2014 update continued......

So the summer comes and brings with it the return of the brick into our training schedule.

I actually enjoy brick workouts, probably because I am not doing them correctly.  Anyway, I enjoy ridding my bike to work and then being able to run afterwards.  It is a bit difficult to get a brick in before work so I usually hold it until after.  Ridding back to the car, securing it to a bike rack, changing shoes and off I go.  I have often received comments like, wow biking and then running, way to go.  I won't lie, it does put a smile on my face.  The big down side is the time it takes.  I really enjoy the biking more so than the running, but both can take up so much time. That is way you need to work up spousal approval units.  Communication is the big thing that needs to be done.  I have learn, but don't always practice, that if you don't inform your spouse exactly what you plan on doing and about how long it might take, you might need to come home with flowers or chocolate or something else.  

Anyway, I really don't recall a lot of my training that I was doing during the summer, I was just doing my regular running during the week.  Biking to and from work, not all the way, but usually 15 miles one way.  I would focus my brick workout on the weekends.   All working up toward the Maryland Duathlon. 

***Race Report***  Maryland Olympic Duathlon

It was a very warm day.  I was hoping to get a time as close to 2:15 as possible.  Spoiler alert.  I did not get there.  This is a very well run event and I have done it in the past.  I plan to participate in the future as well.  

From what I remember, the first run (2 miles) went well. No issues.  Transitioning to the bike went smoothly, however it is something that I really want to focus on to get faster and smoother.  

The bike leg was good.  From what I remember my energy was draining.  I believe I might need to take a close look at my nutrition next time around.  This is a very hilly bike course.  so I come into transition and get ready for the 4 mile run loop. I knew that I was not going to beat my time from before so I focused on just finishing.  I did not want to walk but I did and ended up finishing anyway.  Like I said this is a very well run event. I do plan on doing this event again and will do more brick training as I believe that might be one of the reasons why it did not go as well as I wanted it to.  My goal is to get as close to 2 hours as possible.