easy pace. Scheduled lap swim moved to Wednesday due to other obligations.

Wednesday - Morning lap swim of 2000 meters - 1.2 miles Not a bad workout although I had to share a lane and was pressed for time due to some work issues. Early evening bike ride into the canyon. Fourteen miles into the ride I have a pretty good blow out - not just a flat - a blow out on my rear tire. Initally I thought I might have thrown a spoke, but they were all intact. Changed the spare out and the spare had an issue with the presta valve stem. Each time I would inflate it with my C02 cartridge, it would lose air. It took me three attempts and 2 C02 cartridges before I could get just enough air in the tire to get home. It's a good thing I made it as I was still 9 miles from the house and nobody was answering their phones! Still made pretty good time getting home. 22 miles covered at an average of 19mph even with a half flat tire.
Further inspection at home revealed the tire was shredded in places. Had to replace both tires on my bike that weekend.

Thursday - Morning lap swim 2250 meters - 1.4 miles. Good workout nobody else really in the pool. Late afternoon run for 30 minutes, 3.58 miles.

Friday - Hectic day at work; great after work ride. Took the triathlon bike out and rode for 22 miles in 70 weather after the rain had cleared. Very nice country ride. No rednecks to bother me.

Saturday morning - 11.1 mile run in 1:45. Chaffing!! Hate that nonsense! Inner thighs destroyed by nasty friction. Applied body glide before the run but apparently not enough. Note to self - apply generously next long run. Off to lap swim at noon for an hour. Knocked out straight 2000 meters and followed up with another 500 of mixed sets. 2500 meters - 1.55 miles total. Felt good except I was starving and walking funny the remainder of the day. Kept applying the A&D ointment to my chaffing to prepare me for Sunday's 3 hour ride.

Sunday morning - 55 mile / 3 hour ride out in the country in the mid 60 degree weather. You can definitely tell fall is in the air. Great ride though out in Oregon wine country. Grapes abound on this route. Beautiful morning to get a good ride in. 55 miles / 18.9 mph avg.

Sunday afternoon - My very supportive and always loving wife and I had a nice lunch together after we left the boys with grandma. I have to tell you all again that I couldn't and wouldn't be doing Ironman without the love and support of my wife and boys. I am so very blessed to have them as my life. I love them immensely.

All in all a great week of training. Never felt exhausted. This program seems to be the perfect balance between training, work and family. We'll see how the coming weeks develop but I am feeling more prepared with each passing day.