Almost Consistent

I managed to get in all but two workouts last week. One swim from fatigue and an easy ride because it was too windy to go easy outside and I am not ready to move indoors yet.
I think this week I should be able to put a complete week together. In general my running is coming along quite well. I managed an extra 5min on my long run which was great. I would love to get a little bit ahead with my run mileage but not a the risk of getting injured. The long run is up to a wopping 45min now. Swimming is ok. Sort of off and on depending on the day and whether I pushed things in the gym or not. This week will be 40min in the pool for each session.
Last week I started to use the Power Tap on my rides so I will be able to start to compare whether I am gaining any fitness on the bike or not.
Nutrition is still a big focus for me this year. I was put on to a website by SQW that I have been enjoying a lot. It is now in the motivation column. www.marksdailyapple.com There is some great stuff in there.
The long ride calls so I better get a move on.

FATIGUE

That about sums up how I feel this week.

This will mark the first week with all planned workouts completed if things keep going well. As a result I am starting to feel the effects. I am always amazed at how much the body can change in the period of a year.

I started to work backward from race day to plan out my taper and the build leading up to it. It seems like such a long way off with lots and lots of hard work to get there. I think my new approach is going to work out well. If it does there will be major props to Mr Allen and Mr Byrn.

Patience is going to be the key thing this year I think. I need to just swallow the desire to push hard and let the fitness come with long slow steady training. I know that it will work I just need to give it time.

Major Props to Mr Bell

Ignore the dude in the Toyota jersey with his hands in the air and check out the dude in Yellow to his left.
Thats one of Canada's new cycling sensations, Mr Zach Bell. That is a photo of him finishing second in Stage 1 of the Tour of Missouri. He also just became a three time National Champ on the Track.
To learn more about the fabulous Mr Bell check out his blog.

www.zerailleur.com

Iron Nuke!

My contribution to the where is nuke thing - my first attempt at a mash up.

Back to Normal

It has been a few weeks since we finished up our detox. This time definitely was easier. I probably ate a few more calories this time around and I am sure that helped. We spent the weekend at a friends cottage right after finishing so we were back to caffeine and booze right away. Oh well! Everything in moderation.

To summarize the effects of the diet. Sleeping better. Not dependent on caffeine to get me going but sure do like the taste in the morning. We are using a blend of decaf and regular now. Lost a little weight. Most importantly got me thinking about what I consume as fuel.

Training is starting to come along. I am having a little trouble getting through everything I am suppose to in a week. A lot of that is due to circumstances out of my control. Holidays, travel and work topping the list.

I have had a very small breakthrough with my swimming. For the most part I haven't swum at all since IMLP 06. I have decided to swim at RMC on my own instead of joining masters swimming. In doing this I have been able to focus solely on technique and not worry about what the workout is or how fast I need to be going. In doing this I have finally figured out how to not use my shoulders to create power. My elbow is starting to come up and I am engaging my core lats and back. Now I just need to get those muscles in shape. I am not sure they have ever been used before.