Strange clouds and morning light as I ran through the vineyards on Saturday.

This was the week where I decided to give my running muscles a break by riding my bike, thereby foolishly ensuring that every muscle in the lower half of my body was completely and fully exhausted.

The Plan

• Monday, 9/13: 30-minute run Replaced with a day of cycling everywhere
• Tuesday, 9/14: Kickboxing and tempo run with the Team
• Wednesday, 9/15: Pilates (postponed due to instructor illness)
• Thursday, 9/16: Kickboxing and Pilates
• Friday, 9/17: Mandatory rest
• Saturday, 9/18: 60-minute run
• Sunday, 9/19: Hiking

The 10-mile run from last Saturday took its toll on my legs. I was still achy on Sunday night, so I decided to “go easy” on my legs by doing an all-bike, carless Monday: towing my son to and from preschool in his bike trailer, going to the supermarket and riding to the coffee shop. The flaw in my logic? Towing 50 pounds of boy and trailer up the steep hill that I’d previously used for hill sprints. Yeah. Not bright. By the time I woke up Tuesday morning, I had so many sore lower-body muscle groups that I wondered if I’d be able to lift my leg to kick the bag at kickboxing.

Thursday was a nice double-header of kickboxing followed by Pilates. I know that I’ve said wonderful things about Mercy before, but seriously, the intense one-on-one stretching that she’s doing with me may very well be the one thing that’s kept me strong and healthy during this training.

On Saturday morning, I ditched the team and ran solo. Completely solo, without a pacer or music. Much to my surprise, I maintained my goal speed and finished my six miles right on target, no small feat for someone who struggles with both motivation and consistency when there isn’t someone to chase.

Next weekend is the final long run of the training season, 11 miles on the actual Nike course in San Francisco. After that, it’s all tapering until race day. I can’t believe we’re this close already.

Tags: cycling, kickboxing, pilates, running, team in training

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