It's been a long summer already. For me, it's hard to train here in Phoenix over the summer, due to the heat. The problem is, that's the time to train for fall triathlons and half-marathons. This year, I've been trying to do a good bit of training outdoors, to adjust to the heat during the run on some of the triathlons this fall. I've learned that there should be a good balance of indoor/outdoor training. I get discouraged when I feel terrible on outdoor training runs or rides. But, I also realize that I'm adapting my body to the heat. I'm also trying to get more nutrition in on my long training sessions. It wasn't good when I felt hungry on my half-ironman last year. I've never felt that before, but should have expected it when I'm racing for 6 hours, while only eating GU!
This year, I'm trying to run twice a week and ride 2-3 times per week outdoors to try and acclimate to the heat. Last year, I absolutely crashed during the run at Soma Half-Ironman Triathlon. The run is my strong suit, so it's pretty deflating to burn out on the run. I'm still doing my long rides outside, as well as long ride/run bricks, but I'm trying to do long runs inside. Along with that, I do some speed work and 10k runs outside to get used to the heat. I'm hoping it all pays off.
I'm contemplating doing Ironman 70.3 Cancun this year. It looks like a lot of fun and a cool course. Either way, my big races this year will be Soma Half-Ironman in October and P.F. Chang's Marathon in January, with a half-marathon in December, possibly Tucson, Fiesta Bowl or Las Vegas and Ironman 70.3 New Orleans in April, 2011. I'm waiting to see how I feel after Soma to decide if I'll do Ironman Arizona in 2011.
I bought a bike trainer the other day, so I can do some more bike workouts inside. I'm also doing 25 mile rides 2-3 times per week before work. I really want to bulk up on the bike, since that's my weakness. I'm getting itchy to start racing again, so stay tuned for some results from sprint triathlons soon.
Take care,
Jess
