A Tri Grows in Brooklyn
Tuesday - May 20
Went to my Dad's for dinner, so no workout. It's been so chilly and rainy here, it's kind of a bummer. Last Memorial Day it was 90 degrees, and this weekend, we'll be lucky to break 75.
My in-laws are so funny. They're kind of out of touch with things. The day of my century, they went to the LBS in their neighborhood (in Long Island) to buy a bike for my son's birthday, and they were chatting with the guys in the shop. They happened to mention that their son in law was doing this crazy 100-mile ride to Montauk, and the shop guys said, "Oh, yeah, we know a bunch of people who are doing that, too! It's a great ride.." And my in-laws were shocked that the guys in the shop had heard of it. They had no idea it was such a popular event. I'm sure in their mind it was just me and seven or eight other people slogging away for 100 miles. They're coming to my tri next month, and my wife said that her dad said something that made her think that he thinks that they're going to be the only ones there watching. Heh. Her dad said, "Boy, Jonah's really into this whole 'fitness' thing."
When I first told my mother in law about my century, her exact words to me were, "Well, I hope you don't fall off your bike and hurt yourself." And the scary thing is, I think she intended that to be encouraging somehow. They're so weird. It's a miracle my wife ended up as normal as she is.
B: Egg sandwich on ww with swiss
L: soba noodle soup w/vegetables
D: BBQ brisket, baked beans and coleslaw. And a couple of martinis. I think that pretty much takes care of the 6000 or so calories I burned in the century.
Sunday - May 18
- RACE DAY: The Montauk Century - 145 Mile Tour
Saturday - May 17
Pretty relaxed day. Ran some errends (got another spare tube, a new light for my bike in case I can't get a cab in the morning. Did some grocery shopping, and apparently, uncrustables are not available at my local ghetto-a$$ed grocery store. Damn. Wife went to a movie, so I hung out with the boy and we went to dinner and he helped me carb-load.
And there was something else....what was it? I know there was something else I did, but I just can't remember what it was....
Oh, that's right...I shaved my legs. What the hell, right? Might as well see what all the fuss is about, and I'm pretty sure it grows back eventually.
B: Eggs, biscuits, turkey bacon
L: Turkey sandwich w/swiss on ww
D: spaghetti & meat ball. Yes, just one. My son ate the others right out of my bowl.
Thursday - May 15
Went to an "Injury Prevention Seminar" hosted by Dr. Jordan Metzl, who's the resident Sports Medicine MD at Triathlete Magazine. He and his brother, who are both multiple IM finishers talked about bike fit--how different adjustments to your bike can correct various injuries, and about injury prevention in general. A few takeaways:
--The $25 insoles you buy at your running store are just as good as the custom ones that cost $500
--Strength training is important for injury prevention, and triathletes should do it. Once a week during the season and twice a week in the offseason, ideally. Strengthening your muscles reduces the percentage of the load that the tendons have to bear
--Warmup and stretch LIGHTLY before you workout, but most of your stretching should be done following a workout.
Still feeling a little under the weather, but better.
B: YFG
L: dumplings & hot & sour soup
D: pb& J
Wednesday - May 14
Sigh. Woke up with "flu-like symptoms." And no, it's not a hangover. I considered going home early from work today,but stuck it out. I'm feeling a little better as I type this, but it's definitely the result of being a little worn down, so I think I'll pass on the workout tonight. Another hour of riding the trainer isn't going to matter on Sunday, but a low-grade fever and a headache could definitely throw a wrench into the Century plans.
Stopped at Cadence Cycles on the way home to get a gel flask, then realized I have an "Injury Prevention Clinic" at SBR tomorrow night, and they'll probably have a better selection. Realized this AFTER I bought the thing of course. Got a few more gels, also. I'm down to my last mint chocolate Gu. That's sad.
B: YFG
L: Soba noodle soup w/vegetables
S: CLif bar
D: ww spaghetti w/garlic & oil