Polar Performance Report – November 2016
I hope you had a fantastic weekend full of rest, friends and fun!
I added a new member to my bike family on Friday night.
I have some big triathlons on my radar for 2017 so it is time to get cracking! I am going to be buying Alto race wheels when I decide which ones I want but for now, I am using my road bike training tires to get comfy and acquainted with aero riding.
Before I talk too much about December training plans, let’s look back at November, shall we?
Distance covered: 519 KM
Training hours: 43
New/interesting places that I trained and raced: The Niagara Escarpment for the Raid the Hammer orienteering race and the biggest hills that Toronto can serve up for the Marquis de Sade half marathon challenge.
Most memorable run: Actually, it happened on the last day of November – it was approximately 10C and I wore shorts to do a tempo session in my local park. It was all lit up with Christmas lights and it was surreal to do a workout surrounded by Christmas lights while I was sweating in shorts and mild weather.
Races:
It was the last month of my offseason so I didn’t really race. I did the Raid the Hammer event to practice my navigation skills and you can read about it here.
Gear
I used the Polar V800 to track all of my track work, outdoor cycles and runs this month. I have been wearing my Polar M200 for a few workouts which is the new watch from Polar. I have tracked some of my training in the pool with the Polar A360.
I have been loving the New Balance 860s for base mileage training during my off season.
I am a Performance Project athlete under the coaching of Dave Galloway.
Thoughts
Physical
A lot of this month was setting the groundworks for hopping back into training. I started back into the pool. I did a few bike interval classes. I kept my running base up. I did strength training. There really isn’t much to report in terms of gains because that wasn’t my focus. I was a bit boring in this regard in November.
Mental
I started getting anxious to get back to training and I really felt slow and out of shape. Without that top gear which I tend to loose when I am not doing any interval training, I feel a bit like I am constantly slogging. I used this time to read about inspiring people and start priming my mental game for 2017. One of the biggest things I want to do away with is excuses. There is no such thing as a perfect race. There will always be unforeseen conditions to deal with. Getting tripped at the start line. If I want to be successful, I need to do away with any excuses and just get the job done the best I can.
For December
I’m back at it! I already have one full week of training under my belt and I am thriving on the structure and the challenge of everything. This month is establishing the framework to build on so there is lots of easy base work alongside time trials and FTP tests in the sports to see what my current fitness levels are and to use as a metric for as I improve.
December is always a month of decadence for me – I am planning on fully embracing the holiday parties, the treats and the special times with family. Is it super great for my training? Of course not – but the people in my life are my first priority.
Race-wise, I am planning on doing a fun trail race in Florida on Dec 31 to close out the year. I look forward to using it as a benchmark to see where I am at.
Enjoy the holidays! I think that is the best attitude to have and shows a healthy degree of balance.
Wow you’re one tough cookie! I’m plannign to work out through the holiday season too – this is great motivation! 🙂
Enjoy your holidays! I definitely agree with fully embracing the holiday season and all the treats 🙂
You go girl! I love my Polar watch!
That run with the Christmas lights sounds like so much fun!
Lol you WOULD squeeze one more race in on the last day of 2016! 🙂 I have no doubt that you are going to dominate in 2017, especially with your new toys, training cave and training buddies. This month I’m working on flexibility and hip mobility, and ideally being able to get 100% back to running come January. The injury I got back in September has lasted a long time and am REALLY craving a really good hard sweat! I may have to live vicariously through you for another couple of weeks but can’t wait to get back at it. Looking forward to hearing about your Florida trail race!
I am so impressed with the time you took off. Just know, I was giving you ALL THE MENTAL PROPS for taking the time you needed. You are going to have an awesome year in 2017.
You are a rock star! I love following along with your training and blog posts.
Thanks for the support Jennifer!
I’ll definitely be embracing the decadence of December as well! Happy Holidays 🙂
I have a Polar watch and I love it! It’s so great during workouts. I definitely look forward to your posts, because they help keep me motivated toward my fitness and health goals!
I’ve got to say, I really enjoy reading your posts – they’ve inspired me to elevate my current fitness routine! This was a killer review, Polar sounds like a great tool to have!
Nice bike! Do you recommend one for beginners?
This is so cool! Its important to exercise during this time of over eating!
You are so athletic, i’m impressed! You are so inspirational!
Great post!
http://www.ericavoyage.com
Yes, work it girl! I’ve never read a performance report but it makes me want to start working out more often!