Summer Training

The holiday weekend is over, which means several things. One, it means that summer is here in full swing. This really rings true weather-wise this year in Vermont. Sheesh -- in June, I swear it rained every day -- whether for full days or for thunder showers here and there. But it has been hot and dry ever since July hit -- perfect weather for a July 4th weekend. Yep... summer's here, no mistakin'.

Two, it means peak time for the social calendar. The weekend was busy (friends, family, running, biking, swimming, canoeing, beer-drinking, firework-watching, etc.), but what else do you expect from a holiday? For the next two weeks though -- it is one thing after another. It's like Christmastime; something happening every day.

Most of all, with the holiday being over, it means the athletic training schedule takes over in earnest. Coming up, we have three big events: the Colchester Triathlon, the 100 on 100, and the Munchen Marathon. Alison actually ran a trialthon on July 5 -- we ran 5 miles, she swam for 25 minutes, and then she went on a 16-mile bike ride with her dad. I'm the one who will most likely suffer through the tri; I have swum once and have not been on my bike. Well, I have three weeks to turn it around. The 100 mile relay on Vermont's Route 100 will serve as a training for the marathon. Marathon training started in earnest yesterday with an 11-miler. The marathon is on October 12 -- which means for the first time ever, I will put in a full training season for a 26-miler. In addition to the schedule of long runs, I plan to incorporate some speed and tempo work. Time to get in shape!

With July 4th behind us, I suddenly feel like I can see the end of summer. What? Over already? Don't worry; there's no need to fear. Just keep telling myself there's plenty of summer left to enjoy.