Time to Catch Up!

It's been awhile since I've written..my apologies.  Moving back to NC for the summer and jumping right into training left little desirable time to write..so here I am back at it.

The two-ish weeks I've been back in Durham I've logged lots of miles and simply lost count...will get an estimate from Brian and then move forward with that.  It's been great getting back into the swing of things with my training partner again...even if it means he's still kicking my butt!  The capstone of these past few weeks was the Brunswick Forest Duathlon I was training for.  It was a cool little race down in Wilmington this past weekend.  I did not come close to the times I was hoping for but had a great time out there and was really glad both Brian and Dad could join me for it.  Also excited to have a surprise fan appearance by Meghan.  A few positive take aways: I posted my first ever solo ride over 20 mph avg., I did surprisingly well with my transitions, and I enjoyed the experience (despite puking on the last 1/2 mile of the second run).  Negatives?  Too many to list, but a few key lessons learned: I need to get better at pacing and training according to my heart rate (racing for roughly 1.5 hours at an average of 193 bpm is NOT healthy), be even more cautious with my nutrition, and just relax more on race day.

In all, I think I've found a good future hobby.  I've really enjoyed racing and training on the new bike Brian found for me and using the sweet tri gear Dad purchased for us.  I've got a few other tentative races on the schedule for the summer but now the main focus of soccer training kicks in (punny) for one last competitive season at CNU.  I've really enjoyed being back and catching up with the family, BD, and Mer.  Looking forward to also visiting more with Nana and Pops now that they are back in town.  Now with Tyler ending his academic year and the warm weather kicking in, I feel optimistic at the start of a new summer tour!

Woah!

This week went so fast I forgot to even post!

In review:
Mon/Wed lifts with the team were good.  Hang cleans Mon. and upper body on Wed.  I also had my first week of training with the Woodside High School boys...I'm excited about the opportunity to serve as a volunteer assistant varsity coach for their program.

The weather on Thursday was amazing - so before the high school practice I got on the bike for a quick 10 mile TT loop at a 19.3 mph avg.  At practice I ran a bunch of fitness drill with the team...I enjoy running with them because I think it motivates them to work even harder...I've always had the belief that if you're not willing try something you ask of others, then you shouldn't even ask.

Tyler came up Wednesday to bring me my suit for a presentation I had and we had a nice visit- after the presentation on Friday afternoon I jumped in the car to head down to Durham for student-athlete meetings with the USA South Conference.

Got back this afternoon and hit the trail with Colin for a light 3.5 miles at 7:25 pace...in all it was a good week of fitness activity and I'm glad the weather is finally starting to warm up.  On the horizon: one last week of classes and big tests, then heading south for spring break!

Extended Stay

The power decided not to come back on at CNU so I spent one more full day in Durham. Headed into the gym for rehab on the hammy and then got a full body lift in with Brian and his friend Ben. Also had Meredith going through her routine at that hour which is always entertaining to say the least!

Workout:

3 rounds of:

12 Plyo/narrow pushups on the KBs along with KB deadlifts

12 Kneeling Dynamax slams combined with Russian twists

12 TRX pull up rows and 12 split jumps

Then 3 rounds of:

TRX bicycles and ab curls

DB cleans combined with shoulder press

1 minute planks with 35 lbs added

KB swings

A good full body lift followed by a good lunch with Brian. Back at the rehab in the morning then off to school.

Weekend Recap

Recap of the weekend:

Friday's pre-practice workout:

Ab routine

Standing BB split press- 4 sets working up to 115 lbs

BB Deadlift- 4 sets working up to 215 lbs

Practice afterwards was a bit chilly but solid- small sided games followed by a full field game on the game field.

Then jumped into the car and headed home for the weekend. Had a great time visiting the family and Nana and Pops...it was a great opportunity to get away and refreshed. The drive back today was fairly quick and easy...had a nice bible study and dinner with TJ. Now back to the grind tomorrow...

Thursday Gloom

Rainy/cold day here on campus and no practice....we need some consistently nice weather.

After classes this afternoon I was able to get a 2 mile run in, started out fast, felt a light stall in the middle, but was able to finish strong. No timing or company for the run...just went solo. Felt good and looking forward to practice tomorrow. Think I will be able to head home for the weekend, looking forward to that...should be able to hit the road tomorrow after practice if all goes well.

Week 2

After a relaxing weekend we started the 2nd week of spring training today with a dece practice.

Got a few good lower body explosive lifts done (abs, hanging cleans, back loaded squats) in the weight room and then hit the field with the team.

Warmed up with the ladder drill and then played 4v4 for an hour. Ended with a series of sprints with and without the ball. Feeling good and enjoying playing with the team. Also glad the weather is getting much nicer.

A shout out of congrats to Brian, Morven and the rest of the AE team on a successful half and full marathon in Durham this past weekend, keep up the nice work guys!