The Dream-Day 32

It's 8am. My activities during the past 24 hrs.:
Abs, bi's & back at Golds (1:15 min)
Swim training totaling 1.3 mi (1 hr)
Bike on trainer totaling 28 mi (1:20 min)
Sleep (what's that?)

For the record #1: Biking on the trainer vs watching paint dry...toss up. Suuuuuuucks.

For the record #2 (and totally unrelated): My favorite musical artist is Elvis Costello and I'm rooting for James Durbin to win Idol. Durbs is a far cry from EC, but if he were to perform an Elvis song which one do you think he'd nail? If anyone says Alison, I'll hurl.

The Dream-Day 31

Back from FL and the big man finally adjusted the thermostat and the weather seems to finally be changing on Long Island. However, today I was on the trainer for an early morning leg scorcher. Two sets 20 min long holding 200-205 watts and then 210+ watts. That equates to 22.5 mph on a device who's only purpose is to stop your tire. Huge fun...not. Tonight, it's back to the deck and weights for abs, chest, shoulders, and tricep work.

The Dream-Day 30

Yesterday, I got up a 5am and hooked up with a Masters Swim group for a 6-7am swim at the Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Center. It was closed for Easter. Yet, 25 or so 40-55 year olds descended on the outdoor pool like a flock of seagulls that just spotted a fresh kill. When we finished they blew out as as fast as they arrived. Guess they thought they were going to be late for the early, early, early bird special.

Closed?  I think not.

Taken at 7am after the workout. I left feeling like I was part of Team Mako.

Got back to the house around 7:30am and then hit the road at 8:30am for a solid 5 mi run. Definitely felt stronger today and managed an 8:15 pace. Still blown away that the dude that won the Boston marathon averaged 4:42 over 26.2 miles. Big time yikes.

Still feeling pretty fresh, I decided to do some unique swim training (see video below). It's a bit unorthodox, but sometimes you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone if you really want results. Disclamer: be sure to have qualified life guards present if you're going to attempt this.

The Dream-Day 29

On Thursday, I worked out at the PGA Resort gym and then my father sweet-talked the manager into bringing a spin bike into the hallway so I could get in a ride.  Remember, this is FL, the land of gripey seniors that make a stink that the wind is blowing from the East because they prefer it coming from some other direction. So, suffice it to say, no way was Dad going to be denied. Sorry about the sweaty carpet.

The Dream-Day 28

Took my act to Florida (visiting Mom & Dad) and this morning ran 4.3 mi at an 8:30 avg pace. Although there were no hills, it was my first run that involved heat and humidity and it felt harder than expected. Since I haven't been training in hot or humid weather, thermo regulation (the body's ability to dissipate heat) is pretty low. That will improve along with better fitness and training in heat.

Late this afternoon, I went to the Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Center and swam. I scoped out the facility before I left NY. The place rocks, as an added bonus, it's only 10 mins from my parent's place. When I arrived there were about 20 kids with 2 coaches doing drills. A bit later they were replaced by the high school swim team. No wonder the elite swimmers come from FL and CA. They have fantatic training facilities, can practice bascially year round, and have great coaching. I admit being a bit intimidated and almost asked for a set of water wings. On Friday, I'm back here at 6am to train with the Masters Swim Club.

The Dream-Day 27

After a much needed rest day, Joe had me do 2 sets - 20 min each "hard" on the bike trainer with a 5 min recovery in between. I met with Joe yesterday and asked him what he meant by "hard". He said, "pain followed by immense joy when it's over".

I pushed an average of 200 watts (definitly qualified as hard). Started out strong, but the effort got progressively more difficult as the seconds took forever to tick away. The last 2 mins basically approached hell. Funny how the 5 min recovery wizzes by.

The Dream-Day 26

Ah, nothing like getting up at 5:45am on a Sunday for swim training followed by a 4 mi run a few hours later. Have to admit my run sucked. I figure I had about a 13-14 hr training week and I was cooked. Can't be grateful enough to have tomorrow off to recover.

Week 3 starts Tuesday. Training venue moving to FL on Wednesday (aka G-d's waiting room).