Sunday, September 23, 2007

Mental Prep

What's the opposite of being psyched out? Psyched in? Well, whatever it is, that is what I'm trying to do for myself.

Today Husband & I completed 18miles of our intended 20-30mile ride. This was not a fun afternoon to be riding, it was windy and rainy. I only got about 12miles and 2 of the 3 hills recorded by my Garmin because I accidently turned it off before we were done. Grrrrr. I really wanted data from the third hill.

We were tackling said hills in preparation for next week's Elephant Man Triathlon especially after seeing the reconnaissance report from SWTrigal.

According to my Garmin, that second little hill we did today climbs 200ft in about a half mile. I just barely made it to the top...slowly...but I did make it. The hill at the end of Elephant man is a 400ft climb over about 4 miles. I think a long slow climb is going to find me taking a long (slow) time. And the bike profile shows a lot of little rollers before we get to that climb. It's going to be challenging, but doable.

I expect my training this week to be hit and miss. Husband is travelling, so I'll be on my own during the work week to get the kids to school and such. This means no bike commuting, no early morning gym, and probably no morning runs. Sigh. I'll just do the best with whatever opportunities come my way and chalk the rest up to tapering.

15 comments:

  1. Nice job with the ride in spite of the weather. One way to deal with those rollers is to get into a smaller gear before you need to so your legs don't build up lactic acid over the course of the bike ride. They should be fresher when you need to hammer that last hill.

    Good luck!

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  2. Yea, you need to taper :-) 400 feet of elevation change over 4 miles? LOL. Go up in your big ring :-)

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  3. Oh boy, I have no idea about those gear changes. I need to learn about that this winter. Good thing we have Chad and Wes around. :>)

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  4. The most important mental preparation is to set your race goals as 1. enjoy the moment 2. thank the marshals 3. see 1.
    Be determined that no matter what your time is you will be proud of yourself because you've done your very best.

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  5. You will do just fine on the hills.. Just spin away and stay in your seat to save your legs.

    I tend to never look up until I'm over the hill....It helps me.

    Prepare mentally for it as well..

    You think you can and then you do it!! Right..

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  6. Winter is definitely coming...I had to go sweater shopping the other day!

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  7. What's the opposite of being psyched out? Psyched in?

    Trickery . . .it's all trickery LOL You will ROCK!!

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  8. It may be challenging, but you are ready! You've put in a lot of training. Plus, if triathlon were easy they'd call it football. (my boys give me the same look your daughter gave you when I say that)

    Enjoy this week of taper, and you'll do great on Sunday!

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  9. "I just barely made it to the top...slowly...but I did make it."

    That is what matters...you made it. Great job!

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  10. Good luck at the Tri!!

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  11. Your training sounds great. One sparse week won't hurt you... at least that is what I have been told!

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  12. The top and bottom are on clearance at Danskin.com. I have a 15% off coupon code if you want to use it. :>)

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  13. I think the opposite would be "psyched up"

    Good luck getting everything done while hubby is away :)

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  14. Awesome job getting in a good chunk of your ride even though the weather was crappy!

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  15. Sorry to scare you! Just spin up the hills and go down as fast as you can..The good news is the rollers are pretty easy-really. It is just that one stretch from mile 11-14 that sucks but it is over quick and then you fly back to T-2.see you there!

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