| Julie's Typical Training Week (June 2002) (A.K.A. Why Julie can't stay awake past 11pm on weekends) |
Monday Wake at 6am. Put on proper running attire and hit the Charles River Path for a 5-miler. If there's time, and I'm feeling up to it, stop by the gym and lift some weights. Bike to work, dodge traffic, work out anger by sending necessary messages to drivers, etc. Work 9-5 (Part of the successful training process is balancing a real job with real responsibilities, so I feel compelled to acknowledge this.) Bike home, and engage in non-physical activities. Tuesday Every other week, wake at 5am. Really try to get out of bed upon hearing alarm. Try harder if at first don't succeed. Ride bike to secret location where fellow triathlon teammates start the day by running up and down the same hill several times. It is more fun than it sounds, as they are all a fun, inspiring bunch. On my off week, I get to sleep in until 6:30! Work 7:30-3:30. Bike home. Depending on who has recruited me, and whether I had an a.m. run or not, bike or run with a friend. Wednesday Wake at 5. This is not too hard, as it's a pool day. Bike to the pool. Endure a torturous 1 hour workout with prodding from a swim coach. Realize that I am indeed the slowest swimmer that ever shows up to these practices. Pray that we don't have kick drills, as there is a good chance my legs are hurting from recent runs and bike rides. Realize that prayers usually don't work in the pool. Endure the kicks and feel better for it. Work 7:30-3:30. Bike home. Rest for 30 minutes. Usually I can catch the end of Oprah. Bike to Heather's. Bike to Burlington. Endure a torturous hill ride with a local bike club. Wonder if I will ever be able to out-race a 5'10" long-legged guy with no body fat. Decide that it doesn't matter. Climb approximately 4 heart-exploding hills, some at snail's pace. Thursday My day to sleep in, as I don't work until 10:30. Wake at 6:30 and realize that I can't "sleep in." Enjoy my leisurely morning. Bike to work. Work 10:30-6:30. Around 12:00, start anticipating the evening workout. Remind myself not to eat anything out of the ordinary. This includes spicy Thai food and tuna fish with mayo. Bike to the track. 6:30 Track workout* with running coaches. Realize that my heart can pound very, very fast. A typical workout might be drills and 400, 600, 800, 1000's X 3 or 600's X 4. If you're not familiar with track workouts, this is fartlek. I just like to say that word. It's speed training, and I find it rather painful. Bike home- this is usually a speed workout- as I've got the runner's high. *Note: occasionally I may be saved from Thursday night track by virtue of running a local road race. In this instance, track workout may shift to Tuesday night or be sacrificed. Friday Another 5am wake up for a 6am swim. Bike to swim. Bike to work. Work 7:30-3:30. Bike home. Celebrate Friday with a long run. "Long" as of June is 7-8 miles. Saturday Get a prodding from friends to meet at some ungodly hour of the morning at a location such as Starbucks, which is still closed due to the ungodly hour. Bike 50-60 miles. Home before noon. Have entire day to play. Sunday 5-7 mile run or 35-50 mile bike followed by 3-5 mile run. |
| Warning. Sometimes I am tired and unable to follow this schedule. I am training for triathlons this summer, which may explain the mix of workouts. I do hold a full-time job. I am fortunate to have colleagues that allow me the flexibility to work some seemingly non-standard hours. |