More Watts, Less Thoughts

I am as of right now almost at the end of my second week of structured training. The general impression so far is that overall the sessions don't seem quite as hard individually as what I was doing before but the cumulative effect of two weeks has me absolutely wrecked. Luckly I have one run left to do tomorrow then it is a bit of a lighter week next week that ends with a 20 minute FTP test on the bike. I have done the FTP test a few times in the past and every time I do one I get flash backs to the 6km test on the rowing machine. The premise is the same for both of them just hold a unsustainably hard pace for way to long and try not to crack before the finish line. It's safe to say it is going to be the highlight of my week. Honestly still better than having to come up with the workouts myself.

The one part of the training plan that I am struggling with is the concept of running at a relaxed pace. Workout plan says 50-60 minutes at a gentle pace means average a 171 heart rate for the entire thing right?

I am being told it does not in fact mean that.

With the increased training load for both Kylie and I (she has started her training plan for the half marathon) we have been focusing on ensuring that we fueling adequately. I am not going to get on a high horse here about sports nutrition as I shameless about my love for good (or even ok) wine and food that would be considered not the greatest for an athlete. Yes I am talking about you large quantities chicken wings and high end cheeses 🧀🤤. Generally though eating a more balanced diet has help sustain us through the training sessions. I am going to go full hipster here and post a few pictures of what we have been eating the last couple of weeks. Sorry, it's my blog I get to do what I want.

This was grilled honey balsamic chicken with a easy brown rice risotto. From the Run fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow cookbook

Recipe here:

Please don't sue me.

For my in workout out snacks I have been been crushing these coconut matcha energy balls:

Also on the menu has been this brown rice bowl with mixed greens, bell peppers, beets, carrots, cucumber, donair spiced beef and a chimichurri style sauce:

To keep this all in balance I try to be mindful my friend Jeff's favorite saying "everything in moderation including moderation". So in the spirit of that Adi convinced me first of all that I needed to take here cloths shopping as all of her pants were either too small or "not cute". Yes we have created a monster, we have just accepted it at this point. After an exhausting morning of Adi throwing things into a shopping cart and me paying for them she informed me that I was taking her out for a burger and fries for lunch. Neither of us had been in a restaurant since before COVID hit a year ago so it was a nice little treat for both of us. Not going to lie the burgers were delicious!

With the time change and slightly warmer weather we have already had our first backyard fire of the season!

Much less nerve-wracking this year as Beauden now seems to understand that he can't go near the fire. I think. Hopefully.

This also means that cabin season is upon us. I will go into more detail on the cabin in the future but the family cabin on ruxton Island just might be my favorite place in the world! We managed to survive Beauden's driving and now it is time to relax for a couple of days

DBS

Craig