Malibu: Joie de Vivre

After a rainy Friday night, Saturday was a perfectly clear So Cal February morning.  Ironteam met at Zuma Beach in Malibu for a 2 hour bike: 1 hour run, brick workout.  I enjoyed the beautiful coastline during the ride.  It was so pleasant that it didn't even seem like a workout.  I pushed hard during the second hour of the ride and started to feel like I was finally getting back to pre-ACL injury cycling shape. 

Off the bike we ran on the path along the beach.  The first 15 minutes my legs felt heavy and sluggish.  I probably pushed too hard during the bike ride.  I ended up jogging this portion of the run.  Finally the legs recovered and I started to run at a good clip.  I took a slight detour to run up a trail and then on the return I ran on the beach.  Running on sand provides a more strenous workout for the calves.  I managed to dodge all but one wave; that wave got my shoes and socks wet.  But it was worth it.  Nothing adds joie de vivre like running on a beach, dodging the waves, under a clear sunny sky.  Try it.  I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.

Farewell Renee

Yesterday, I heard the news that our Ironteammate Jame's friend Renee Benson passed away on Monday.  She fought the long fight against Cancer.  Eventually Cancer won the earthly battle.  However I do believe that Renee is in a better place now.  A place filled with LOVE. 

King James Bible


O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55)
 
Check out the link below for more on Renee's long battle.
http://reneebensonbelieve.blogspot.com/

7 months Post ACL Reconstruction

Greetings.  Seven months post ACL reconstruction and I'm doing fine.  I've been running, biking, and swimming as I get ready for Desert Tri next month, Wildflower in May, and Ironman Louisville in August.
I had my follow up visit with my Ortho Doc last week and got great news that my knee is completely stable.  So the ACL reconstruction was a success.  I informed him that I'm frustrated that my R hamstring is still weaker than the Left and I have difficulty with pylometrics.  But he reassured me that I'm way ahead of the curve in terms of my recovery: 1 half marathon, 2 full marathons, and 1 Ultra marathon post ACL reconstruction.
My swimming is coming along.  I have the aerobic fitness so I can swim "all day".  The encouraging part is that I'm swimming faster as well.  I guess I'm starting to adapt to the water and swimming more efficiently.

The Ironteam Saturday bike rides are great.  2 weekends ago we rode the Palos Verdes loop.  Since this is my home course, I really enjoyed it.  I love the hills.  Yes hills!!!  Beautiful sights around every bend.  Above is a picture overlooking the Trump golf course.  Last weekend we did the Amalfi loop in Brentwood/ Santa Monica. After each cycling loop, we transitioned into a 1 to 2 mile run, then repeated this 3 times.

I'm still working my way into cycling shape, but I'm pleased with my progress.  I managed to drop 4 of the 5 pounds I gained over the holidays.  I'm still about 5 pounds heavier than last season, but I feel that I probably picked up some muscle weight from the increased emphasis I've placed on strength training during my rehab.  On Sunday, in addition to swimming 1.2 miles, I ran 2 miles on the treadmill in my Vibram FiveFingers barefoot running shoes.  I reached a max speed of 9mph on 2% grade.  Stay tuned for a future post about barefoot running and the Vibram FiveFingers.