TriVeggies

You know, it’s easy to look at how this past week went and chalk it up as a wash. Let’s face it, this was certainly not the way I’d hoped to start a new year, all full of workouts and yoga and dreams realized. No, my first week of the new year was spent resting, mostly, trying to finish recovering from my first (and I hope only) bout of covid. I’ll write more about that process in another post, but suffice it to say it was a lot of two steps forward, one step back. The fatigue was gone, and then it was back; suddenly my heart rate was elevated, and then it was fine.

I’ve spent much of this week focused fully on recovery, which is something new for me; I’m not really one to sit still for long, as much as I’d like to. I got daily walks in, and even a leisurely hike on New Year’s Day per tradition. But by the weekend I could take it no more. I was itching to get back on the bike, so I joined my wonderful TriDot teammates for a Saturday-morning ride. I limited myself to half an hour at a very easy wattage and came through it feeling great! Then this morning I hit the road for an easy Sunday “long” run of 30 minutes, and while it proved a bit more challenging than the ride, I was just happy to be there. In both cases my heart rate hung out 10-15 beats faster than normal, but I understand that will improve with time.

So this week wasn’t a wash, after all. No, I’d say it was actually a success. I listened to my body and replied to it in kind, and it rewarded me with some great workouts to end the week. I give myself an A!

Now, a look ahead to this week.

Monday: The week is supposed to begin with a Broken Ladders workout at the pool, but I need to take Pliny the Cat to the vet, so there’s a very high likelihood I won’t be able to fit this in (and I don’t really see where else I can put it this week). I also have a 25-minute run on the schedule, which I’ll knock out after work, probably at a very slow pace.

Tuesday: Tuesday brings with it an easy hourlong bike ride, which I will attempt at least 45 minutes of in the name of measured recovery. It also calls for a strength workout, but I’ll have to let my body be my guide on that one.

Wednesday: We’ve got running hill repeats on the docket for Wednesday for 1:05! There are only three minute-long repeats interspersed in there so I am going to try it – and then I may truncate the workout to 45 minutes or so depending on how I’m feeling. 

Thursday: It’s bike time again with some 30-30s for an hour! I’ll probably ride with my dad and will aim to get the whole hour in, albeit at perhaps reduced power. 

Friday: Friday is usually Swim Day, but I’m itching to get back on the rower in a calm, measured way. Row House offers a Restore session Friday morning so I’ll probably swap my swim out for that in the name of recovery and, well, restoration!

Saturday: My long ride this week is a threshold and hold for 1:15, which I’ll either do with the TriDot group on the trainer or with my local bike group depending on the weather. Then I’ll pick up a 20-minute brick workout afterward!

Sunday: Now the long runs are picking up! It does my heart good. I’ve got 1:15 easy on the schedule and my goal is to hit that timing.

Have a great week, friends!