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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Germany and Training Update

This past week I didn't fare so well with my training. Perhaps it was some burnout after my really great 23 miler the Wednesday before (which I think was a PR 23 miles for me even though a training run) or perhaps a bit of the stomach bug or food issues I dealt with last week, but I certainly didn't do so well sticking to the plan.

So I missed a long swim, a short easy bike and as of today, part of a long run. This isn't customary for me so I shouldn't stress about it but still I feel anxious. I am still not confident about that darn bike. Its no longer about the descents -- I think I've made my peace as best as I can -- but more about just how darn long it takes me to climb.

And now, I'm in Germany for business for the week. Travel for me isn't always easy when trying to stick to the plan. First, I have the food issues. Since I don't speak German and am pretty hungry due to training, finding safe gluten free food is a challenge and I don't always succeed. Second, my body clock is all messed up. I don't sleep well on the plane and I had a meeting once I landed so my total sleep for last night plus a nap was probably around 4 or 4 1/2 hours. On tap for today, my 18 miler from earlier in the week that I couldn't do because I felt bad. Clearly that wasn't going to happen. But I had to at least do something. So after a brief 1 hour nap, I headed to lunch with my colleague to refuel. I should have just eaten a bar in the room because my gluten free meal was not and I left lunch with a bloated and painful tummy.

After about 45 minutes in the room (where I did get a little inspiration from the Tour and the European Ironman championships in Frankfurt), I headed out for a run. My legs felt like lead and I clearly was suffering from jet lag/gluten issues. Despite the huge torrential rain in the midle of the run, I was able to struggle through 7ish miles before calling it quits for the day.

Dinner was more successful I think in the GF department and after I finish this, its off to bed for me. I'm beat.

So here's hoping my plan goes a little more smoothly this week and that I find something to eat (other than my GF bars that I smuggled in) to survive on for the rest of the time I'm here.

5 comments:

TriGirl 40 said...

Focus on that strong 23 miler PR. Enjoy Germany. And let the taper begin.

Annn said...

I feel your pain. German gluten-free beer is the answer (but then again, when is beer not the answer?)

http://www.querfood.de/Bier-Tee-Getraenke/...is-Gold::5.html

Where in Germany are you?

tri-ing races not cases said...

Thanks for the tip! I drink GF beer in the US but didn't expect any over here. Will have to keep an eye out for it... in the meantime its wine for me.

Unknown said...

I think you could do IMUSA tomorrow, so no worries about missing a workout here or there. You are ready.

And then you can join us on our weekend joy rides!

TriGirl Kate O said...

They have good potatoes and sausage in Germany--those should be GF! Don't worry about the training, between the jet lag and sleep issues I don't imagine it would equate to "quality" anyways. You are pretty much ready to go--unlike me!