It’s been a while since I’ve done a training recap, so I wanted to talk a little bit about ramping back up my training for Ironman 70.3 North Carolina.

But first, a few words about the Friday Five. It’s been almost three years of co-hosting this amazing linkup with Mar and Courtney, but we’ve decided to end it after next Friday, October 14. We’ve loved hosting the linkup – we’ve read so many interesting blogs and so met so many awesome people through this little venture. It’s given us a steady writing prompt for each Friday – from the days when we gave specific themes to the days when it’s been more free.

And the three of us have become good friends through this all – even without the linkup, the “DC Trifecta” will last forever.

But we decided it’s time to shut it down. As I talked about in last week’s post about my life changes, I am working on balance. And part of what’s gotten away from me this year is the time to visit other blogs and be a part of the Friday Five community that we built. And I need a little freedom to post on less of a prescribed topic schedule. Balance.

So in order to keep it simple, this week I’m doing a quick training update for Ironman 70.3 North Carolina. I’m not recapping day by day – just a “five” point update.

1. From race to race. Three weeks ago, I finished Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City and I had a pretty good race! I crushed my goal time with a 5:46 half Ironman. I have my race recap almost done so you’ll see that next week for sure.

2. Recovery week. After that race, I had a recovery week. I took a few days off completely and just focused on the kids and catching up on things. I went to a cycling class and got out for a 6 mile run.

3. Ramp up week #1. So after recovery, it’s time to ramp up the training for the next half Ironman, right? Ugh. This was a problem week and I am not afraid to admit that I completely failed at the training last week. I had long days and late nights at the office, and due to stress I haven’t been able to sleep at night. I lie in bed awake until 1 or 2am, which really tanks my ability to get up with the 5 or 6am workout alarm.

And being so busy with work that week, there were also times when I had exercise clothes on but decided – screw it – and simply snuggled with my 4 year old. And after a hard week, this was the face I saw on Friday night, and it was like medicine for my soul.

Because that is way more important than a race. If you read last Friday’s post about my single mom status, you’ll know that my time with the kids is a priority and balance is precious.

4. Ramp up week #2. This week is another build week and it’s going pretty well! I haven’t gotten in all the workouts my coach prescribed, but I am fitting it in.

5. The weekend will be a challenge. It’s going to be a tough weekend for fitting in my long ride and long run. This is a peak training week, with a 12 mile run one day and a 50 mile bike ride the other. And I have to work two concerts on Saturday, plus I have the kids. I’m going to be really attached to my treadmill and bike trainer this weekend, or I’ll arrange some early morning babysitting so I don’t cut into my time with the kids.

Watch Instagram to keep up with how it goes!

I’m really looking forward to the next race. When I signed up for two half Ironmans five weeks apart, it felt a little crazy. But now that it’s here it feels fine. I kind of like not having months to re-train – I have confidence from the last one and am really excited about Ironman 70.3 North Carolina!

Are you training for a fall race right now? Which one?

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