Feb. Goal Challenge (Page 3)

Think of yourself as a huge engined American muscle car with the transmission from a Honda Accord.

The average triathlete almost always struggles with run volume + speed = injury.  Most of us have very strong engines relative to our run mileage.  A runner would snicker at 80-100 miles per month because that is the only training they get, and it's not enough to build the engine.  The runner slowly builds up to running 150+ miles a month by running 5-6 times a week.  This allows them to run with more frequency and lower mileage per run, and therefore a better balance between running leg strength and cardio engine.

We are like a car with  a big engine from all that cycling and running, but a weak transmission because our run volume is low. 

What does this mean?  You need to learn to run to the limit of your weakest link.

or not learn the lesson and look like me at the end of a race or training run or just about anything related to running...LOL  Very good bottom line on the challenges to finding pace.   Some day I will find it...maybe it is in my transition bag stuck to that used GU packet at the bottom. 

80 miles run - big maybe.

350 miles bike - not going to happen, trying to get over 300

25000 yards swimming - not a problem, on track

2 x core/lifting - not a great result on consistancy.  Maybe next month.

Here's how I am doing so far.

Swim: 20,000 meters yards - 16,400 yards - I'll meet this goal if I squeeze 2 more in.

Bike: 350 miles - 290 miles - I'll take care of this goal Saturday.

Run: 85 miles - 61 miles - Not going to meet this one. I forget how many miles t-runs add to      your total.

Overall, it has been my best February ever. I'm happy about that. I'll need it to meet my Gulf Coast goal.

I didn't make it to Masters (or in the pool in general) 4x a week, but I did make it an average of 3x a week so close enough.

FTP test next week to see if I hit goal #2 (410 miles with some FTP intervals each week so this should have happened)

I hit 105 miles running today so #3 is good to go.

Nice run volume Slayer!   I'm not used to losing volume challenges.

Swim: pretty big fail.  I ditched the swimming this month and only did 1500 meters

Bike: I did 8.5 hours and I'm fine with that.  I tackled some things around the house and that pushed cycling to the back burner. 

Run: 152 miles.  I met my goal, but barely.  This number needed to be up around 175, but I'm nursing an injury.  Hopefully this will be enough volume for the Ga Marathon.

I'm considering going for a run after lunch because my legs feel awesome after Sunday's long run, but I think I'll rest.  I need to be smart. 

Should have stuck with your original swim goal of 600 meters...

You gotta have the base to lean on in the last 6.2 miles. 

You should be fine.  Remember to pace smart. 

Average around 9:45's for the first 15 because they are less hilly.  After that give back time on the uphills and keep turning them over on the downhills. 

You will be tested as you start to climb out of Piedmont Park.  It's a tough climb.  Be patient and save some for the last few miles.  Marietta St is 2 miles of slightly uphill and you will need a little bit left in the legs to get it done.