Challenge Roth Training: Week 2

24 weeks to go.

Week 2 totals:
Swim: 3. 4150m, 2hr 22min
Bike: 4. 3hr 55min, Saturday Ride: 19.6mi, 462elev.
Run: 2. 9mi, 1hr 24min
Strength: 0. 0min
Total time: 7hr 41min

Challenges:
Friday's swim was a comedy of errors. Went to the pool late to beat the morning rush, but apparently there is also a late-morning rush because it was packed. Shared a lane with a surly gentleman for awhile, then finally pounced on another lane when it opened up. Just couldn't get into a good rhythm; it took me a half an hour to get to the main set, which was 2x400, using a buoy and paddles on the second 400 (that adds resistance and makes it harder to swim. To build character. And muscles.) Forgot my swim paddles, and thought LTF would have buoys (they don't), so ended up doing the exact opposite of what was prescribed and swam that second 400 with fins, which took my 400m time down by 1/3. That must be what real swimmers must feel like. Sigh.

Accomplishments:
I wanted to punch my watch in the face on Sunday's long run as it beeped and beeped and beeped and periodically told me I was running a 9:35 and an 8:21 pace within the span of three seconds and generally was just stupid. I think maybe it was the (relative) cold? Anyway, apparently I can pace myself pretty well based on feel because I nailed my progressively faster goal paces, malfunctioning watch and all. Booyah.

Surprises:
There are actually good things to be said about my swim stroke! Coach LO says:
"The nice thing about your stroke as it is now, is it is pretty relaxed- which seriously is a good thing! So many people (myself included) really fight the water and spend too much energy in the swim. Our goal for you is going to be to keep the effort level about where it's at so you can use it all up on the bike and run- we just need to make that stroke more efficient." I'ma try.

Bonus:
JK, Mikey, and I lifted a piano into and out of a moving truck. We are...quite strong. Also: free piano! Jo's lovely sister Alyssa straight up gave me a piano on Sunday. I've wanted one for years and years, and now--just right out of the blue--I have one. The Secret works, you guys. (ha!) Big thanks to Alyssa and Chris for their generosity! (and to the guys for their muscles)