Final Brick Done!

When I signed up for the half Ironman, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I have a habit of doing that; just like when I signed up for the 50 miler after doing just one marathon. Nothing like jumping right in and just doing it. I don't like giving myself the option of not doing it. Once it's on the schedule, I know I'll do what it takes to get me across the finish line. And now, after what seems like the shortest summer of my life, I'm only a week and a half away from that finish line I've been thinking about for over 4 months.

I've definitely had my ups and downs during this training and I think I actually learned a few things about myself along the way. I mean, how could I have not? I've spent countless hours by myself over the past few months. Which has probably been the hardest part of this all. I am absolutely fine heading out for a long run by myself and most times when I'm alone, I enjoy the quiet time. But I'm not the one to turn down the opportunity to run with friends and I've missed that so much this summer. Maybe because my past 2 summers were spent attached to the hip of a friend as we trained for ultras, conquering not only back to back long runs but awesome 30+ mile runs together.

Even though I like the company, I know these solo monster bricks I did through training will serve me well on race day when I'm out there alone. I had my second big brick this past Saturday and due to the hurricane, I played it safe and did 3.5 hours on the trainer. Part of me is worried I took the easy way out by doing it on the trainer but after 77 miles, a shredded rear tire, and a pool of sweat on the floor, I'm hoping I made it worth my while. Time flew by on the trainer thanks to a Married With Children marathon and before I knew it I was heading out the door for a long run. I had an hour and half on the schedule and started off feeling great, legs ready to move. But within a few miles, the humidity got the best of me and I started to fade. I held on the best I could and finished up with 12 miles and between 5 - 5.5 hours of training.

Surprisingly, I felt GREAT after the workout despite horrific chafing that kept me wincing most of the day/night. I think I might have finally nailed my nutrition and found something that works for me. It was the first time in a very long time I didn't have stomach issues or feel exhausted afterwards. I didn't even take a nap and for anyone that knows me, that's a pretty big deal!

So, I'm finishing up this last big week before I slow down for a week of tapering. Physically I feel great and the last 2 big weeks of training I've felt my best. I was most scared of these two weeks but they weren't nearly as bad as I had envisioned when I first saw my schedule. And with that, it's given me a glimmer of hope that I might be able to tackle a *slightly* bigger goal if I choose to go that way.