April 28, 2008

I use points to compare my training volume using a system similar to one found on Gordo's website. James and I have used it in the past for epic weekends where we try to hit 100 points a day. The breakdown is as follows:

• Running one mile -- 4 points
• Swim 100 yards -- 1 point
• Cycling one mile -- 1 point

Last night as I reviewed my training log, I noticed that I was within 12 points of breaking the 300 barrier. I have never broken the 300 point barrier for some reason. For the week I was at 17.6 miles running, 9800 yards swimming and 120 miles on the bike. So of course I did what had to be done. I put on the running shoes and ran 3 junk miles for nothing more than training log padding. But I would argue it was more than that. It was a huge psychological lift knowing I had broken a new barrier in the new era (last 5+ years) of MetaMarshall training. This week will be an easy recovery week.

Of course, the point system calculates all training as equal. Right now, at just under 3 weeks to the race,I need to be doing more quality training at race pace and less volume. The system doesn't account for that.