I've been working with my coach now for a bit over 5 weeks. It was a struggle at first - my HR zones/lactate threshold had not yet been tested and I had come off of running how I wanted to run. This meant that I usually went out hard and finished harder. I was frustrated, I felt like I was training to run slower, and I was contemplating throwing in the towel -- after only 2 weeks. I spoke with a few friends who work with or have worked with coaches before and realized I needed to give the process a chance. Then came testing week - a week for me to go all out and determine my own zones, finally!
Once testing week was over I packed up my bags and bike to head to Arizona for a week. New zones, warm weather and a week of training at about 4500 feet. Not to mention enjoying the Sedona Film Festival and the company of Adam and my mom. I've been to Sedona a few times before, but never with my bike. I definitely could spend a few more days out there with my bike. The roads were open and smooth, the sun was bright, I felt good. We did a few rides including an out and back toward Cottonwood, a ride out to and up to Jerome, and a quick local ride to try and snag some KOMs/QOMs. My favorite ride was our ride to Jerome - the roads we took to get out there were amazing. Lightly traveled, smooth clear pavement, rolling hills and open to the sun. The climb up to Jerome was great - nothing super steep, good views of the valley below and of course the reward of Haunted Hamburger at the top!
The few runs I did in Sedona felt good. I took pace off of my watch stayed in my HR zones and enjoyed the scenery and the javalinas. Once we returned to DC I was much happier with my HR zones and training. I've since had some great rides, great runs, and I am constantly improving my swim. After all, in order to achieve something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done. So here's to patience, buying into the process, and enjoying the season (races officially start Saturday!).
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