Vacation.

Heidi:
Vacation is too hard with training plans.  The kids & I came to Florida a week earlier than the rest of the family.  Which means I am missing several workouts.  I am very stressed about that.

Last week was a tough week.  I am really feeling stronger and better about myself and the workouts.  I have not so quickly figured out that looking a month or even a few weeks ahead at the training plan is a good idea!  One week at a time is do-able.  And I am still enjoying it.

This week brings an 8 mile run in the Everglades.... with crocodiles.  That will be interesting.  It might mean me running a 1/4 mile loop around a campground 32 times just to avoid the crocs.  Did you know they can run more than 30 mph?!

Having Fun

We are seeking balance along this path and have done a great job. Well, I am more behind on household duties, but I'm working to improve that :) I am thankful for the awesome support I have around me and without doubt, could not be doing any of this training without their help. 

Heidi & I out with girlfriends. My training BF!!

trainer ride

Here I am camped out in front of the TV for 1 hr & 45 minutes. It was not as bad as I was expecting. Luck for me I found a movie and that was a wonderful distraction.

Heather

long runs begin

Thursday, February 11th was our longest run so far, nothing we have not run before. But 7 miles was the longest run I have done since April 2009. We discussed our route the night before and agreed to begin at 4:50 am. Which means we both got up @ 4:20 am. VERY EARLY!! Also wanted to mention that the low was 7 degrees. Which evidently we were prepared for, because neither of us complained about the cold, well, not much. We thought we knew the route, but came to a T in the road and realized we went left where we should have gone RIGHT! Oh NO! If we continued our run would be cut short & we would not make the 7 miles. So we turned around & headed back to correct our mistake. Which in turn added almost a mile to our run. Not only were we not prepared or ready to get 8 miles, but time was also a factor, as we must be home by 6:30am to let husbands get to work. Needless to say we were late getting home, but the good news is: we're ready for 8 miles.

Heather

rest week

Last week was an easy week. And honestly it was not my favorite week so far of training. I felt I did not deserve the break. Don't get me wrong we did workouts, just shorter, slower workouts. We always look forward to our day off, which is usually Wednesday. Since we have never followed a plan this intense we are getting use to working HARD and then pulling back & going slow/easy.

The perfect husband/training support

Heidi:

This is my wonderful husband cleaning my bike (in 35 degrees!) after our very muddy gravel ride!  Thanks babe!  Guess this means that I will be doing this sort of support later in the year when he is training for his 1/2!

I second everything that Heather said about the gravel ride.  It was an intense first hour of a TON of hills and a lot of steep ones.  The second half was a flat (yet mucky) trail.  My legs are feeling the full 2 hours!

Cheers to a easy week!  And great training partners- and support!

More Gravel

Today was more bike riding for us. Last sunday we did 90 minutes with our bikes on the trainer. For me it went better than I was expecting, but I much prefer to be outside for most of our workouts. I dread the treadmill, prefer open water swimming & riding outside. So today we got layered up & braved the cold weather (it was about 30 deg. when we began, but thankfully little wind & sunny skies). We met up with CMC (Columbia Multisport friends) and began our 2nd gravel ride. I am falling in love with gravel rides. No traffic, we stay warm even in cold weather and get to explore new roads in the country. Not to mention the smell of farms and visiting with cows.

Gravel riding is a GREAT workout!! WOW! Our legs were burning as we slowly climbed some hills. Looking forward to next weeks ride!

Week 4 is an EASY week!!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!

By: Heather