Sunday: 112 mile bike; 3 mile run; abs

I went to bed late last night and as a result got off to a slow start this morning. Tried to swim, but my shoulder was a little tender so I stopped not even before I finished 0.5 mile.

I then tried to run but my shin was acting up so I stopped. It's really frustrating. 1 mile. 9:09

Then got on the bike for a 112. This is the first time that I actually did the Ironman Florida course as I normally ride the 70.3 course. I was a little nervous about the distance; it's a long ride on the trainer without breaking it up. I felt fine from the beginning but mentally I was struggling at first. I just kept thinking how much further I had to go. My legs though felt good. My heart rate started out very low but gradually rose throughout the ride. Once I reached the halfway point, then it became a lot easier mentally as I knew I only had the 56 remaining. I kept telling myself that I had just started the ride and 56 is something I can do almost daily. I felt strong thereafter and actually was surprised when I got to the end as I didn't hit any more rough patches. Total ride. IMFL: 5:10:16; 227w; 133bpm; 84rpm; 21.6mph.

I then followed the ride with a 2.01 mile brick run. I was feeling very good and so I wanted to test my legs, hoping that my shins had magically cured since this morning. Obviously that was wishful thinking. But I managed the 2 miles and felt great aerobically. 15:06min; 7:30min/mi; 157bpm.

Week summary. This week was the start of my real training leading up to the race. Everything was slow and will continue to be for the next 5 weeks. I am really upset about my shins and my running especially considering that I am not and have not been running a lot. But it is what it is. I'll make an appointment with the podiatrist tomorrow and hopefully new orthotics (and maybe new shoes) will take care of it. My swimming sucked as well, so I need to pick that up. The time is now.

Total week: 440 mile bike; 31 mile run; 3 mile swim.