Wow. Ironman training is no joke. I'm in a build month, so hard work almost every day.
This week included run intervals, a short tempo run, two swims and two bike trainer workouts (intervals.) Not to mention a 90 minute "easy" run, two strength/core workouts and the biggy of the week - a 4.5 hour bike ride that included climbing Latigo Canyon. Damn I'm exhausted typing this out! And my "real" work has gone well on top of it - so I'm happy to say that the training is actually making me MORE productive (My concert piece for the SB Symphony is nearly complete!) I need to be busy this time of year as January is hard for me. (More on that later this week, it relates to the loss of my dad.)
Anyway, I woke up early to head out to the inaugural LA 13.1 race. The plan was to do about 20 minutes of warming up, run miles 1-3 in upper zone 2 (easyish) miles 4-11 zone 3 (medium) and miles 11-13.1 in zone (hard.) I stuck to the plan and while it was tough on tired legs I have to say it was -slightly- easier than I thought it would be.
I saw a lot of my friends as it was an out and back (most were ahead of me!) My friend Roxanne from the LA Tri Club caught me at mile 9 or so and we ran together for a bit. She wanted to walk the water station so we said goodbye, and I slogged on. She again caught me at about mile 11, when I was supposed to turn it up! Man I was dreading it. But it was just 2 miles, and I've gotta say I was pretty proud of myself for finding the rhythm.
We came through the finish line at around 1:59 - an effort I'm proud of. I made my dad's "gorilla face" at the line - can't wait to see the photos. About 13 months ago I ran the City of Angels Half and it took my absolute maximum to finish in 2:03. And that was with rest. Very happy with my progress.
After the race I ran into some more friends and then decided to go soak in the ocean for a bit. The water was pretty cold, but after about 5 minutes up to my knees I realized "oh sh*t." It was a tradition for my dad and I each winter to run into the ocean. And here I was. I didn't really have a choice, so I went for it. I played in the waves while yelling "Ba-fute-sai" (it's a silly game we invented.)
All in all a good day - I'm looking forward to tomorrow (Day Off - of training that is!)
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About Me
- cody@codywestheimer.com
- Film composer moonlighting as a runner, cyclist and triathlete
Sounds like you are doing great with the training. Keep working hard! Awesome effort out there today. Enjoy your rest day.
ReplyDeleteYou're turning iron by the week. Isn't it great to see hard work pay off at the finish line?!?!
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to see the gorilla face.
ReplyDeleteGreat race report. Congrats on the LA race. I can imagine the scene with you running into the water. Bravo! Oh, and good luck with your concert piece.
ReplyDeleteGreat job out there Cody and it was great to see you for a brief second! :) You are getting so crazy with all the training. Following along is so fun! Great work!
ReplyDeleteThat's y'all. As coach Rom says "Work works." Haha! Gorilla face pics hopefully soon.... :)
ReplyDeleteGood catching up with you, looks like all that training is really paying off.
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