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Sunday, January 13, 2008

Reevaluation and Recovery

It's been 12 weeks since I started my training with Michael. And this week, was my week to reassess my fitness skills and enjoy a little recovery. Tuesday, I repeated my Bike VO2 max test, Wednesday my Run VO2 max and Friday, a 1000m swim time trial. Sandwiched in between was a whole lot of much needed rest and recovery. Its been a tough few months between a heavy work schedule and increasingly longer workouts.

I, of course, was anxious about this week. I've been working hard and following my plans, but I really had no idea how that would equate in numbers or my fitness. Plus, I hate the mask you have to wear. It makes me feel claustrophobic and panicky.

I pushed myself hard at each test. I didn't want to give up to early or leave energy on the table. My results surprised me. I pushed 50 more watts in my cycling test and increased my VO2 by 7 ml. I lasted a minute longer on the run and increased 2 ml on my VO2. And finally, my swim - 20:26.

The week ended even sweeter - a hour at West Creek with McQueen on Saturday and a fun six miler with TRIgirl40 this morning. Both weekend workouts translated the numbers I was seeing in this weeks' tests into changes I could sense in my performance. Saturday's ride was nothing but perfect - good weather, Bart grinning by my side, McQueen and a strong ride. I couldn't help but smile when I had plenty of gears left at the top of the Farm Bureau hill. Today's long slow run was no different. TRIgirl 40 and I had to keep putting the governor on our pace - 6 miles in 1:02 minutes and mile 6 was 9:30 pace.

In addition to a little sunshine and some warm weather, this week has given me that little confidence boost I needed to stay motivated and stick to my plan for the new year. Training and hard work pay off. 12 weeks down, 16 more to go till White Lake. Here I go!

2 comments:

TriGirl 40 said...

Your dedication, hard work and progress are inspiring! Pink Lake, watch out for the awesome girl on the way cool pink McQueen...

(Was great running with you, too.)

Diane said...

WOW! Those are fantastic results!!! Way to go!