Bonk to kick off recovery

This week I'm experiencing my first recovery block in Ironman training. As this is my first time training for an IM, it's interesting to see how much it varies from my previous training. Yesterday on July 4th I got the whole day off with instructions to sit on my ass, eat, drink and sleep. I didn't completely follow the instructions. I did some shopping with gift cards from Christmas, a did some laundry and cleaning up around the house. But I did take a nap because I didn't get enough sleep the night before and felt exhausted. This of course resulted in me not being able to fall asleep last night. I drank a bunch of water which I'm pretty sure is what was meant by drink and not alcohol to celebrate the 4th. And naturally I ate a lot. No one has to tell me to eat. Ever. 

I've certainly had my share of days feeling very tired and sluggish but when I first saw the recovery block on my schedule I thought I didn't need it that much. That was until Sunday. Friday and Saturday both had long rides with some harder efforts. My energy held up fairly well during both rides. As soon as I was done with training on Saturday, my body started to feel very tired. Sunday I woke up to do a hard swim. I was planning to do my strength right after while at the gym but I knew after I finished swimming that it wasn't going to happen. The best deal I could make with myself was to do all the exercises that required machines so I could go home, eat a full breakfast and then finish at home.

I pulled food out to start making my typical breakfast but all I wanted was heavy carbs. I called my husband to see if he had an interest in going out for breakfast and of course he didn't because he already ate and never wants to go out for breakfast food. So I went back to making my breakfast. My carbs come from the huge lump of steamed spinach and a sweet potato. Unfortunately the already too small potato turned out to be half rotten so I wasn't left with a lot. After I ate I laid on the floor saying over and over that I wanted carbs to my husband who was busy painting molding. I wanted french toast and pancakes and waffles and bagels and all the yummy breakfast carbs I don't eat anymore and normally don't crave. I felt like I was bonking which was weird because I just ate. I felt like I was on the verge of tears from pure exhaustion which once again, really confused me. 

Mom? Are you alive?

I finally dragged my ass upstairs to finish the strength workout. After about 15 minutes, only 3 exercises and lots more laying on the ground, I couldn't do it anymore. This time instead of wanting to cry, I started laughing to myself because the whole thing seemed ridiculous. I came back downstairs and told my husband I needed food and we didn't have anything I needed/wanted in the house so I was going to go out for something, didn't care what. I didn't have the brain function to decide what was best for me so he decided on Chipotle so I could get him food as well. Not the best choice but I didn't care. While driving I thought maybe driving isn't the smartest idea but I needed food. Now. I finally learned what happens when you try to lock your car with the button on the handle while the keys are still in the car (long beep). Good thing they idiot proof that for when my brain is not working. Thankfully got the food quickly, went home and started eating as fast as I could until the whole burrito was gone. That would be my second full meal in about 2 hours. Of course after that I was full so there was more laying around to digest before I was finally able to find the will to finish my strength workout 4 hours after I started. 

This was the moment I knew my body was ready for the recovery block and I'm happy for it. What's sad is I know I haven't come close to the low points I'll feel weeks from now while training. Less than 14 weeks to go and lots of hard training to put in!