At the corner of Autopilot and Aviation Drive, the long run of the week commenced. Appropriate considering the run was planned to circumnavigate the northern portions of Washington Dulles Airport. It was the culmination of a productive week of training during a "recovery week".
There was shorter periods, but with more pain. The good kind. The plan that is to be followed during the lead up to Boulder IM completes a 3 weeks on 1 week off cycle. During the one week off the plan has you do tests of varying degree in order to test your progress. It's sadistic nature can be enjoyable. The much reduced length of training time is traded for vomit inducing intensity, just to see how you do.
The tests went well and showed improvement. Thank goodness. Followed by a promising long ride with a couple of handy roadies throughout the winding local roads of Minneapolis. The great thing about the roadies is that they know where all the smooth roads are. The downside is that they love their hills and they have a real knack at finding them where you least expect it. I now have some good new routes to follow when we next head out.
It was a good 8 miler today. Slightly hazardous first mile or so, being threatened by fatigued airport cabbies and early morning rental car returners. Once out of the mish mash of the airport roads, the run expanded in to a quite loop through the woods that was quite enjoyable. Nice end to the week with the sun on my back and the London Philharmonic in my ears.
The anti is on the up this week. Two weeks out from the first race of the season, a half iron distance local race beginning in the calm, chilly waters of Lake Rebecca. Combined with a visit to the sporty doc, this should be another interesting week on the bumpy road to Boulder.
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