Very light teaching week so better than average numbers. Also got more sleep. Next week should be decent, but then I’m teaching on the other side of the mountains (SU-R) and swimming and cycling will suffer big time.

S. Surprised and a bit disappointed I’m swimming slower since backing off after the build to the 2/4k races. I’m concentrating on entering wider and pulling straight back, or put differently, not crossing over, but that will remain a work in progress. I think my technique is improving, but my times aren’t reflecting that yet. Maybe I’m not rotating my hips enough? Anyways, I was disappointed I had to adjust my intervals, for example, 3:15’s/200 instead of 3:10’s. Another theory, swimming alone versus working harder to keep up with other people faster than me. Got the meters in though despite being unmotivated R morn.

C. Much improved week with near record level distance. Felt positive about both T/R race team training rides. T the group shattered into (at least) thirds at the top of Waddel and Travis and I were in no-man’s land between groups one and two. After the descent we were joined by two others and the four of us did a very admirable job chasing for a long time. R was flat and very fast and I felt good. Instead of my normal dangling on the back, I was in the mix. I’ll feel better about SU’s ride once I absorb it. Quite different than my normal long distance solo efforts. Rode 1om to the start, waited for the everyone to gather, rode hard to a food stop at 48, rode hard to another food stop at 73, rode hard to the start at 90 and then soloed home slowly. I’m more of a continuous steady effort guy than a go hard and stop and go hard again guy. But it’s fun to ride with others, so I adapt. I faded over the final 30-40 which was disappointing. The first 60-70 were probably too fast (Gordon effect). One footnote to the 100 miler you’ll no doubt enjoy. I was starting to cramp around mile 93 so I took out and opened my tic-tac salt tablet holder and two came out. Instead of putting one back in, I popped both with just enough liquid to get them down. Around mile 97, I suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous to the point of having to stop immediately. Felt better after tossing my (oatmeal and raison) cookies. Note to self, small sporadic doses of salt with lots of water. 

R. Standard week except for the bevy of selfish excuses Saturday morning. “My family and I will be on vacation in Hawaii.” “My family and I will be at Hoopfest in Spokane.” “My family and I will be at a soccer tourney in Burlington.” I’m sick and tired of team members putting their families first. I had to go to the bench and get L to cycle with Arnis and me. Let’s hope they re-examine their priorities before next Saturday.