Sunday, October 25, 2009

4 mile training


I wanted to do a lot more paddling training this past month or so, aiming to be as fast as possible in the race next weekend. This was the second training run I've managed to do for the 4 mile distance, and it looks like all I'm going to get! Time constraints. I did the 4 miles in 53 minutes... at a 4.5 mph pace. I think that's decent; I noted a time of 54 minutes for that same training run in 2007, so I think I'll do about the same... and expecting greater gains on the run, and especially the bike.

The water was smooth and the water temperature was perfect. This paddle followed a fast-paced 33-mile bike ride, but even though paddling can be an aerobic activity, the muscle groups used are smaller than lower-body activites and therefore the heart rate stays lower. Padding steady-state HR avg is in the 120s/130s, bike in the 150s/160s, run in the 160s/170s.

There are a lot of fish in the bay and the bayou. Someday when I have more time I'll get into kayak fishing and bring home dinner. The water is quite a bit cooler. I do NOT want to overturn the boat this time of year. Must be ready though. I think wearing the regular PFD is a good practice, especially when the water is cold.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009

Back in the boat




The wind almost chased me off but I went for it anyway and got in a 4.3 mile steady pace paddle today. A north wind is better in the bay and it was intermittent enought to not really build up the waves. Easy going out! Much harder coming back. Enjoyable temperature and a nice sunset. I'm not looking forward to winter. I wouldn't even mind the heat if it would just stay warm longer and the days not get short.
Had the place to myself today. Not a single boat in the bay, by the boat ramp, or in the bayou. Two guys fishing at Shell Landing were the only people I saw on the trip other than Mom joining me at the end and taking that picture of me.
The kayak has to get squeezed in these days. My last two weeks by the day: 100 mile bike ride, rest, 2 mile run, yoga, 27 mile bike ride, rest, 80 mile bike ride, 70 mile bike ride, rest, pilates, yoga and 12 mile bike ride, pilates, 5 mile run, 4.3 mile kayak, and tomorrow a 33 mile bike ride.