SOS 2014 (Page 2)

I did an SOS practice yesterday. Didn't get to do exactly the workout I was planning for but under the circumstances it was an accomplishment just getting something in yesterday.

4 mile run, .75 mile swim, 2 mile run, .25 mile swim. Been running with no socks on, up to 15 miles, with no issues. Ran yesterday with no socks; visor on, fuel belt with 1 bottle. For the first swim I tried the slide lock bag method. It was weird. When I first started, the bag was really full of air and was a little awkward to hold between my legs. I had to cross my feet to keep it in place, which really kind of screwed up my swim stroke. at some point the air let out of the bag and it got more natural and comfortable like a swim buoy. Turns out the "slide" piece that locks the bag popped off. The bag stayed shut but filled with water, and when I got to shore I had to rip the top to open it so if that's gonna happen I couldn't use the same bag for multiple swims. No cramping at all.

Run 2 was OK. Wet shoes weren't that bad. They felt really heavy at first but that went away quickly i guess as the I squished out the water.

I almost bailed on the second swim, but I"m glad I got back in at least for a little bit. This time I shoved my sneakers up the back legs of my shorts. I stuck my visor down the front leg of my shorts, so that the curve of the brim sat right on my leg, and I turned my fuel belt around and pulled my top down over it. This method was far superior and it is what I am going to do for the race. I didn't even know I had that stuff with me, except for the feeling like I was maybe getting a little lift from the shoes in my shorts.

I also think I might bail on the swim cap if it's permitted. For both swims I found myself fumbling a little to get it on.

Conditions were not ideal, and circumstances of the day almost prevented it, but I'm glad i got the session in. Surprised at no cramping at all, but I think that might be because I wasn't out there for long enough. Last night though I developed a weird stiffness/pain in my glute/hammy that is really bothering me right now.

good luck wrapping up your training and safe travels.

the doors have completely blown off for me so i'm in survival mode. literally the busiest week i've had at work in 10 yrs (objectively) combined with some out of work stuff derailed my training. have been scrambling to get any kind of workout in but have had to cut a few workouts short because of just being depleted and exhausted or because of new pains that show up trying to train on 3/4 hours sleep. tried to run 15 on saturday but bailed @ 12 because of pain. managed to get in an hour trainer ride on sunday and kept it easy. haven't swam since my SOS practice. may or may not get in another workout before the weekend. Have a local sprint on saturday and will likely take sunday off, then treat the next two weeks like extended taper weeks keeping my intensity and distance modest. Work is showing no signs of letting up though. hanging on for dear life but committed to having a great time in New Paltz with my family and crossing the survivor line.

Good luck this weekend!!!

Wow, what an epic day and an epic race!

Glad you had a great race.

congrats to you both. what an amazing race.

Too early to start a 2015 thread? I was able to survive the fast finger contest and get registered for a 3rd year. I'm thrilled but better get to sleep as there is another crazy race that opens registration 5 hours from now. Then its time to start training...Happy Halloween!