Life Threw Me a Curveball...but Training Goes On!

I found out this week that Comps, which are required for my graduation for my Master’s Degree in December, fall right during the Adventure Race in October. So, that means I have to pull out from the race in Oct. It is a really big bummer, as both Nadine and I were really looking forward to it.  
 

Does it mean I’m done training or Nadine’s done training? Very far from it! So it’s off to plan B. Basically this doesn’t conclude for me until I have gotten in shape and participated in my very first Adventure Race.

 
What I learned this week is training for this type of race is a lot harder that I ever imagined. On one hand there is the exercise needed to make sure my body physically can take the demands of the race and that I am in overall good shape for it. On the other hand, there are all of the tools and techniques required to master the mental and technical elements a race that is 10 hours long and requires multiple disciplines for completion.
 

For those not familiar with Adventure Races, the one in October features orienteering (hiking), canoeing and mountain/road biking, each one of the 3 individual legs of the race.Other races may vary a bit to even include other areas such as rappelling. These are all disciplines that at first glance may seem simple enough, but to really master them...well, that is a different story.
 

For example, there are so many things to consider when just mountain biking. Shame on me for thinking it was as simple as hopping on a bike and hitting a trail. On top of trying to learn proper technique and train properly, there is the matter of choosing  the right equipment for the specific demands of the race. I will say this has been a very humbling experience but very worthwhile, as I have barely started to scratch the surface.
 

Here is how my week has gone for training:

Gym - Free weights continue to go up - Benching 85lb dumbbells /sets of 10-12 reps.
Cardio - One sprint session but switched to biking for rest of the week. Sprinting will resume once I get my legs back underneath me. 
Nutrition - Far from perfect, but I am sticking with it overall and remembering not to get discouraged, as every step forward is a positive one and a step backward is a learning experience.
Body Composition - Surprisingly, my body weight continues to drop, although my eating has been off at times this week. I am currently at 20% body fat and will continue to chart it.
Weight - Start Weight 250lbs. Last week 234lbs. Today 231lbs.
 

Finally, on a bit of a side note, I’ve gotten a few questions about the Warrior Diet from friends and co-workers. So next week I’ll spend a little time on that. Have a great and healthy week everyone!
   

Rex