Weekly Ironman Training Recap: Finding Strength in a Testing Week

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:49:16 +0000

Some weeks test your legs. Some weeks test your lungs. And then there are weeks like this one when life throws a punch you didn’t see coming, and you’ve got to decide who you want to be when you hit the ground.

I was laid off this week. That’s a gut-check moment, no doubt. But instead of letting it break my rhythm, I leaned even harder into the one place that’s never let me down: the work. Training became my release valve, my reset button, and my reminder that I’m still moving forward literally and figuratively.

Cycling: A Big Jump Forward

This was my strongest riding week in a while, and it showed:

4 Rides | 50.83 miles
(Last week: 1 ride | 9.07 miles)
Total Time: 3:49:34
Average Speed: 13.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,959 ft

It wasn’t just the mileage it was the intentional effort. More climbs, more disciplined pacing, and more time in the saddle. Every ride felt like reclaiming ground… because honestly, it was.

Swimming: Consistent, Strong, and Improving

Three swims again this week—and this time, the numbers jumped:

9,950 yards (up from 8,125 yards last week)
Total Time: 4:12:22
Avg Pace: 1:34/100 yd (faster than last week’s 1:36)
Avg HR: 128 bpm

This is efficient swimming: faster pace, controlled heart rate, and more volume. That’s Ironman-level progress, not just maintenance.

Walking: Head-Clearing Miles

I got in one walk for 3.15 miles, and honestly, it might have been the most important workout of the week.

Time: 1:00:56
Avg Pace: 19:20/mi
Avg HR: 107 bpm

Sometimes you don’t need speed need space. This one did exactly that.

What This Week Really Meant

Training numbers are great, but this week wasn’t about stats. It was about resilience. About choosing movement over stagnation. About refusing to let a setback define the rest of the story.

I’ve always said fitness teaches you who you are. This week proved that again. I didn’t hide from the stress I put it on the bike, in the pool, and out on the road.

And I came out stronger.

Looking Ahead

Next week, I’m doubling down on consistency:

More structured Zone 2 rides
Continued swim volume building
Longer weekend sessions
And keeping my head in the right place, one workout at a time

Life may have changed this week but my direction hasn’t.