Fat Salmon & goin’ long on the run

After my longest ride last Saturday, I endeavored to complete my longest run and swim this week. Done and done!

I had to move a workout and shorten another due to work commitments, but managed to get all my shorter stuff in this week. I skipped the optional run on Friday morning in favor of resting my legs on Thursday morning (see paragraph below) and spinning/lifting on Friday instead.

I set out on Wednesday morning on my 20 mile run feeling good and strong. It was a looong way and my body was so, so tired of the pounding by the end. My nutrition plan worked well and I never felt queasy or thirsty. I finished feeling strong, even if entirely spent (if that makes sense). No chaffing or blisters anywhere either which is a real accomplishment! I took an ice bath shortly afterwards, stretched and felt good plowing through a full work day. However, I think I didn’t anticipate how long it would take me (like days) to really feel like I had my legs back.

Moving on to the Fat Salmon Swim on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful morning and I hooked up early on with the Husky Masters/run club crew. Some background: Although I was a competitive swimmer for a number of years, I was a mid-distance swimmer (mostly 100s and 200s). And despite the fact that I’ve had days when I’ve completed 10,000+ meters training, I’d never swum 3.2 miles straight ever before. I did the mile once at a long course meters meet in high school and threw up afterwards. Fun times. Not something I was ever interested in repeating! My goal for the race was to finish strong and without chaffing like I’d had in Victoria around my neck. I used my newfound favorite product, Friction Zone, which worked like a charm! The race was good, if not a bit long. I sang songs and was ready for it to be over about 2 miles in, but it was a good experience. Kirk finished way out in front of me with Tracy and Rainer close behind. Carl and Stacy were at the end, having run from the U-district down to spectate. We hooked up with the little ones and families and went to the Madison Park Bakery (Bear Claw with apricot jam = yummy!) and a brand spankin’ new kid park to chill for a bit. It was great to meet Colm’s family visiting from Ireland and Bermuda. And in the end, I got to spend good time catching up with Tracy, Rainer and Eva. I miss the run club crew so was happy we had some semblance of us there to congregate. I returned home for a nap and a nice evening with Alden complete with dinner out at Cactus and a good movie on the couch.

Yesterday dawned and I just couldn’t get moving. I was supposed to do a 100 mile ride and 30 minute run, but my body was done. My three longest workouts ever in an 8-day span. Enough said. I took a rest day which was fabulous. I am feeling strong and confident now as I begin my taper- yippee!!