I have just completed three consecutive weeks of training. I am limited to cycling and running right now, but it feels really good to get back into the groove of working out. A big factor in moving to Colorado, was the opportunity it provides for cycling. My very limited experience so far, has confirmed that we made the right choice.
The highlight of my recent block of training has been the two long rides that I have made into the Front Range foot hills. On both rides, I have made climbs that lasted for over twelve miles and that both included over 3,500 feet of elevation gain. That sounds tedious and possibly painful, but the scenery is stunning and the climbs have been fun.
A Typical Section Of Climbing From My Recent Bike Rides
I have been quite consistent in getting out the door to workout. I have had a couple of rides on my trainer, when the weather has been colder, but most workouts have been outdoors. Here is a summary of my recent training.
Week 1 – Three rides (2 on Trainer) = 5 Hours / 75 miles and four runs = 20.5 miles
Week 2 – Three rides = 7.5 Hours / 115 miles and three runs = 17.1 miles
Week 3 – Four rides (1 on Trainer) = 9.5 Hours / 110 miles and three runs = 16.5 miles
I am pretty happy with the work that I have put in, but I feel that I am still quite a bit away from regaining good fitness. During my runs in particular, I have been struggling with breathing. Some of that is undoubtedly from getting acclimated to the higher altitude, but quite a bit is also lost fitness.
If You Climb High Enough, You See Snow-Capped Mountains In The Distance
Now that I am somewhat back into the groove of training, my mind has started to wonder about racing again. To give me chance to get fully fit, it is clear that whatever ‘A’ race I chose, it will have to be in the fall. I am currently looking at various 70.3 races as possible candidates to focus on. I do not plan to do a Full Ironman this year.
I am also very interested in continuing to expand my horizon into other endurance events and activities. I have several ideas about this too, and will probably sign up for one of these ideas later this week. Stay tuned, to find out what that event is !!!
