Peak Phase, More Climbing & a Good Run

Peak Phase has officially begun! Less than 9 weeks to go now. 60 days to be exact. Long swims, rides, runs and bricks await before the dreaded taper about 2 weeks out from the race, which is on Sunday, September 28th. 

This past week was a mush mosh of training, a bit off schedule, but mostly complete. My Wednesday morning swim was my longest to date in the pool, 3500 yards which equates to 2 miles less 15 yards or something silly like that. 2 miles, done! 

The heat took over the afternoon and I did not run, deciding to run in the cool of the following morning, instead. Alas, when my alarm went off at 4:dark:30, I rolled over and went back to sleep. Instead, I decided that I would do a long brick in the afternoon, combining my bike/run workouts into an hour each. Done and done well. And home by 7 or so, tired and happy and feeling accomplished. 

Friday dawned and since I was still feeling a bit sluggish and not quite recovered from Thursday night, I decided I'd do my 60 minute interval bike in the afternoon. So, Dad and I took Cooper to swimming (new rules: smile and have fun) and he did great, after getting out of the pool early the week before in tears because he "was cold". Anyway, we ran our birthday party errands after a treat at Tony's Market and by the time we got home it was time for lunch and Tate's nap. 

Swim lessons! 

Refueling at Tony's

It was a Ninja Turtle themed birthday party for Cooper this year!

Tate snoozing peacefully in his new big boy bed. Love the belly button peaking out. He he!

Dad decided to ride with me and since my plan only calls for an hour with intervals built in, we headed out together, starting our ride at the tennis bubble. The sky looked threatening, but it wasn't raining quite yet. We headed to Chatfield and once in the park, the rain started. No biggie. 

Dad was still smiling and we headed home, my intervals done and the rain slowly letting up. As we headed back to the car, I decided the time had come for some new biking shoes. Road biking shoes. So we headed up to Pedal and an hour or so later, I was set. New Gyro shoes and Look pedals, all fit and feeling a bit more legit. Not quite as legit as Chrissie Wellington here, but all the same. :-)  If you haven't read her book yet, "Life Without Limits", I highly recommend it. Very inspiring. And she rides a Cannondale, just like me! 

IM World Champion ('07, '08, '09, '11), Chrissie Wellington (total badass)

Saturday morning rolled around and it was Cooper's birthday! My son, 5 years old! Unbelievable. So, instead of heading off to the res early for a run, I waited for Cooper to wake up so I could wish him a happy birthday and give him his gift. He was so happy and it was hard for me to leave. But I did. Off to the Gravel Pond. Where it was windy and chilly and my Mommy Guilt was getting the best of me. I sat on the shore for a while and stared out at the water. NOT at all interested in swimming. Mind over matter, I decided to put on my wet suit and get in. I swam for about 5 minutes, got out and went home to my birthday boy. Ironman training: 0; Mommy Guilt: 1. 

Cooper was thrilled to see me! I loaded up Tate in the trailer and Cooper, Dad and I rode our bikes around the neighborhood together and I couldn't have been happier. The big birthday party was on tap for the afternoon and despite the weather, a great time was had by all. Especially Cooper. And Mommy. And one missed swim and one missed run in favor of time with my birthday boy isn't going to hurt me on race day. Not one bit. 

Sunday was Bike Day!! Another ride with the hubby. We headed out and up Deer Creek to High Grade. Then Jason showed me the way to "City View" and what a ride it was. I think we climbed about 4k feet over 63 miles. There were some amazing views along the way, too. I think we're ready for The Copper Triangle next week. Ready or not..... 

Jason fueling up before the climb on High Grade

Along the "City View" route

Near Turkey Creek Road

My week of training concluded with my long run on Monday. Another beautiful Colorado morning awaited and I headed North from the bubble this time, determined to try a new route. 

 

The path took me past my CF gym, through quaint Belleview Park with the train tracks, wading river and petting zoo and all the way north to Littleton HS. 

I miss you, CFL!!! See you in October!!

I love this picture. So pretty. 

I have been doing my long runs with a 5 minute run/30 second walk interval and it is working very well for me. My plan called for a 1:45 run and I completed 10 miles in 1:50 for an average pace of 11 minute miles. I was thrilled and feeling great! Another good training week in the books. 

Thank goodness for rest day Tuesdays! And a little time with my boys. Thanks for the great picture, Mom!