July 15: 14 weeks to Goa | Weight: 81 kgs | CTL: 56
This week, I broke the 10-hour training barrier for the first time in months. It wasn’t easy, particularly with a 2-day work travel trip thrown in, but some advance planning meant that I could squeeze in a ride the day I flew out, and a run on the treadmill at the hotel.
This week, I also made sure that I’d get two swims in (and going for 3 in the coming week, including the training triathlon on Sunday) – the second of which was a no-watch affair. The focus was not on times, but on form. I tried to swim long, extend each stroke, and do a proper catch. I tried to go by feel, and after about 5 such swims, I’ll take a video and see how it looks.
This week, I also ventured outdoors and did my first outdoor ride since February (Colombo). It felt good, and boy, is it easier! I didn’t push the pace as I was navigating a bit of traffic and some head/crosswinds. My HR never went above 145 or so and averaged only about 133. In contrast, a typical Zwift ride would have me averaging 155-160. It was also such a joy zipping down some mild rolling terrain.
After the first hour, though, it wasn’t quite as much fun. Exhaust from passing trucks stifled my progress and a bus that overtook me at speed – passing just an inch away from me. And when the roads turned to gravel, the pace came right down. All of it made me appreciate indoor training, and the ability to hold the intensity when on a trainer. Of course, nothing beats a nice, rambling outdoor ride, but it isn’t always practical (or optimal training).
Week 4 coming up.
Harish Subramanian 