Fri 6/12 - PM 30 minutes plus 20 minutes in Walden

My one day taper for tomorrow's race on the track. Anything more seemed inappropriate given how low the training volume has been overall of late. Feeling fatigued and breathing a bit harder than I would like, which could be fatigue from a poor night's sleep, or the new medicine which has some decidedly unwelcome side effects. Legs felt really good and crisp but not sure about the cardiovascular part. Tomorrow will be terra incognita. Already adjusting to the cool temp of the pond, or maybe it's already being moderated by the long days of sun shining on it. The last three days have been about as good as one could hope for at this time of year, which is gratifying to say the least.

Thu 6/11 - PM 30 minutes plus 60 minutes elliptigo plus 20 minutes in Walden

The trifecta of aerobic exercise, which I hope to repeat multiple times over the course of the summer. Rode over to Hapgood Wright parking lot via High St. and route 62, then over to the near side of the pond in somewhat roundabout fashion. After the dip headed back the most direct way possible as it was getting somewhat late. In fact, spent a bit too long out there which left me behind the 8 ball when it came to getting to bed at a decent hour.

Wed 6/10 - PM 80 minutes plus 20 minutes in Walden

Returning to the preferred summer routine, and felt as if I never stopped for the last 8 months or so of schedule and weather keeping it from happening. Took it easy throughout, although legs felt a little better than expected. Pond was bracing as expected but very refreshing given how much warmth was generated by the long high sun.

Tue 6/9 - PM 45 minutes incl. 8x400

A return to "the Deek" after years of neglecting it. Why I can't rightly explain as it's a good workout and good indicator and less problematic than other such sessions I've tried. Including the one I was originally going to do this evening. Not the greatest conditions ever as heavy rains were fast approaching borne by more gusty wind cutting across the track. Started off feeling somewhat stiff and awkward, while the increasing fatigue took care of that to a certain degree never did feel that smooth. Knew in my bones I'd be slowing down as the workout progressed but I was impressed to see how consistent the 200 floats were as it felt like those were slowing down too. Splits:

75.7 (49.6)
76.5 (49.3)
78.0 (48.9)
77.5 (50.2)
77.6 (50.7)
78.5 (50.0)
78.4 (51.2)
78.1 (28.8)
last 100m 18.6
total time 16:57

Mon 6/8 - PM 65 minutes

From Wayland, out along the Weston aqueduct to Water St. then back along the Hultman to OCP. Moving better than I was expecting, had to keep a lid on the pace at certain points to keep something in the tank for tomorrow. Gusty SW winds blowing all afternoon, hot and a bit sticky as well.

Sun 6/7 - double, 50 minutes very easy plus 65 minutes elliptigo

AM - 50 minutes out and back from Watertown to Belmont. Up and over Common St. hill in both directions which was a hoot. Relaxed pace and good company made it a much better experience than I had expected. Nice morning, dry and sunny.

PM - 65 minutes elliptigo. Errand ride to TJs. Looking forward to getting back on this thing for some time now.

Sat 6/6 - AM 75 minutes incl. 4 mile road race, 3(300-200-100)

Unable to sandbag a win on this fairly hilly course like last year, but able to do something resembling a double effort with some glorified strides on the track afterward. Somewhat tired going in, cursory warmup. Dropped by the eventual winner of the race within the first few minutes, when we started going uphill and it was clear he wasn't coming back I went into maintenance mode which turned out to be slower than I would have liked, i.e. slower than 6 minute pace. With the faster first mile of 5:25 combined with the slower last three, six minute pace was the overall result. Not thrilled with this although finding out I wouldn't go home empty-handed took some of the sting off. After about a 10 minute break, jogged over to the Bentley track which took 10 minutes and completed three sets of 300 (jog 400), 200 (jog 300), 100 (jog 300). I had thought of doing something more taxing but after the way the race went I knew better than to even try it. A bit windy on the track but overall got in what I wanted to accomplish. Splits:

59.8 (1:57)
38.1 (85.5)
18.6 (83.8)
58.6 (1:45.6)
37.7 (80.0)
17.9 (84.1)
56.7 (1:49.6)
37.0 (88.9)
17.7

Fri 6/5 - double, 85 minutes very easy

AM - 30 minutes very easy, out and back along Charles River road. Very relaxed pre-breakfast run. Legs stiff from the track race yesterday.

PM - 55 minutes very easy, Area 51. Had planned on using the elliptigo but ran out of time as I was stuck doing errands all afternoon on my day off from work. Relaxed, but feeling the creeping fatigue yet again. Legs seem to have held up reasonably well to yesterday's effort. On the cool side still, thankfully not the dank chill from earlier in the week but not the kind of weather I'd hope for at this time of year either.

Thu 6/4 - PM 45 minutes incl. track mile

Similar to two years ago at this meet, went in with very little confidence as to fitness level. Unyielding flatness and fatigue of recent days had its effect for sure. Running for second from the gun, figuring I would end up following someone and try to outkick them at the end. First 300m went slower than expected which was fine by me. This wasn't to the liking of the guy who then took over in second so I got on his wheel and there I stayed until just under 100m to go. Felt like the rubber band was being stretched at times but kept it relaxed and with about 250 to go I figured I had him. Opened it up on the final straight and that was that. Splits of 74ish, then a pair of 72s with a 71 to close. Surprised I had any turn of speed in my legs at all but one has to have faith sometimes I guess. Mild temps, with an annoying crosswind that played to my advantage in my role as a leech.