Today I did 9 loops of Central Park. The plan was to do about 12 loops but as all age-group time crunched triathletes I had to adjust that plan on the go. I bike commuted to Central Park which was about 7 miles then started off with the loop fest. The New York Road Runners Achilles 4 mile run race was slated to start at 9am so I got as many laps of Central Park as I could before hand. Anh and the kids met me at the race finish to get my bike so I could transition to the run.

The course in Central Park is much undulating, especially on the West Side of the park so that makes for constant gear changing. This week I (DIY) upgraded my cassette on my HED wheel from a 11-25 to a 11-28 which makes for better climbing. This enabled me to spin more and stay close to 75-85% FTP on the hills. The one disadvantage I find myself in when at the park is I tend to get out of my established session goal and enter a race mode with other cyclist. I have gotten a bit better holding back and sticking to my plan but I do occasionally get the urge for the “need for speed”.

My nutrition was great as always. Made sure to take in my salt tablets and hydration. Also today I tested my tentative race day kit. It felt great and is really “skin fit” as advertised. I might give it two more test rides before race day to make sure all is a go with the Free Sanremo skin suit.

Run race went well. At first as more times than not is the case mile 1 is a bit hard to find my legs. I also make sure to walk some of the aid stations to get nutrition in and just simulate race day because there will be walking….the last mile was just fast to say the least especially the fact that there is a downhill to finish off the race.

The Achilles race is always a favorite of mine. Very inspirational to see all the vets and all special athletes with disabilities out there making the day theirs to own and enjoy. I even saw an achilles athlete carrying a what looked like a 10″ Cement block throughout the 4 mile course. That’s simply amazing!!

Bike Total 63 miles. Run 4 miles.

8 weeks to race day………….

Bike – Run