Unload

There is a phrase in training called an 'unload week.' Basically an unload week is where you significantly decrease your training amount and intensity for a week to recover, to come back stronger. Last week can only be defined for me as an unload week. I was certainly still active - working in two swims, a spinning class, a short (3 mile) run and some weight training.... but it was far from intense and lacking any real commitment to training.

I am planning to race the Iowa Games Triathlon on July 11th. It is a 400 meter swim, 13 mile bike, 5K run. I have no expectations for the race except to practice, to get another triathlon under my belt. It is time to focus on preparing for that race, followed by the YWCA triathlon in Minneapolis in August. (Where I may actually set some goals.) For the next month my plan is just to try to hit each sport twice a week. To do a few brick workouts. A few open water swims. To do some speed work on both the bike and running (my only goal for the swim is to survive) To rev up my intensity over the coming weeks.

How did I begin this week of recommitment and re-focus on triathlon training? With Pilates of course. John took the morning work out (it was his turn) so I swore I would hit Spinning over the noon hour at the Y. Then I a meeting was scheduled for 1:15pm, which would not give me nearly enough time to collect myself after a Spinning class. (I sweat. A lot.) So I went to Pilates and got back to work in the nick of time, not sweaty. Better than nothing, right?

I am planning a swim tomorrow. Really. I am done unloading.