1/2 Ironman Training: Week 5

   The way my 1/2 Ironman training plan is set-up is 3 weeks of intense workouts followed by a recovery week! I've made it through the cycle once and am now starting week 5!  So much has changed since I first started training...
   1. Chicago got hit with this AWESOME heat wave and I've actually been able to train OUTSIDE... IN... MARCH!!! That's practically unheard of in Chicago unless you are bundled under layers and layers of clothing!  Shorts and tank tops don't typically come out until May if you are lucky, but typically June! So I am absolutely loving this weather, I have no idea where it came from but I certainly am not complaining about it!
   2.  I've said it before, but training has made me really sore!  Some days I'm not even sure how I manage to get in a workout, but I'm following the plan like crazy so, I'm making sure I don't miss a workout.  About a week ago, I had incredibly tight legs and a sore back.  I was at my parents house and needed to crank out a 60minute run and was talking to my sister in her room and happened to just turn and pinched a nerve in my back.  I was doubled over in pain leaning on the bed when my little brother came in and tackled me with a hug, it was adorable but horribly painful.  I didn't want to miss my run so I ran anyways... one of the worst runs I have ever had!  Monday came along and I had to bike and swim, I pushed back my workout till the evening in hopes that my back would feel better, I could barely get myself out of the bed!  Once I was moving around it was better, so I decided to bike and swim.  I was fine until I finished the swim, and my back hated me!  Tuesday I ran with the run club with Lifetime and I mentioned to the trainer who heads up the run club that my legs were really tight.  After the run he rolled out my legs and massaged them for me.  It was SOOO painful but whatever he did helped my back and my legs exponentially! I don't feel like I am nearly as sore as I was... or maybe the recovery week really worked!
  3.  My schedule is getting a little busier because I am now a Middle School Soccer coach as well as the head of the run club.  But I certainly wouldn't trade it! I just add my workout in around it! My Wednesdays are typically my days to bike, so I've been biking to the run club, so far it works out pretty well, minus people that don't pay attention to bike riders...

Bring on the next 4 weeks of training!!