Well, after my disappointing DNF at Ironman Arizona, I was pumped and ready to roll into training for Coeur d'Alene. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't the greatest, as I was just starting a new job as Engineering Manager at Nova-Tech Engineering. I started shortly after returning from Arizona.
That meant I had to be somewhat creative in my training. A new job always places extra demands on one's schedule, as there is a learning curve and a lot of transitional demands. Also, I had a lot to wrap up from my previous job. So, it was time to get efficient. The best way to get in my bike miles without sacrificing too much time was to commute to work - around 20 - 21 miles each way, depending on the route I took. I did this 4 - 5 days / week from the end of April to mid-June. This was a good way to get in 200 miles/week on the bike! I typically left my house between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. (my LED bike lights were crucial!), and would get to work in about an hour to 1:10. I then would try to get in a lunch-hour workout, often consisting of a 2.2 mile run to the YMCA, followed by a short swim of 1500 m, and a 3.2 mile run back if I took the long route. I would then bike home around 4:45 or 5:00 p.m. This worked out great, as I typically could get in around 15 hours training during the week, a couple hours on Saturday, and a short workout on Sunday, or take the day off.
So, I was able to get in some decent bike miles, but the long rides were lacking. Also, my swim training was minimal - often just 2 days/week, and no long swims. Running was also a bit down - maybe 30 - 34 miles/week.
I did manage to get in a couple century rides, and that was good. I averaged around 14 - 17 hours/week for the month of May. Not quite ideal, but pretty decent considering my new job and the changes associated with that.
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