August had a new FTP for the first time in YEARS. Went from 215W to 240W, which is a huge jump. But I just did a 3x13 threshold workout pretty well, so despite my disbelief it very clearly was a real thing.
September went sideways in lots of ways. Had to do a lot of travel, got sick, lost a ton of energy… I’m sure you’ve been there. Training time and work done got cut in half… 9:22 total, 11 activities (1 swim, 7 bike, 3 run), but I seem to have survived without losing any real capability. Running speed seems a few seconds per km faster, with Z2 runs now at about 8:45/km. Bike power is doing VERY nicely.
Trying to get consistent in October despite two work trips.
Good October with lots of racing. Did a half marathon, international triathlon, and North Carolina 70.3. Got second in the intl triathlon and beat my time goal by almost two minutes in the 70.3. Found a couple of things to work, but happy with results. The 70.3 convinced me to never ever want to do another 140.6 lol
Have a 5K Turkey Trot, and IM Florida 70.3 left in the year.
My October is still “life stress” writ large. Total volume increased from September’s 9:22 to 11:32, but still only 11 activities and less than half of what I’d like my volume to be.
But hey, I don’t get paid for this, I’m aging more slowly than I would otherwise, and I have far more energy for my work and other needs than I did 3-4 years ago before I started training. So no complaints from me. Will just try to do better in November.
Ok, after easy August. Had a good september and October month. Only less swim then I wanted, so need to up my volume again for the swim. With my first full IM planned in 2026 necessary to increase my swim and running.
But running goes pretty well. I only did Z2 running (around 5:35-5:45/km), just kept it consistent. Then in October did a 10k race and was surprised with my 44:20 result, without any tempo or intervals. And ideal for setting kind of base to work on now. Still lots of work to do but had some consistent weeks now (only after my 10k race took 5 days off to let my hamstring recover and had a cold that week so some days off was ideal to regain good feelings).
I wont waste your time with details but Marbella was the toughest, most brutal ride I have ever done. It was also one of the most beautiful rides. However, coming from the flatlands of Virginia I am no longer intimated by any North American Ironman race, not Placid, not Boulder, if St George was still there I would do that one as well.
Well, my 2025 season has ended unexpectedly. In early November after a 2 -hour run followed by working on our roof, developed a tough case of what has been diagnosed as piriformis syndrome, making simple activities of daily living quite painful (e.g., sitting, bending over, etc). Been battling it since with a combination of ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, alternating heat and ice, and light stretching. Just now starting to calm down a bit perhaps allowing some swimming (with a pull bouy) or light cycling. Running is out for a bit.
Will try to transfer my IM Florida 70.3 registration to a 70.3 next year. Once ready I will get more intentional and consistent with core and glute strengthening exercises, and proper glute activation/warm up before running. Will see if GP recs PT as well when I follow up next week. Will report back!
