2 Weeks Down

I've just finished up my second full week of training and I feel that it's getting a bit easier. Not easier in that I'm breezing by without a care in the world, but mentally easier. My 40 mile bike today didn't feel nearly as bad as that first 28-miler I did about a month ago. In fact, I was to get 2.5 hours of biking in today, and at about 16 miles, which was approx. 1:08 into the ride and a good place to turn around, I opted to go out an extra 4 (for a total of 8) to make it an even 40 miles. Honestly, I probably could have gone more, now that I have at least 48 miles under my belt from a few weeks ago, and have finally gotten into a good groove with my nutrition (Today's menu: Nutri-Grain bar in the car on the way over, Cliff Bloks on the ride (4), and Infinit and Water throughout the ride). Not once did I have an upset tummy, that "urge to go" feeling, or did I feel at all like I emotionally or physically bonked. All good things. I averaged 15.2 mph, which is the fastest I've averaged thus far. And although this was a mostly-flat course, my typical average of about 13mph or so tells me that I am definitely improving. I'm not sure if it's cardio, leg strength or mental - maybe a mixture of all three, but when Jeff and Jeanette pushed me today, I never got that little voice in my head telling me, "I can't do this." I still need a lot of work on hills. The last 5 mile of the ride included the long climb up Zorn Avenue where both my bike-mates kicked my butt, as I staggered along at about 8mph. But I'm not nearly as afraid of them as I once was, and I know they're only going to prepare me and improve my IMLOU course time (hopefully), so I'm trying to embraced them. I only had one day this week where I felt so exhausted that I didn't do the planned workout. Still, I got two out of the three swims completed so far (third is scheduled for tomorrow), and technically only missed a 1-hour bike ride on Thursday. I'm not sure what the differences are on those days - whether it's lack of calories, stress or what - but I don't feel I can do much of anything on those days. And mentally feel like I'm walking around in a fog, as well. I anticipate, and hope, that as my body gets used to doing so much that this will improve over time. Closing thoughts: 1) I still need some kinda cream for my pooniny. This is definitely a must-buy before the next long ride. 2) I need another bike fit. I continuously have to scoot myself back on the seat and my shoulders/neck are still more sore than they should be. 3) Everyone keeps asking me if I like my seat. I DON'T KNOW! It's supposed to be somewhat uncomfortable, right? 4) I love my aero-bars.