First Training Weekend of the Season

A cool and beautiful weekend in Ottawa.

Rode with my RR Iron clinic. We went out to Dunrobin and back, about 60K, and did a short 15 minute run after. The group rode well together. Regrouped regularly and fought the gusty winds.

One jerk in a pickup truck tried to run us off the road, but that is par for the course these days ... oh, well.

I think that the Gatineau Park and an earlier start would help everyone.

In the afternoon I ran with Ruth. She was feeling a little nervous about her 20K run, the last big run in preparation for her Half Marathon at the end of the month. She was amazing. Just found her pace and kept on going. My legs were a little stiff and sore from the bike ride and I think a little residual from the Ironman race in Arizona.

Speaking of Arizona, I have registered for next year. Right now, my 2008 season is shaping up to be IM Arizona and IM Kentucky. I'm even thinking about 2009: Coeur d'Alene and Wisconsin.

Sunday was a bust, training wise. I had planned a loop with Kawal. But when I got to the park, my rear wheel would not turn properly. Erring on the side of caution I went home and walked the dog. Got instructions on how to correct the problem from Ian Fraser, of Cycle Logik, from his Blackberry ... talk about service. A quick turn of two screws and all is well.

All in all, a great weekend. More to come!

Can you say OUCH!

Monday evening is clinic night at the Running Room. This week we discussed equipment selection. Jim and I walked through the various and sundry pieces of equipment that the average triathlete will need ... and some of the more esoteric ones.

After the talk, the group and I did an easy 6K run (my first run since Ironman Arizona.) Man, where my legs unhappy with me. They felt like they were made of lead. Anyway, I got through the run and that was the important thing.

I had a good talk with Kevin from Peak Centre this morning. We talked about what went right and what went wrong at the race. We also talked about pushing me out of my comfort zone in training ... a more intense 2 weeks up, 1 week down schedule. The new schedule should arrive this afternoon.