Breakthroughs

For some reason my depression hit me again over the past week or two, which hampered my motivation, which hampered my training, which hampered my confidence to even complete IMLOU. The rain, cooler weather, and overcast days certainly didn't help and I found myself missing a few workouts this past week. I wasn't able to get out of bed early enough to get my first swim of the week in, and then missed another swim and bike yesterday - giving me no workout whatsoever for the entire day. I had a meeting scheduled with my coach today to discuss my training thus far, and I had every intention of talking about all of my concerns. I wouldn't say I was ready to throw in the towel, but I was definitely questioning my ability to keep up with the training over the next 5 months and then ultimately finishing the race. However, things turned around for no apparent reason this morning. Maybe it was finally waking up to some sun, or perhaps the completion of my longest swim to date (2400 meters) and realizing that, given the time I completed the swim, I would be out of the Ohio in 1:47 - well below the 2:20 cutoff. The remainder of my workday went just as well, and even going out for my 1:15 run this afternoon was something I was looking forward to (the 64 degree weather definitely helped). I was more than surprised to see that I was moving right along with my 6:1 intervals at a 10:15 pace (10:45 average after the seven miles I put in), and never felt overly fatigued or drained (emotionally as well as physically). I gotta say though, I have to do something about these darn callouses on the inside of my feet, because they are causing some wicked blisters. Beyond that, I'm also developing a small blister under my pinky toe with these new shoes. Weird, but tender and worrisome nonetheless. After a short break back at the office, I walked over to Heine Bros. to meet my coach whom, honestly, I haven't really had much contact with since starting my training plan. Numerous things were talked about over the 2+ hours that we spoke, but some comforting things that I took away from our chat: 1) my sore knee/calf/shin could possibly be due to my bike fit. 2) I should be doing SOMETHING on the days that I feel too exhausted/emotionally drained to complete the scheduled workout. Even if I walk the planned 1.5 hour run - I should be doing at least that. 3) The 3:45+ hour bike rides (and growing), although overwhelming, do actually have a purpose - to get me mentally prepared for the IMLOU bike. I was even told that Barry would like to see me get to a 6:45 bike finish (man, he's got some high hopes). 4) Even taking into account my missed workouts, I'm doing great and am right where I need to be. This information concerned me the most since I wasn't sure where I fell in comparison to others, considering I have missed a workout or two each week since starting 5 weeks ago. I told Barry that two things I needed more of, from a athletes perspective, were sporadic check-ins and encouragement. He assured me this would not be a problem, and even suggested I give him a call the next time I'm feeling down in the dumps and unsure of myself. So.... with all of the information I obtained today, coupled with my 1.5 mile swim this morning, I have a newfound confidence that I can slay this beast - exhaustion or not. Next up: Riding part of the IMLOU course tomorrow morning - not looking forward to the dreaded 1694, but definitely loving the fact that I will finally experience what I'm up against.