Fortnightly Review - Weeks 43 & 44

Having races both Saturdays meant I tried to front load both weeks and that ended up meaning I missed some sessions trying to get light days before races and recover after them. I did do a complete week the second week by cramming swimming, mountain biking, weights, and core into the Sunday. 

I raced well enough at both Aquathlons, and I am happy enough with the results, but neither were quite what I wanted. I didn't swim badly at either race, but I didn't swim particularly well either. 6:30 for a long course, snake style 400m was fine but I should be 15-25 seconds faster than that. 12:19 for a short course, anti-clockwise, sprint swim is slightly better, but still I should be looking to go under 12 minutes. 

Both times I transitioned well and got out and running fine but both came out at slower than 22 min 5k pace and I can't really explain either. The weather wasn't great, but that is expected in October. My knee and hip were bothering me, but neither affected me when I was running. 

With my hindsight turned on and having not seen the full results from the rescheduled ITU World Champs in Spain this weekend I am happy that I made the right choice not to go as I wouldn't have done myself any justice trying to race at that level.

Trying to race while intentionally losing weight probably wasn't the smartest idea. I didn't feel starved of energy during either race, but also didn't feel quite on top form. But my diet controlled weight loss is working. I have managed to drop a couple of kg, gradually, over a month whilst keeping my training load fairly steady and not affecting my power output. I haven't convinced myself yet that reducing my calorie intake is a better weight control option than my normal weight losing option of just eating normally and adding 10-15 minutes to every session. 

Actuals, (Target) - 

Swim 5.0 miles / 8,000 m. (6.9 miles).
Bike 65.7 miles. (79.2 miles). MTB 26.7 miles. (19.8 miles)
Run 32.9 miles. (29.7 miles).

1 short core, 1 short light weights and 2 stretching / rollering session. 74 mins of yoga. 

Cumulative Actual, (Cumulative Target), [Cumulative Stretch] -
S 78.2, (99.8), [104.8],
B 1,681.7, (1,655.6), [1,738.4],  MTB 457.5, (413.9), [434.6],

R 1,134.7, (870.4), [913.9].

Core         - 27, (44), [58]
Weights    - 27, (44), [58]

Stretching - 44, (44), [58]
Yoga         - 45, (44), [63]. 

Fast run sessions - 23, (>44) 

Junk swim sessions  - 16, (<25).