Saturday, May 17, 2014

"I'm a Freakin Machine"

An old machine for sure, but still a machine.  My bearings are pretty loose, wheels and pulleys are wobbly, drive belts are fatigued and brittle, but my oil pump is in pretty good shape!

I must be a machine, because only a machine could pedal in circles 25,000 times over a period of 5 hours, and then go outside and run 7.5 kms without breaking a sweat!!

Because I have never gone so long in the basement I took it very easy, and despite the boredom, I survived the 5 hours uneventfully.  I managed a slow but acceptable, 131 watts.

For the same "new territory" reasons I  didn't know what to expect on my run. I had originally planned on going 7, but by the time I headed out I had already given myself permission to leave it at 5 kms.  Again I took it very easy to start out, and indeed felt pretty good.  That's not a new experience however, and it's not uncommon for the overall fatigue to catch up with you in 10 or 15 minutes.  I kept waiting for it...and waiting...and waiting....and waiting

And it never freakin came!!!  I ran faster as the run wore on, and my heart rate was excellent.  I was in awe!  It barely got over 130, and that was only at the end, by which time I was running almost a min/K faster than when I started out.

Unbelievable actually.  I can honestly say that I have no recollection of ever having felt so together after a long ride.  It was a hugely powerful learning experience for me.  It really reinforces my intention to keep my rides in control, both in training and in racing.  I want to feel the exhilaration that I did today, come Aug 17th.  For the first time ever, I believe in my heart that it's possible.

I'm a freakin machine!!!!

And reflecting back to yesterdays thoughts about not doing enough, forget all that.  The Ironman is about endurance above all, and today I proved to myself that I'm right on track in that regard.  I am now very interested to see how my long run goes on Monday, and I will make my decision about the upcoming recovery week at that time.  If indeed I feel okay, then I will probably back off on the running next week, but not the cycling.   Game on!

Damn I feel good!!  What a high!!  Thanks for all the positive thoughts you must have sent me.

ride 5 hours, 128.5 kms, 131 watts----run 7.5 kms, 40:15

"Our body is a machine for living. It is organized for that, it is its nature. Let life go on in it unhindered and let it defend itself."---Leo Tolstoy

Love
Peter

3 comments:

  1. Woohoo! I'm glad it was such a good day!

    Love,
    Michael

    ReplyDelete
  2. Feeling the high you are on !!!! Keep on keepin on.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're awesome! Just keep on truckin'!!

    Love,
    gail

    ReplyDelete