Showing posts with label Ironman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ironman. Show all posts
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas 2013
After close to 8 weeks of delays the registration for Ironman Texas 2013 opened at noon EDT yesterday. I was ready to register for the 2013 race at the original date registration was to have opened (the day after this year's race), however there were some unanticipated conflicts that had to be resolved......and apparently they were resolved.
During the time since then I've been working on other plans, such as considering a later year Ironman race for 2013 and planning a late 2012 marathon for my beat possible race effort. Recently, work has intervened and I will not be able to make the Marine Corps Marathon this October due to scheduling conflicts. I'm currently looking at whether I reschedule to a race in Texas in November for that marathon or if I switch back to a fall triathlon schedule because if I'd do follow through with a fall Ironman next year then it will be 2014 before I can do some of these other races. At the moment Ironman races in Wisconsin, Florida and Arizona are the leading candidates for a group trip with my triathlon training group for fall 2013.
However, this post is about Ironman Texas 2013, which opened registration at noon EDT yesterday (11:00 am CDT here). My registration confirmation email arrived 12 minutes later. I'm looking forward to it already!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Ironman Texas Recovery and Getting Back to Business
Two weeks (actually 15 days, to be more exact) after completing Ironman Texas for the second time I am wrapping up my initial recovery period and will be moving on to a period of active recovery and training. Since IMTX I've done just three workouts--one each of a relatively light swim, bike and run. I have resisted the urge to do more and almost had to force myself at times to be cognizant of the need to rest my body after nearly 6 months of IM training, including a 39.3 mile Goofy Challenge, a 50 mile trail run, my first sub 6 hour half Ironman and a 4:06 PR marathon. I still have more plans for the rest of the year and need to be careful about easing back into training the right way.
My goals for the rest of the year include several more triathlons over the summer--2 sprint distances that I've done during previous years, and perhaps an Olympic distance triathlon. I also want to make a solid effort this fall at setting a new marathon PR. Currently my two main options for this target marathon are the Marine Corps Marathon (October 28) and the San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon (November 11). It would be really nice to do the MCM, but it has greater logistical hurdles (and the trip to D.C. would be several times more expensive than a trip to San Antonio).
My goal for that marathon is to push my PR to the best time that I can get. My 4:06 marathon in March was something I would not have believed possible until recent months. Given that I did this while I was in IM training, it is reasonable to expect that I can run under 4 hours, or even better, under more ideal circumstances.
However, my personal growth in my training has led to personal growth in my expectations. I have come to realize that the greatest limits upon me are those that I have placed upon myself. I'd like to try to become more aggressive in my goals and in my results. I fear that setting some goals could become too self-fulfilling, meaning that I could work towards and accomplish a goal that is less aggressive than that which I might otherwise be capable of achieving. Maybe 4:06 will be the best that I could do on a marathon course, but what if I am for 4:00 and hit 3:58, or aim for 3:50 and hit 3:45, .....when I might otherwise have been able to succeed with a time that seems so unreasonable that I would never try to make it a goal.
At this point I'm going to try to accept one thing about my race goals: I will resolve to race at my maximum effort and not be bound by any preconceived notion of a time goal. I will train and race by one philosophy and expectation--NO LIMITS!!
My goals for the rest of the year include several more triathlons over the summer--2 sprint distances that I've done during previous years, and perhaps an Olympic distance triathlon. I also want to make a solid effort this fall at setting a new marathon PR. Currently my two main options for this target marathon are the Marine Corps Marathon (October 28) and the San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon (November 11). It would be really nice to do the MCM, but it has greater logistical hurdles (and the trip to D.C. would be several times more expensive than a trip to San Antonio).
My goal for that marathon is to push my PR to the best time that I can get. My 4:06 marathon in March was something I would not have believed possible until recent months. Given that I did this while I was in IM training, it is reasonable to expect that I can run under 4 hours, or even better, under more ideal circumstances.
However, my personal growth in my training has led to personal growth in my expectations. I have come to realize that the greatest limits upon me are those that I have placed upon myself. I'd like to try to become more aggressive in my goals and in my results. I fear that setting some goals could become too self-fulfilling, meaning that I could work towards and accomplish a goal that is less aggressive than that which I might otherwise be capable of achieving. Maybe 4:06 will be the best that I could do on a marathon course, but what if I am for 4:00 and hit 3:58, or aim for 3:50 and hit 3:45, .....when I might otherwise have been able to succeed with a time that seems so unreasonable that I would never try to make it a goal.
At this point I'm going to try to accept one thing about my race goals: I will resolve to race at my maximum effort and not be bound by any preconceived notion of a time goal. I will train and race by one philosophy and expectation--NO LIMITS!!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Ironman Texas 2012 – Race Report
Pre-Race: I went into the taper for this race concerned as
I felt over-trained (and under-rested going into last year’s race). I spent
most of the taper worried that I was not feeling rested soon enough, although
in those last few days before the race I finally started to feel right. By race
day, I felt ready to go—not just that, I felt great, and I knew that I was
ready to go. During the week or so before the race I noticed my craving for
saltier foods had increased. Although I did not gorge myself on anything
unhealthy, I did allow myself to eat a greater level of these foods than I might
normally. I feel that my body may have been craving these foods for a reason.
It seems strange that while I did not limit my foods, and likely ate more than
normal that week,
It felt great to see the whole OutRival Racing team, and so many
friends (whether ORR or not) before the race that morning. In fact that morning
set the tone for the whole day for me. Seeing the raw emotion on people’s faces
brought together showed the greatness of Ironman—the mix of fear,
anticipation, exhilaration and so many other emotions all at once charged the
atmosphere.
 |
| Erin and I before the swim. She had an awesome race! I am so proud of her! |
Swim: Last year I started to the outside and this year I
started to the inside—I would say the outside was a better choice. I thought I
was generally swimming a good line, though I got angled off course at times by
people who kept swimming at angles to the course. I also tried to position
myself behind the fast swimmers and in front of the slow ones. Either I put
myself too far back or I too many slower swimmers lined up near the front or
perhaps I also did not push as hard as I intended or perhaps I just got caught
in the crowd. I felt this swim was rougher than last year, though still not
that bad compared to some stories I have heard. The few times I got pushed hard
I was willing to push back, and the one time some guy tried to swim over
me….well, he got pushed sideways towards the canal wall (when somebody wears a
wetsuit you can push them away real easily). I took a slightly easier pace for the last
300-400 yards so I could exit the water not feeling out of breath. My swim time
was 1:31:30, which was in the range of what I had projected before the race,
though I had hoped for faster. It improved over my 1:40:03 from last year. I
did have one physical issue during the swim; in the last 1/3 I felt some
tightness in my right hamstring area. This was not quite a cramp but was noticeable
for a short while. I slowed for a bit and then resumed normal stroking around
that time.
T-1: My plan was to take a methodical approach to
transition in order to be best prepared for the day. I did not go purposefully
slow, though my longer than expected time does make me wonder….. Anyway I got
out of the water and ran through the bags and ran to the changing tent. I
noticed some minor chaffing and added extra body glide there, plus other
potential chaffing areas. I had meant to leave my tri top in the transition bag
and swim shirtless but had forgot to place it in the bag, so I had to swim with
the tri top. I run out and grab my bike and go off to the next phase of the
race with a T-1 time of 10:14 (versus 8:01 last year).
Bike: I felt surprisingly good early on the bike.
.jpg)
I biked
by heart rate though it was not getting that high (or
at least not staying that high) until around mile 50 or so. I averaged just
over 20 mph for the first 40 miles and hit the half way marker at 2:53:08
(19.41 mph) which is only slightly slower than Galveston 70.3 bike time. I was
feeling good at this but also trying to not get excited and focusing on the
plan. I stopped at the Special Needs station and took about 5 minutes to change
out nutrition, change my socks and rub more anti-chaffing cream on my feet. (My
feet were feeling sore from the pedaling by around mile 50 today, something
which usually takes 60-90 miles to happen.). I’ve been trying hard to
drink plenty of water and feel good about my nutrition plan at this point. I,
and my feet, feel refreshed when we start back up and I resume the ride. Strangely
it felt like I had a headwind from the west, south and east at times today—from
the west by Richards, the south down 149 and 1486 and the east on 1488. Around the time I turn back on to 1488 is
when I notice I am beginning to feel a bit fatigued and losing a bit of focus.
I probably lower my heart rate a bit so as not to
overtire myself. During this period I notice my mind wandering a bit and I also
start to feel some soreness in the lower back/kidney area. For some reason I
start wondering if I have been drinking enough water (I had) and if I was
having some kind of kidney issues since I had no desire to urinate even though
I was drinking enough water to drown a small dog. After a near wreck at the aid
station by the school on 1488 I stop to use the porta-potty and regain my
composure (and am sure I don’t have kidney issues). Following a 3 minute stop,
I am back on the bike and feeling a bit better as well. I bike better through
the Westwood area but have a moment of panic when I’m passing another rider and
I hear the sound of a tire going flat. After thinking “oh crap” and worse…..then
I realize it was the other guy and not me! I feel pretty good getting through
until May Valley (around mile 100) but feel like I am tiring as I go back through The Woodlands on the way
back to transition and I am also trying to save energy by not going too hard
late in the bike. I make it back in 6:13:20, which is well ahead of
expectations (also well ahead of last year was 7:24:17, of course that race was
having problems by then).
T-2: Off the bike and kick of bottle and my shoes and run
in my socks to get my bag and head to the tent. I change socks and rub Body
Glide on my feet. I also decide to change into running shorts for comfort. T-2 is 8:55 versus 11:15 last year. I can’t explain the
difference other than I didn’t feel nearly as worn out this year at this point as I did last year.
Run: The run was like the Dickens novel A Tale of Two
Cities: it was the best of times and it was the worst of times….. I started
off the run feeling good and holding to running between aid stations averaging
a little over 11 minute miles. In that time I was seeing my heart rising so I backed off to a 8-2 run-walk, plus walking the aid stations.
This
got me through the rest of the first loop before my heart rate started getting too high. According to my Garmin I was averaging about 11:39 through the first
9 miles.
Due to heart rate rising and the start of intestinal
cramping and gas, I changed my run rate to a 4-1 run-walk, plus walking the aid
stations. A few times in this loop I started to feel the start of cramping in
the same area of the right hamstring from the swim but it was not a major
problem, though when it started to flare up I did some extra walking. I stopped using the gels
during this loop due to the intestinal distress and nibbled a few grapes along
the way.
 |
| During one of my tougher moments. |
I also used the restroom around mile 11 for a bit of a relief of my
distress. Miles 10-18 went by slowly this way with lots of little ups and some
big and small downs. I averaged about 13:48 per mile over this loop. I noticed
some temporary spikes in my heart rate that just seemed out of place that kept
me walking at times. In any case I wanted to be careful
enough to not push too hard and risk crashing my race as well. I entered the
last loop knowing I needed a nutrition boost but feeling like I was having
difficulty taking anything in. I tried a gel early for some extra electrolytes
and it did not sit well with me. After that I tried some cola, and that seemed
to work well so I stayed with it at each aid station. I stopped at the special
needs station at mile 19 to change socks and use the rest room and felt a bit
better. Not too far in the last loop I picked up with a friend, Brandon, with whom I had
been leapfrogging with for a while. We were both running and walk and stuck
together for several miles and helped each other along. I was able to pick up
the pace some after that, although my hamstring was becoming more of an issue
at times, and during those times I walked a bit extra.
 |
| Brandon and I running along the Waterway with just a few miles to go. |
Brandon and I stayed
together for several miles before he went ahead about 2 miles before the end. My
last loop averaged about 13:13 per mile, with a pick up of pace closer to the
end. During the last few miles I was thanking cheering fans and volunteers more
frequently, knowing I was about to finish and was not coming back.
 |
| Just before the finisher chute!!! |
When I came
up near the finishing area I paused a bit to allow others to clear the area and
I tried to high-five as many people as I could, maybe even more than last year.
Then I approached the finish and tried to jump up through it for joy at the
end. Run time was 5:37:09 versus 7:12:15 last year. I was hoping to run it a
bit faster but it was my 3rd fastest marathon and only a little over
6 minutes slower than the Disney marathon earlier this year (more walking and
less posing for photos).
Post Race: I was caught at the end by my friend Karen, who volunteered mostly to be there for me.
I got a big hug from
her and felt a bit emotional and then she took me to meet Chrissie Wellington
who place my medal around my neck and gave me a big hug and kiss and
congratulated me. Talk about a big WOW factor for me! Chrissie really seems so
excited and she must have been there for hours! After that I stuck around in
the athlete area for a post-race massage, mostly my legs, and to eat. I would
go get my bike and gear but I also hung around until after midnight to see the
race close down and the last runners come through.
 | |
| Post race photo of me and my finish line "catcher" Karen, who is also my good friend, often times training partner and, at least on this date, guardian angle. |
During the time leading up to this race I had several goals I set for myself. My most specific goal was to improve by at least 2 hours over
last year (and this was something I told most people who asked since it was
easy to quantify).
My next goal was to get under 14 hours (which I was less
sure about but I knew was possible).
My desired goal……well, somewhere in early April, I put together I “best case” estimate of what I felt
comfortable estimating that I could do on race day. Try to keep it conservative
enough to allow that race day would have some issues of its own and would not
likely be perfect. Anyway, I wrote these goals down and stuck them to the back
wall over my desk at work, where I have seen them as a frequent reminder for
many weeks. Below is a photo of that paper:
This wasn't quite how the day went, but it wasn't too far off in the end.
Now, if they will just open up registration for IMTX 2013.......361 days away......
Sunday, May 20, 2012
13:41:06
I'm going to need a bit of time to recover and regroup from Ironman Texas yesterday, and when I do I will be posting a full race report. For now I will say that parts of my race went as planned and parts were better and worse than planned. However, planning an Ironman is a rather ambitious undertaking under the best of circumstances. In the end my day was filled with sweat and tears, joy and heartbreak, success and failure in so many ways.
On this day there was more good than bad as I finished in 13:41:06.
My thanks to those of you who supported me along the way!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Ironman Texas 2012 Preview
The clock is ticking down on the start of Ironman Texas 2012. It's currently under 12 hours and counting down....
Packet pickup went well for me. I got there early and for once there were no early lines. I was able to make a quick trip in to the Ironman store to grab a couple small items and then to grab my packet. One great extra this year was the transition backpack that come with registration.
Unfortunately, this proved to be a busy work week for me. Although I was able to take off a half day Thursday to help get ready. Friday was filled with about 4 hours of work related phone calls and a lot of headaches (arrgghhhh!!!!). However, I still got tires changed, spare tubes bought, transition bags packed and my bike + transition bags dropped off before the 3 p.m. deadline. (That's my Orbea in the center.)
After the dropoff, I got some pizza and salad for lunch and walked around the new finish area. It would have been hard to believe, but I think this year the finish is even more spectator friendly than last year!. One small slightly unhappy thing is that the last run is uphill, but I am pretty sure that won't matter at that point when adrenaline carries you through.
I also enjoyed a treat from a bake shop on that final run--a cookie in the Ironman logo!
As for me, I have done the training and feel real good about my preparation. Unfortunately these last 2 or 3 days have just been awful from a work point of view and I am at a stress high point in my life, though maybe that might work for me with tomorrow being a chance to focus only the task before me and nothing more.
For anyone interested in tracking me, I have two links for you.
First is the Ironman Texas website where they offer athlete tracking: ironmantexas,com has a results link with an athlete tracker at: http://www2.ironman.com/events/ironman/texas/?show=tracker&race=texas&year=2012#axzz1NNlKA7YV
Second is a tracking chip at http://track.myathletelive.com/vemap.aspx?name=194261 This could give you an idea where I am on the bike and run portions of the course.
Finally, there is the issue of finishing time. Last year I had some problems I fought through to a 16:35:49 finish. This year my first goal is to beat this time, but I also really want to beat it by a lot and hope to get under 14 hours. It will be a long day but I will give it all I have.
Thanks for all the support and encouragement, my friends!
Unfortunately, this proved to be a busy work week for me. Although I was able to take off a half day Thursday to help get ready. Friday was filled with about 4 hours of work related phone calls and a lot of headaches (arrgghhhh!!!!). However, I still got tires changed, spare tubes bought, transition bags packed and my bike + transition bags dropped off before the 3 p.m. deadline. (That's my Orbea in the center.)
After the dropoff, I got some pizza and salad for lunch and walked around the new finish area. It would have been hard to believe, but I think this year the finish is even more spectator friendly than last year!. One small slightly unhappy thing is that the last run is uphill, but I am pretty sure that won't matter at that point when adrenaline carries you through.
I also enjoyed a treat from a bake shop on that final run--a cookie in the Ironman logo!
As for me, I have done the training and feel real good about my preparation. Unfortunately these last 2 or 3 days have just been awful from a work point of view and I am at a stress high point in my life, though maybe that might work for me with tomorrow being a chance to focus only the task before me and nothing more.
For anyone interested in tracking me, I have two links for you.
First is the Ironman Texas website where they offer athlete tracking: ironmantexas,com has a results link with an athlete tracker at: http://www2.ironman.com/events/ironman/texas/?show=tracker&race=texas&year=2012#axzz1NNlKA7YV
Second is a tracking chip at http://track.myathletelive.com/vemap.aspx?name=194261 This could give you an idea where I am on the bike and run portions of the course.
Finally, there is the issue of finishing time. Last year I had some problems I fought through to a 16:35:49 finish. This year my first goal is to beat this time, but I also really want to beat it by a lot and hope to get under 14 hours. It will be a long day but I will give it all I have.
Thanks for all the support and encouragement, my friends!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Final Post Ironman Thoughts
Now that I have had 3 weeks to recover from my Ironman adventure, I have also had time to think about my experiences leading up to, during and following Ironman Texas. From my perspective of hindsight I can only now truly understand why my friends who had previously completed Ironman races were so enthusiastic to see me take on this effort, and why they described this undertaking in such glowing terms as a transformational process.
I would encourage anyone wanting to take on the challenge of completing an Ironman to do so with one caveat, that caveat would be that they should truly want to take on this goal. The process of preparation will not be easy, but by race day a proper training program will have you both physically and mentally prepared. The importance of the mental preparation is not to be underestimated in this process.
During my own race I experienced problems of a sort that I did not experience in training, however I always felt confident of my ability to overcome those issues and complete the race. Of course part of that could have been my own innate stubbornness that refused to allow me to fail.
There were a couple things for which my training did leave me completely unprepared. The first was the emotional feelings associated with receiving the cheers of support from the many friends and family members that I saw along the race course. Racing in and completing the Ironman was emotional in itself, but being able to do it with so many friendly faces around made it truly special. It was not long after I had finished that I was virtually surrounded by excited friends. The second is the admiration I have earned from friends because of my Ironman finish. In this regard I am a bit embarrassed with the feeling that I am being placed on a pedestal in such a way. However, I have come to feel that this is not necessarily a bad thing. I feel that with this I can be a positive example to those who wish to also take on the challenge of the Ironman and may feel less confident of their own abilities at the time they register. For those who may feel inspired by my story, I hope I can be up to being the example that helps them achieve their own success. In a way, I am only
just learning what it means to serve as this example and hope I prove to be up to the challenge.
Finally, moving forward I know that I want to take on the challenge of Ironman again. I am not sure when this will be, and my race schedule is already too full for it to earlier than the second half of 2012. The question of which race really has me wondering and will have to wait for some time to come, especially since most Ironman races need to be registered for almost a year in advance.
I would encourage anyone wanting to take on the challenge of completing an Ironman to do so with one caveat, that caveat would be that they should truly want to take on this goal. The process of preparation will not be easy, but by race day a proper training program will have you both physically and mentally prepared. The importance of the mental preparation is not to be underestimated in this process.
During my own race I experienced problems of a sort that I did not experience in training, however I always felt confident of my ability to overcome those issues and complete the race. Of course part of that could have been my own innate stubbornness that refused to allow me to fail.
There were a couple things for which my training did leave me completely unprepared. The first was the emotional feelings associated with receiving the cheers of support from the many friends and family members that I saw along the race course. Racing in and completing the Ironman was emotional in itself, but being able to do it with so many friendly faces around made it truly special. It was not long after I had finished that I was virtually surrounded by excited friends. The second is the admiration I have earned from friends because of my Ironman finish. In this regard I am a bit embarrassed with the feeling that I am being placed on a pedestal in such a way. However, I have come to feel that this is not necessarily a bad thing. I feel that with this I can be a positive example to those who wish to also take on the challenge of the Ironman and may feel less confident of their own abilities at the time they register. For those who may feel inspired by my story, I hope I can be up to being the example that helps them achieve their own success. In a way, I am only
just learning what it means to serve as this example and hope I prove to be up to the challenge.
Finally, moving forward I know that I want to take on the challenge of Ironman again. I am not sure when this will be, and my race schedule is already too full for it to earlier than the second half of 2012. The question of which race really has me wondering and will have to wait for some time to come, especially since most Ironman races need to be registered for almost a year in advance.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Ironman Texas Wrap-up
Strangely, writing this final report to wrap-up some items feels bittersweet. For almost a year, Ironman Texas was my one real goal race where everything else was merely a part of building towards this race. I certainly leave this experience better off because of it-- I have made some great new friends and gotten to know other friends better, I have improved my fitness by any standard I can think of, I pursued and achieved a difficult goal and (regadless of whether it was my first or only Ironman race--hopefully first of several/many) I had the experience of a lifetime throughout the process.
What Did I Do Right?
1. I did the training. I was prepared for this race and told myself--and others--that I was only coming off the race course one of two ways: running across the finish line or being dragged off by events entirely beyond my control. I am glad to say that it was by crossing the finish line!
2. I entered the day with a plan and followed it for the most part. Things went well where I followed my plan and I spent most of the day on or ahead of schedule with my plan. Where I went off plan...well, that is below this section.
3. I picked a great race for my first Ironman experience. Sure the weather was tough, but I always knew that was a likelihood. By my doing a local event, I found that I had friends all over the place. It was definitely a great motivator seeing them out there along the course and at aid stations. When I crossed the aid stations that had a volunteer that I knew, one of them would often walk with me for a moment to make sure I had everything I needed and grab it for me if I did not. The other benefit of a local event was being able to stay at home and save money on not having travel costs.
4. I put Body Glide into every transition and special needs bag. By doing this I had access to Body Glide at several points during the race and was able to prevent additional chaffing issues when they started in a location where I had not previously chaffed--and while chaffing was never an issue during my training, it became one during the race....fortunately, a problem that was marginalized because of my preparation.
What Would I Do Different Next Time?
Not much, I had a good plan and had problems with it's execution, so I think I would largely work on improving those things for next time. As far as specifics:
1. Don't deviate on the nutrition plan! I made one minor change that I thought was inconsequential, but it looks like it could have been the cause of my upset stomach. In brief, I had trained to sip one aero bottle (mounted to the front of the bike) with a solution of electrolytes over the entire ride while also taking in one bottle of water plus other nutrition each hour. What I decided to do at almost the last minute for convenience was to put drink each hourly water bottle through the aero bottle and dissolve the electrolyte tablets for an hour at a time. What I did not consider was that the electrolyte solution was a moderate acidic solution and I spent 7 hours consuming this solution where I had been used to my primary method of fueling being near a neutral pH.
2. I found that my wet feet during the bike ride were uncomfortable at times and I wished that I had an extra pair of socks to change into in the second half of the bike ride. Other than feeling uncomfortable, I don't see that this cost me anytime. I have some friends who ride without socks and that may be a potential solution as well.
3. Swim without the tri top on if I wear the two piece tri suit in the future. For some reason the tri top was chaffing around the front of my shoulders and had not done this before. The time saved by not having to put on the top in transition was minimal and I could have saved myself some minor discomfort issues early in the race.
All in all, the positives far outweighed the negatives in my race experience and I accomplished the goals I set forth for myself. I am looking forward to my next Ironman race experience even though I have not yet decided where and when it will be. A return entry to IM Texas is not likely due to other races already on my schedule, so perhaps another 2012 PIM race location or even the 2013 IM Texas event will be selected.
Strangely, writing this final report to wrap-up some items feels bittersweet. For almost a year, Ironman Teaxs was my one real goal race where everything else was merely a part of building towards this race. I certainly leave this experience better off because of it-- I have made some great new friends and gotten to know other friends better, I have improved my fitness by any standard I can think of, I pursued and achieved a difficult goal and (regadless of whether it was my first or only Ironman race--hopefully first of several/many) I had the experience of a lifetime throughout the process.
What Did I Do Right?
1. I did the training. I was prepared for this race and told myself--and others--that I was only coming off the race course: running across the finish line or being dragged off by events entirely beyond my control. I am glad to say that it was by crossing the finish line!
2. I entered the day with a plan and followed it for the most part. Things went well where I followed my plan and I spent most of the day on or ahead of schedule with my plan. Where I went off plan...well, that is below this section.
3. I picked a great race for my first Ironman experience. Sure the weather was tough, but I always knew that was a likelihood. By my doing a local event, I found that I had friends all over the place. It was definitely a great motivator seeing them out there along the course and at aid stations. When I crossed the aid stations that had a volunteer that I knew, one of them would often walk with me for a moment to make sure I had everything I needed and grab it for me if I did not. The other benefit of a local event was being able to stay at home and save money on not having travel costs.
4. I put Body Glide into very transition and special needs bag. By doing this I had access to Body Glide at several points during the race and was able to prevent additional chaffing issues when they started in a location where I had not previously chaffed.
What Would I Do Different Next Time?
Not much, I had a good plan and had problems with it's execution, so I think I would largely work on improving those things for next time. As far as specifics,:
1. Don't deviate on the nutrition plan! I made one minor changes that I thought was inconsequential, but it looks like it could have been the cause of my upset stomach. In brief, I had trained to sip one aero bottle (mounted to the front of the bike) with a solution of electrolytes over the entire ride while also taking in one bottle of water plus other nutrition each hour. What I decided to do late for convenience was to put drink each hourly water bottle through the aero bottle and dissolve the electrolyte an hour at a time. What I did not consider was that the electrolyte solution was a moderate acidic solution and I spent 7 hours consuming this solution where I had been used to my primary method of fueling being near a neutral pH.
2. I found that my wet feet during the bike ride were uncomfortable at times and I wished that I had an extra pair of socks to change into in the second half of the bike ride. Other than feeling uncomfortable, I don't see that this cost me anytime. I have some friends who ride without socks and that may be a potential solution as well.
3. Swim without the tri top on if I wear the two piece tri suit in the future. For some reason the tri top was chaffing around the front of my shoulders and had not done this before. The time saved by not having to put on the top in transition was minimal and I could have saved myself some minor discomfort issues early in the race.
All in all, the positives far outweighed the negatives in my race experience and I accomplished the goals I set forth for myself. I am looking forward to my next Ironman race experience even though I have not yet decided where and when it will be. A return entry to IM Texas is not likely due to other races already on my schedule, so perhaps another 2012 IM race location or even the 2013 IM Texas event will be selected.
What Did I Do Right?
1. I did the training. I was prepared for this race and told myself--and others--that I was only coming off the race course one of two ways: running across the finish line or being dragged off by events entirely beyond my control. I am glad to say that it was by crossing the finish line!
2. I entered the day with a plan and followed it for the most part. Things went well where I followed my plan and I spent most of the day on or ahead of schedule with my plan. Where I went off plan...well, that is below this section.
3. I picked a great race for my first Ironman experience. Sure the weather was tough, but I always knew that was a likelihood. By my doing a local event, I found that I had friends all over the place. It was definitely a great motivator seeing them out there along the course and at aid stations. When I crossed the aid stations that had a volunteer that I knew, one of them would often walk with me for a moment to make sure I had everything I needed and grab it for me if I did not. The other benefit of a local event was being able to stay at home and save money on not having travel costs.
4. I put Body Glide into every transition and special needs bag. By doing this I had access to Body Glide at several points during the race and was able to prevent additional chaffing issues when they started in a location where I had not previously chaffed--and while chaffing was never an issue during my training, it became one during the race....fortunately, a problem that was marginalized because of my preparation.
What Would I Do Different Next Time?
Not much, I had a good plan and had problems with it's execution, so I think I would largely work on improving those things for next time. As far as specifics:
1. Don't deviate on the nutrition plan! I made one minor change that I thought was inconsequential, but it looks like it could have been the cause of my upset stomach. In brief, I had trained to sip one aero bottle (mounted to the front of the bike) with a solution of electrolytes over the entire ride while also taking in one bottle of water plus other nutrition each hour. What I decided to do at almost the last minute for convenience was to put drink each hourly water bottle through the aero bottle and dissolve the electrolyte tablets for an hour at a time. What I did not consider was that the electrolyte solution was a moderate acidic solution and I spent 7 hours consuming this solution where I had been used to my primary method of fueling being near a neutral pH.
2. I found that my wet feet during the bike ride were uncomfortable at times and I wished that I had an extra pair of socks to change into in the second half of the bike ride. Other than feeling uncomfortable, I don't see that this cost me anytime. I have some friends who ride without socks and that may be a potential solution as well.
3. Swim without the tri top on if I wear the two piece tri suit in the future. For some reason the tri top was chaffing around the front of my shoulders and had not done this before. The time saved by not having to put on the top in transition was minimal and I could have saved myself some minor discomfort issues early in the race.
All in all, the positives far outweighed the negatives in my race experience and I accomplished the goals I set forth for myself. I am looking forward to my next Ironman race experience even though I have not yet decided where and when it will be. A return entry to IM Texas is not likely due to other races already on my schedule, so perhaps another 2012 PIM race location or even the 2013 IM Texas event will be selected.
Strangely, writing this final report to wrap-up some items feels bittersweet. For almost a year, Ironman Teaxs was my one real goal race where everything else was merely a part of building towards this race. I certainly leave this experience better off because of it-- I have made some great new friends and gotten to know other friends better, I have improved my fitness by any standard I can think of, I pursued and achieved a difficult goal and (regadless of whether it was my first or only Ironman race--hopefully first of several/many) I had the experience of a lifetime throughout the process.
What Did I Do Right?
1. I did the training. I was prepared for this race and told myself--and others--that I was only coming off the race course: running across the finish line or being dragged off by events entirely beyond my control. I am glad to say that it was by crossing the finish line!
2. I entered the day with a plan and followed it for the most part. Things went well where I followed my plan and I spent most of the day on or ahead of schedule with my plan. Where I went off plan...well, that is below this section.
3. I picked a great race for my first Ironman experience. Sure the weather was tough, but I always knew that was a likelihood. By my doing a local event, I found that I had friends all over the place. It was definitely a great motivator seeing them out there along the course and at aid stations. When I crossed the aid stations that had a volunteer that I knew, one of them would often walk with me for a moment to make sure I had everything I needed and grab it for me if I did not. The other benefit of a local event was being able to stay at home and save money on not having travel costs.
4. I put Body Glide into very transition and special needs bag. By doing this I had access to Body Glide at several points during the race and was able to prevent additional chaffing issues when they started in a location where I had not previously chaffed.
What Would I Do Different Next Time?
Not much, I had a good plan and had problems with it's execution, so I think I would largely work on improving those things for next time. As far as specifics,:
1. Don't deviate on the nutrition plan! I made one minor changes that I thought was inconsequential, but it looks like it could have been the cause of my upset stomach. In brief, I had trained to sip one aero bottle (mounted to the front of the bike) with a solution of electrolytes over the entire ride while also taking in one bottle of water plus other nutrition each hour. What I decided to do late for convenience was to put drink each hourly water bottle through the aero bottle and dissolve the electrolyte an hour at a time. What I did not consider was that the electrolyte solution was a moderate acidic solution and I spent 7 hours consuming this solution where I had been used to my primary method of fueling being near a neutral pH.
2. I found that my wet feet during the bike ride were uncomfortable at times and I wished that I had an extra pair of socks to change into in the second half of the bike ride. Other than feeling uncomfortable, I don't see that this cost me anytime. I have some friends who ride without socks and that may be a potential solution as well.
3. Swim without the tri top on if I wear the two piece tri suit in the future. For some reason the tri top was chaffing around the front of my shoulders and had not done this before. The time saved by not having to put on the top in transition was minimal and I could have saved myself some minor discomfort issues early in the race.
All in all, the positives far outweighed the negatives in my race experience and I accomplished the goals I set forth for myself. I am looking forward to my next Ironman race experience even though I have not yet decided where and when it will be. A return entry to IM Texas is not likely due to other races already on my schedule, so perhaps another 2012 IM race location or even the 2013 IM Texas event will be selected.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ironman Texas 2011 Race Report
Last summer when the registration for the inaugural Ironman Texas opened up, I was refreshing the computer screen until I could register---and I was registered within minutes! I knew this was going to be an adventure, but little did I know just how much of an adventure it would be!
I started a 20 week training program for my race that coincidentally began January 1st. Steadily the training weeks got longer and longer and longer, with an occasional recovery week thrown in after 3 build weeks. I remember that February through April had many long and dark workouts, and many times I felt like I was still asleep when I got to the gym to swim or ride. In time I was also so tired that I was not always sure I could complete a workout without falling asleep. There is a lot of stress that goes with training for an Ironman, but I also feel like it was worth every minute of effort I put out. I have so many good memories that I could never remember them all at the same time if I tried.
Anyway, on with the race report.....
I set 3 alarms to be up at 3:30am and within minutes I was packed up and ready to head out the door. Technically virtually everything was packed up the night before--and unpacked and repacked..... Since bikes and transition bags were turned in the day before the race all I had to do was get myself there ready to race and turn in my special needs bags (one bag for each the bike and run that was available at key points in the race in case there was something I thought I might want or need). I head out, get parked near the race and get to transition by 4:30am (I have to love being so close to this race--2.5 miles from the start line!). I check my bike, set up my nutrition on the bike and head out towards the swim start area. As I walk along I bump into various friends and talk about the race.
By the time I get down there and get all ready to go it is about 30 minutes until race time. As I am standing around with friends waiting to enter the water, we realize we are only several feet away from one of the male pro racers, Tim O'Donnell and his girlfriend Mirinda Carfrae. Tim goes on to take the Men's 2nd place in this race and Mirinda is the reigning Women's World Champion. In a few minutes we are in the water, I find a place to hang onto a nearby dock to avoid using energy treading water before we start as the final minutes tick down.
At 7:00am the gun goes off and the race begins. I was caught in a tight-ish pack for most of the first part of the swim and held back by so many slow swimmers that started at the front of the line. I also wanted to try to swim at the outside to start, but there were still athletes getting into the water when the gun went off and they blocked that route for me. I expected bumping and jostling and was not surprised at the swim being rough at times and did not think it was that bad. The next day I heard several multi-time IM-er's describing it as worse than their other IM swims, so maybe I was better off being planned to expect worse than it was. Here is a photo showing a sample are of the swim start.
Being my first Ironman swim, I projected a 1:40 swim time and was clocked at 1:40:03.
As I make it in, I get to the ladder at the swim exit and pick up my transition bag on the way from the water.
I had a good bike ride for the first half, but started having problems early. For some reason my bike computer was not registering out of transition (and I did check it before the race) so I made a very early quick stop to realign it. All was good for the first hour and a half as I was pretty much on pace and then little things went wrong. First, the screen showing my speed went blank and never came back on, so I biked on heart rate and perceived effort as my guide, which is what I use for my effort level anyway. About an hour later the zipper broke on my nutrition box and I had try pry it open. Still, I made it through the first half of the bike ride about 7 minutes ahead of my goal range. However, I started feeling nauseous around mile 60 and by mile 70 was in urgent need of a rest stop. After a longer stop than I wanted at the porta-potties and making sure my feet were OK in my wet socks (next time I am considering a mid point sock exchange), I then got back on the road. I did not time my stop but it probably got close to 15 minutes. I did feel better for the next 20 miles but then the nausea returned around mile 90 and stayed with me all day. Seeing friends late on the bike course did perk me up a bit but my stomach was not happy.
I did finish the bike in the back end of my (7 to 7:30) target zone with 7:24. I thought my T2 was slow but it was faster than I thought it was, I headed out on the run. I really did enjoy the run course, and was almost always near someone cheering or volunteering, but my stomach kept bothering me. I walked the first half mile to get started and when I saw a friend who motivated me to start running. The best run I could manage was a 3 minute run/2 minute walk on this loop--however that still got me around loop 1 in approximately 2:02 on my watch when I hoped to average around 2 hours per loop.
It did feel good to run but I was always so close to being sick when I ran. By the time I got to mile 12 I was realizing that even this effort level was pushing me to nearly vomiting and I feared that might push me too close to dehydration, as I saw a number of runners go down from dehydration and heat exhaustion. I decided at that point that I would rather walk and guarantee a finish than push my pace and risk failure, so I walked much of the rest of that second loop and just ran where there was better crowd support. About a mile into the last loop I was feeling somewhat better and wanted to try to run some more, but the guy I was walking with kept wanting to drop out so I stayed with him and talked him through the last loop until we got around the mile 25 marker. At that point I told him he had about 45 minutes left with a 20-25 minute walk ahead of him and I started running again until near the end. I waited near the finishing entry to Market Street for a minute or two to get a place with no other athletes in the finishing chute and then went for my finish.
I was glad to have the chance to go in and high-five a bunch of people on both sides and really have fun with my finishing run before I crossed the line.
It was not long until I saw friends and fellow OutRival Racing members come up and hug me and tell me how happy they were for me and want to ask me all about the race. That really made me feel so great to share those moments with friends!!
Finally, before I drive away from the race area to head back home, I am adding the new distance sticker to my car!
Ironman Texas was an awesome experience! I may have had things go wrong, but I also was well enough prepared to overcome those problems and succeed in finishing. In the end, I was able to endure and still enjoy my race. A friend of mine had once told me that there is no real plan for Ironman because things will go wrong. I remembered this statement during my race and told myself that I would be fine---and I was. This Ironman journey was the adventure of a lifetime and I would not trade it away for anything! As difficult as this was, I can't wait to do it again!
I...AM...AN...IRONMAN!
I started a 20 week training program for my race that coincidentally began January 1st. Steadily the training weeks got longer and longer and longer, with an occasional recovery week thrown in after 3 build weeks. I remember that February through April had many long and dark workouts, and many times I felt like I was still asleep when I got to the gym to swim or ride. In time I was also so tired that I was not always sure I could complete a workout without falling asleep. There is a lot of stress that goes with training for an Ironman, but I also feel like it was worth every minute of effort I put out. I have so many good memories that I could never remember them all at the same time if I tried.
Anyway, on with the race report.....
I set 3 alarms to be up at 3:30am and within minutes I was packed up and ready to head out the door. Technically virtually everything was packed up the night before--and unpacked and repacked..... Since bikes and transition bags were turned in the day before the race all I had to do was get myself there ready to race and turn in my special needs bags (one bag for each the bike and run that was available at key points in the race in case there was something I thought I might want or need). I head out, get parked near the race and get to transition by 4:30am (I have to love being so close to this race--2.5 miles from the start line!). I check my bike, set up my nutrition on the bike and head out towards the swim start area. As I walk along I bump into various friends and talk about the race.
By the time I get down there and get all ready to go it is about 30 minutes until race time. As I am standing around with friends waiting to enter the water, we realize we are only several feet away from one of the male pro racers, Tim O'Donnell and his girlfriend Mirinda Carfrae. Tim goes on to take the Men's 2nd place in this race and Mirinda is the reigning Women's World Champion. In a few minutes we are in the water, I find a place to hang onto a nearby dock to avoid using energy treading water before we start as the final minutes tick down.At 7:00am the gun goes off and the race begins. I was caught in a tight-ish pack for most of the first part of the swim and held back by so many slow swimmers that started at the front of the line. I also wanted to try to swim at the outside to start, but there were still athletes getting into the water when the gun went off and they blocked that route for me. I expected bumping and jostling and was not surprised at the swim being rough at times and did not think it was that bad. The next day I heard several multi-time IM-er's describing it as worse than their other IM swims, so maybe I was better off being planned to expect worse than it was. Here is a photo showing a sample are of the swim start.
Being my first Ironman swim, I projected a 1:40 swim time and was clocked at 1:40:03.
As I make it in, I get to the ladder at the swim exit and pick up my transition bag on the way from the water.
I had a good bike ride for the first half, but started having problems early. For some reason my bike computer was not registering out of transition (and I did check it before the race) so I made a very early quick stop to realign it. All was good for the first hour and a half as I was pretty much on pace and then little things went wrong. First, the screen showing my speed went blank and never came back on, so I biked on heart rate and perceived effort as my guide, which is what I use for my effort level anyway. About an hour later the zipper broke on my nutrition box and I had try pry it open. Still, I made it through the first half of the bike ride about 7 minutes ahead of my goal range. However, I started feeling nauseous around mile 60 and by mile 70 was in urgent need of a rest stop. After a longer stop than I wanted at the porta-potties and making sure my feet were OK in my wet socks (next time I am considering a mid point sock exchange), I then got back on the road. I did not time my stop but it probably got close to 15 minutes. I did feel better for the next 20 miles but then the nausea returned around mile 90 and stayed with me all day. Seeing friends late on the bike course did perk me up a bit but my stomach was not happy.
I did finish the bike in the back end of my (7 to 7:30) target zone with 7:24. I thought my T2 was slow but it was faster than I thought it was, I headed out on the run. I really did enjoy the run course, and was almost always near someone cheering or volunteering, but my stomach kept bothering me. I walked the first half mile to get started and when I saw a friend who motivated me to start running. The best run I could manage was a 3 minute run/2 minute walk on this loop--however that still got me around loop 1 in approximately 2:02 on my watch when I hoped to average around 2 hours per loop.
It did feel good to run but I was always so close to being sick when I ran. By the time I got to mile 12 I was realizing that even this effort level was pushing me to nearly vomiting and I feared that might push me too close to dehydration, as I saw a number of runners go down from dehydration and heat exhaustion. I decided at that point that I would rather walk and guarantee a finish than push my pace and risk failure, so I walked much of the rest of that second loop and just ran where there was better crowd support. About a mile into the last loop I was feeling somewhat better and wanted to try to run some more, but the guy I was walking with kept wanting to drop out so I stayed with him and talked him through the last loop until we got around the mile 25 marker. At that point I told him he had about 45 minutes left with a 20-25 minute walk ahead of him and I started running again until near the end. I waited near the finishing entry to Market Street for a minute or two to get a place with no other athletes in the finishing chute and then went for my finish.
I was glad to have the chance to go in and high-five a bunch of people on both sides and really have fun with my finishing run before I crossed the line.
It was not long until I saw friends and fellow OutRival Racing members come up and hug me and tell me how happy they were for me and want to ask me all about the race. That really made me feel so great to share those moments with friends!!
Finally, before I drive away from the race area to head back home, I am adding the new distance sticker to my car!
Ironman Texas was an awesome experience! I may have had things go wrong, but I also was well enough prepared to overcome those problems and succeed in finishing. In the end, I was able to endure and still enjoy my race. A friend of mine had once told me that there is no real plan for Ironman because things will go wrong. I remembered this statement during my race and told myself that I would be fine---and I was. This Ironman journey was the adventure of a lifetime and I would not trade it away for anything! As difficult as this was, I can't wait to do it again!
I...AM...AN...IRONMAN!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Ironman Texas 2011
My day at IMTX was full of problems--and a full race report will be forthcoming....eventually. However for now here is all you need to know: I completed Ironman Texas 2011 in 16:35:49!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
IMTX Training Totals
Here it is, we have reached the end of the training program.
I will leave this 20 week program better than when I started it. I am fitter in both terms of physical ability and leanness. I have lost around 18-19 pounds from January 1 through a weigh-in 2 days ago. Given the expected weather I have been taking in extra water over the last few days to make sure I don't get caught dehydrated, although I suppose that also means I will go into this race a pound or two heavier than I was a few days ago.
I have completed my training and here is a basic summary of my workout totals over this period.
Swim 141,990 yards (80.68 miles)
Bike 1,662.55 miles
Run 468.09 miles
Total 2,211.32 miles
While I can't say for certain at this point what I expected 20 weeks back, this was certainly my expectations. At this point, my bags are packed up and turned into the race or sitting by the door ready to head out with me at a very early hour in the morning. Throughout all this training I was buoyed by the support of friends from all corners of my who lent words of support, many times coming at points were I was feeling down for one reason or another. These words of support provided me great encouragement and motivation to continue to press forward through the darker days of my training.
Now, I am here, and Ironman Texas is........tomorrow!
I will leave this 20 week program better than when I started it. I am fitter in both terms of physical ability and leanness. I have lost around 18-19 pounds from January 1 through a weigh-in 2 days ago. Given the expected weather I have been taking in extra water over the last few days to make sure I don't get caught dehydrated, although I suppose that also means I will go into this race a pound or two heavier than I was a few days ago.
I have completed my training and here is a basic summary of my workout totals over this period.
Swim 141,990 yards (80.68 miles)
Bike 1,662.55 miles
Run 468.09 miles
Total 2,211.32 miles
While I can't say for certain at this point what I expected 20 weeks back, this was certainly my expectations. At this point, my bags are packed up and turned into the race or sitting by the door ready to head out with me at a very early hour in the morning. Throughout all this training I was buoyed by the support of friends from all corners of my who lent words of support, many times coming at points were I was feeling down for one reason or another. These words of support provided me great encouragement and motivation to continue to press forward through the darker days of my training.
Now, I am here, and Ironman Texas is........tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Prelude to Ironman Texas
Before I go off to race at Ironman Texas I wanted to write a note of thanks to the many friends, family and supporters I have had help me over the last several years of training that have brought me to this point. There is no way that I could ever remember every name, and so few of those names read this blog (much less know about its existence), but still there are so many who have been a part of helping me get to where I am now.
It has been over five years since I made the decision to embark on a path that has ultimately led me to this point. In fact, it took almost a year before I to start running once I made the decision that I would do it, and even then in that next year I managed to gain 10 pounds thinking that I could eat anything I wanted because I was running. (Was I ever wrong!)
Much of those five-plus years I wandered in the wilderness of the athletic world like a young child lost in the mall as I was overcome by the wondrous assortment of training and racing options. Ever so slowly, I learned more through experience and through the friends I made as I shared their experiences--runners and triathletes are among the kindest people, and so many of them are among my dearest friends! I saw many others around me have more apparent success than I, but that was most often measured in their goals and not mine...and I continued on my path...
The worlds of running and triathlon have given me great joy and many friends, but perhaps their greatest gift to me is their part in helping to transform a very overweight, pre-diabetic 40 year old with multiple borderline results on his physical exam to a healthy, vibrant 45 year old who is at his former high school and Marine Corps weight and whose most recent physical exam was noted as having the blood pressure of an athlete and had lost over 30% of his former weight.
No single event--not even Ironman--was ever more than a temporary stop along the way to my real goals. Those goals were always to lose weight, reclaim my health and life and to to have some fun along the way. I am happy to announce that I have accomplished those goals!! Regardless of anything that happens on May 21, no matter what the finishing time is or is not, I have already!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I look forward to our continuing the adventure!
It has been over five years since I made the decision to embark on a path that has ultimately led me to this point. In fact, it took almost a year before I to start running once I made the decision that I would do it, and even then in that next year I managed to gain 10 pounds thinking that I could eat anything I wanted because I was running. (Was I ever wrong!)
Much of those five-plus years I wandered in the wilderness of the athletic world like a young child lost in the mall as I was overcome by the wondrous assortment of training and racing options. Ever so slowly, I learned more through experience and through the friends I made as I shared their experiences--runners and triathletes are among the kindest people, and so many of them are among my dearest friends! I saw many others around me have more apparent success than I, but that was most often measured in their goals and not mine...and I continued on my path...
The worlds of running and triathlon have given me great joy and many friends, but perhaps their greatest gift to me is their part in helping to transform a very overweight, pre-diabetic 40 year old with multiple borderline results on his physical exam to a healthy, vibrant 45 year old who is at his former high school and Marine Corps weight and whose most recent physical exam was noted as having the blood pressure of an athlete and had lost over 30% of his former weight.
No single event--not even Ironman--was ever more than a temporary stop along the way to my real goals. Those goals were always to lose weight, reclaim my health and life and to to have some fun along the way. I am happy to announce that I have accomplished those goals!! Regardless of anything that happens on May 21, no matter what the finishing time is or is not, I have already!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I look forward to our continuing the adventure!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
IMTX Training Week 19
Last week was Week 18 of Ironman Texas Training. It was the first full taper week and I was still feeling tired, although I could tell that I was getting rested as my times were improving without trying to go harder/faster. I did drop one bike and one swim workout on Wednesday due to a combination of a busy work schedule and general tiredness.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 6,500 yards, 2:25:09
Bike - 43.47 miles on trainer and roads, 2:39:48
Run - 22.0 miles, 4:18:46
Overall training time: 9:23:43
In a way I am relieved that I am done with the bulk of my training. I know that I am done with the heavy part of my training and mostly need to rest and stay limber and in shape at this point. I feel that there is not much more I can do to improve my conditioning this close to the race, but if I am not careful I could undermine my conditioning.
During this past week the signs of the Ironman race coming to my neighborhood have become obvious. First, a fleet of trucks is parked along a utility easement that is central to a large part of the run course. Second, tents have started to be set up in an open area that will be central to some of the pre-race festivities. Finally, actual signs stating about race day traffic delays have started to appear.
Tonight my training group had a panel discussion and Q&A session where several local athletes who had each done several Ironman races discussed various aspects of race day expectations and planning. I think I am in for the experience of a lifetime this week!
There are only 6 days until Ironman Texas.....
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 6,500 yards, 2:25:09
Bike - 43.47 miles on trainer and roads, 2:39:48
Run - 22.0 miles, 4:18:46
Overall training time: 9:23:43
In a way I am relieved that I am done with the bulk of my training. I know that I am done with the heavy part of my training and mostly need to rest and stay limber and in shape at this point. I feel that there is not much more I can do to improve my conditioning this close to the race, but if I am not careful I could undermine my conditioning.
During this past week the signs of the Ironman race coming to my neighborhood have become obvious. First, a fleet of trucks is parked along a utility easement that is central to a large part of the run course. Second, tents have started to be set up in an open area that will be central to some of the pre-race festivities. Finally, actual signs stating about race day traffic delays have started to appear.
Tonight my training group had a panel discussion and Q&A session where several local athletes who had each done several Ironman races discussed various aspects of race day expectations and planning. I think I am in for the experience of a lifetime this week!
There are only 6 days until Ironman Texas.....
Sunday, May 8, 2011
IMTX Training Week 18
Last week was Week 17 of Ironman Texas Training. This week was transitioning from the build phase to the taper period. I missed two training sessions this week, one swim and one bike, just because I was too tired to get up and out of the house early in the morning (not to mention sleeping through my alarms!).
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 6,400 yards, 2:20:54
Bike - 60.80 miles on trainer and roads, 3:28:59
Run - 26.36 miles, 5:25:09
Overall training time: 11:15:02
In a way I am relieved that I am done with the bulk of my training. I have never been this consistently tired since I was in basic training back in 1985--and at least then I had the benefit of youth! I figure that my two lost workouts cost me about 3 hours of training time, but also pointed out that I dearly needed the rest as well. After that, I am looking forward to race day so I can be done with this whole thing--I am ready to done and for this whole thing to be over! I have enjoyed the process even though it has not been easy, but it is time to be finished.
Overall I am feeling really good right now-still tired but good. This week's workouts have shown me signs that my training has gotten me to where I want to be and I do feel ready for the coming race.
Next week is a full blown taper week and then comes race week. At this point I can taste the excitement and anticipation of the race ahead of me. Last night I watched a few hours of the finish line video from Ironman St. George and I am really feeling psyched up at this point.
From this point on I am going to redouble my efforts at the base of my plan (diet, rest and other non-training items) while concentrating on training effectively without overdoing anything. I feel that there is not much more I can do to improve my conditioning this close to the race, but if I am not careful I could undermine my conditioning. I have come a long, long way over the past few months and I am close to enjoying the race for which I have so long prepared.
Only 13 days until Ironman Texas.....
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 6,400 yards, 2:20:54
Bike - 60.80 miles on trainer and roads, 3:28:59
Run - 26.36 miles, 5:25:09
Overall training time: 11:15:02
In a way I am relieved that I am done with the bulk of my training. I have never been this consistently tired since I was in basic training back in 1985--and at least then I had the benefit of youth! I figure that my two lost workouts cost me about 3 hours of training time, but also pointed out that I dearly needed the rest as well. After that, I am looking forward to race day so I can be done with this whole thing--I am ready to done and for this whole thing to be over! I have enjoyed the process even though it has not been easy, but it is time to be finished.
Overall I am feeling really good right now-still tired but good. This week's workouts have shown me signs that my training has gotten me to where I want to be and I do feel ready for the coming race.
Next week is a full blown taper week and then comes race week. At this point I can taste the excitement and anticipation of the race ahead of me. Last night I watched a few hours of the finish line video from Ironman St. George and I am really feeling psyched up at this point.
From this point on I am going to redouble my efforts at the base of my plan (diet, rest and other non-training items) while concentrating on training effectively without overdoing anything. I feel that there is not much more I can do to improve my conditioning this close to the race, but if I am not careful I could undermine my conditioning. I have come a long, long way over the past few months and I am close to enjoying the race for which I have so long prepared.
Only 13 days until Ironman Texas.....
Sunday, May 1, 2011
IMTX Training Week 17
This was Week 17 of Ironman Texas Training. This week was the last of the big training weeks and ended the final build phase of my 20 week training program.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 10,100 yards, 3:58:09
Bike - 100.24 miles on trainer and roads, 6:00:18
Run - 32.40 miles, 6:31:32
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:30:00
Overall training time: 16:59:59
Yes, that was my actual total time. Just think I could have a 17 hour week if I only worked out 1 second longer. ;-) This week was my third-longest workout week in terms of time trained, although this was definitely a better week than the second-longest week of training time.
This was another good week in terms of how I felt about my overall performance in training. I felt I was stronger and faster in each sport this week--even when my bike training ride on the race course was into a strong wind I was able to hold my goal pace without blowing up my heart rate. I definitely went through this last build week tired most of the time, but I was still able to find the effort level to put out good workouts for those times where I was exercising. I did have a one hour bike workout that I canceled due to tiredness early in the week, but aside from that it was a good week. Mostly it was the rest of my life that had to deal with the "tired all the time" version of me.
Next week is the beginning of the pre-race taper period. I am so excited that I can hardly believe the race is finally getting here!! Of course, I already know my coach's thoughts of a pre-race taper are far more active than what I would schedule--then again she has gotten me this far, so I will be staying on-plan through the race.
I can tell that I am far from the only one concentrating on the short time left before race day. Yesterday there were quite a few others riding most or all of the Ironman Texas bike course, and I had the opportunity to chat with a few other cyclists from around the greater Houston area. Today I ran with some local friends on a good portion of the Ironman Texas run course and saw a lot of runners dressed in various tri gear practicing their on-course running.
Only 20 days until Ironman Texas.....
.....and I am ready!
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 10,100 yards, 3:58:09
Bike - 100.24 miles on trainer and roads, 6:00:18
Run - 32.40 miles, 6:31:32
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:30:00
Overall training time: 16:59:59
Yes, that was my actual total time. Just think I could have a 17 hour week if I only worked out 1 second longer. ;-) This week was my third-longest workout week in terms of time trained, although this was definitely a better week than the second-longest week of training time.
This was another good week in terms of how I felt about my overall performance in training. I felt I was stronger and faster in each sport this week--even when my bike training ride on the race course was into a strong wind I was able to hold my goal pace without blowing up my heart rate. I definitely went through this last build week tired most of the time, but I was still able to find the effort level to put out good workouts for those times where I was exercising. I did have a one hour bike workout that I canceled due to tiredness early in the week, but aside from that it was a good week. Mostly it was the rest of my life that had to deal with the "tired all the time" version of me.
Next week is the beginning of the pre-race taper period. I am so excited that I can hardly believe the race is finally getting here!! Of course, I already know my coach's thoughts of a pre-race taper are far more active than what I would schedule--then again she has gotten me this far, so I will be staying on-plan through the race.
I can tell that I am far from the only one concentrating on the short time left before race day. Yesterday there were quite a few others riding most or all of the Ironman Texas bike course, and I had the opportunity to chat with a few other cyclists from around the greater Houston area. Today I ran with some local friends on a good portion of the Ironman Texas run course and saw a lot of runners dressed in various tri gear practicing their on-course running.
Only 20 days until Ironman Texas.....
.....and I am ready!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
April Training Recap
Here is my recap for a very tiring month of April which was, as expected, even more tiring than the month of March.
Total Swim Distance 38,740 yards (22.01 miles) in 15:02:46
Total Bike Distance 431.09 miles (including spin bike sessions) in 27:40:40
Total Run Distance 100.93 miles in 20:38:17
Total Training Distance 554.03 miles (wow!)
The end of April nearly coincides with the end of the main portion of my training program with the pre-race taper beginning after the May 1st run workout. Next month's schedule begins with tapering my way into the Ironman Texas race. Part of me feels like it is about time the race got here and part of me can hardly believe it is almost here. My main observation about my April training is that even though I was quite often tired, I also seemed to be able to find the energy to put together faster workouts.
Instead of an end of month summary for May, I hope to post a summary for the 20 week training program which began on January 1, 2011.
21 days left until Ironman Texas....
Total Swim Distance 38,740 yards (22.01 miles) in 15:02:46
Total Bike Distance 431.09 miles (including spin bike sessions) in 27:40:40
Total Run Distance 100.93 miles in 20:38:17
Total Training Distance 554.03 miles (wow!)
The end of April nearly coincides with the end of the main portion of my training program with the pre-race taper beginning after the May 1st run workout. Next month's schedule begins with tapering my way into the Ironman Texas race. Part of me feels like it is about time the race got here and part of me can hardly believe it is almost here. My main observation about my April training is that even though I was quite often tired, I also seemed to be able to find the energy to put together faster workouts.
Instead of an end of month summary for May, I hope to post a summary for the 20 week training program which began on January 1, 2011.
21 days left until Ironman Texas....
Sunday, April 24, 2011
IMTX Training Week 16
This was Week 16 of Ironman Texas Training. This week is to be the next to last of my heavier training weeks before entering the taper period.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 10,400 yards, 3:52:18
Bike - 94.20 miles on trainer and roads, 5:12:31
Run - 24.82 miles, 5:19:32
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:00:00
Overall training time: 14:24:21
This was my best week so far in terms of how I felt about my overall performance in training. I felt I was stronger and faster in each sport this week--I even swam 700 more yards more than last week in less time this week. I really would have thought that my overall time for training would have been higher, but I think a large part of that is that almost every workout was done in less time than expected this past week. In some ways I really feel like everything is beginning to come together for me in this training program! I am still frequently tired, but I seem to be able to dig down inside and find the strength to pull out the effort needed for each workout. Fortunately, I am also feeling generally healthy as I have gotten to this point; I have occasional aches and pains, but no real injuries.
Still it was not a perfect week, I missed a bike workout early in the week when I was so tired I slept through my alarm the second day in a row (fortunately I managed to get up a bit late the previous day and still got that workout in). I think my coach took this as a sign that I needed the rest and did not want me to make it up later in the week. Best of all, I was still able to schedule around my anniversary and have a great night out with my wife, who had been very tolerant of my training schedule so far even though I know she would like to see more of me these days.
Next week is the last building training week of my program before beginning the pre-race taper period. I am so excited that I can hardly believe the race is finally getting here!!
I am 80% done with my training and have 27 days until Ironman Texas.....
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 10,400 yards, 3:52:18
Bike - 94.20 miles on trainer and roads, 5:12:31
Run - 24.82 miles, 5:19:32
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:00:00
Overall training time: 14:24:21
This was my best week so far in terms of how I felt about my overall performance in training. I felt I was stronger and faster in each sport this week--I even swam 700 more yards more than last week in less time this week. I really would have thought that my overall time for training would have been higher, but I think a large part of that is that almost every workout was done in less time than expected this past week. In some ways I really feel like everything is beginning to come together for me in this training program! I am still frequently tired, but I seem to be able to dig down inside and find the strength to pull out the effort needed for each workout. Fortunately, I am also feeling generally healthy as I have gotten to this point; I have occasional aches and pains, but no real injuries.
Still it was not a perfect week, I missed a bike workout early in the week when I was so tired I slept through my alarm the second day in a row (fortunately I managed to get up a bit late the previous day and still got that workout in). I think my coach took this as a sign that I needed the rest and did not want me to make it up later in the week. Best of all, I was still able to schedule around my anniversary and have a great night out with my wife, who had been very tolerant of my training schedule so far even though I know she would like to see more of me these days.
Next week is the last building training week of my program before beginning the pre-race taper period. I am so excited that I can hardly believe the race is finally getting here!!
I am 80% done with my training and have 27 days until Ironman Texas.....
Sunday, April 17, 2011
IMTX Training Week 15
This was Week 15 of Ironman Texas Training. This week was leading into the big groups training ride of the IMTX bike course this weekend. Presently, I am in the peak training period for the 20 week IMTX training program.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 9,700 yards, 3:54:31
Bike - 134.0 miles on trainer and roads, 8:13:05
Run - 30.44 miles, 6:20:25
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:00:00
Overall training time: 18:28:01
This was my biggest week so far in terms of total training time, as well as training time and distance for each event, excepting 1 week where my swim distance was slightly longer by 900 yards. The big items this week were my longest run to date in the program, 17.52 miles on Thursday, and then Sunday's ride of the IMTX bike course (aka the "Got 112?" event). I went into the ride with a goal to ride in heart rate Zone 2 as much as possible, which I did almost exclusively. I also hoped to be able to ride close to 7 hours, which I did at 6:58:46.
Next week won't be much easier. I will have slightly reduced workouts overall, however they culminate in my second longest swim on Friday afternoon, and then follow-up with a 75 mile bike/8 mile run brick workout on Saturday. On the plus side I do get Easter Sunday off as a rest day and a relatively easy day on Thursday for my anniversary.
34 days until Ironman Texas.....
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 9,700 yards, 3:54:31
Bike - 134.0 miles on trainer and roads, 8:13:05
Run - 30.44 miles, 6:20:25
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:00:00
Overall training time: 18:28:01
This was my biggest week so far in terms of total training time, as well as training time and distance for each event, excepting 1 week where my swim distance was slightly longer by 900 yards. The big items this week were my longest run to date in the program, 17.52 miles on Thursday, and then Sunday's ride of the IMTX bike course (aka the "Got 112?" event). I went into the ride with a goal to ride in heart rate Zone 2 as much as possible, which I did almost exclusively. I also hoped to be able to ride close to 7 hours, which I did at 6:58:46.
Next week won't be much easier. I will have slightly reduced workouts overall, however they culminate in my second longest swim on Friday afternoon, and then follow-up with a 75 mile bike/8 mile run brick workout on Saturday. On the plus side I do get Easter Sunday off as a rest day and a relatively easy day on Thursday for my anniversary.
34 days until Ironman Texas.....
Sunday, April 10, 2011
IMTX Training - Weeks 13 & 14
Due to my other blog posts last week (and my busy schedule) I am reporting on the last 2 weeks of training in this single blog post.
Two weeks back was Week 13 of Ironman Texas Training. This week was leading into the Kemah International Triathlon on the last day of the training week.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 7,640 yards, 2:56:17
Bike - 47.8 miles on trainer and roads, 2:45:34
Run - 19.2 miles, 3:36:01
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:44:49
Overall training time: 10:02:41, which includes race time.
If it were up to me, I would have put together a regular training week and gone through the motions of the race at the upper end of my heart rate training zone and been happy to call it practice. However, my coach had other ideas. She assigned me a decreasing schedule for the week leading into the race, and then told me to "go for it!" I did as she told me and was happy with a 12+ minute PR, over 10 minutes of which was improved run time--not to mention setting a 10K run PR on the run portion of the triathlon.
Week 14 began with some recovery time as I got back into training following the race at Kemah.
Swim - 6,100 yards, 2:25:17
Bike - 102.55 miles on trainer and roads, 6:29:47
Run - 12.0 miles, 2:40:50
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, 0:15:00
Overall training time: 11:50:54
Generally speaking, I end this week feeling much better than I started it. My coach dropped one running workout due to my fatigue levels late in the week. I also got a bit more rest when I had to cut my Sunday long run from 10.0 miles to 7.25 miles due to a minor emergency at my father's house (a plumbing repair which I was able to remedy for him). I considered a second run later in the day to finish out my 10 miles, although in the end I decided not to do so as I would hate to push myself and cause an inadvertent injury.
So, now I am heading into Week 15 looking at my longest training week yet. Among this week's assigned workouts are my longest run to date for this program (17 miles) and another 112 mile bike ride--this time a semi-supported team bike ride on the entire IMTX course. I guess you will have to check back here in a week to see if I survive!
41 days until Ironman Texas!
Two weeks back was Week 13 of Ironman Texas Training. This week was leading into the Kemah International Triathlon on the last day of the training week.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 7,640 yards, 2:56:17
Bike - 47.8 miles on trainer and roads, 2:45:34
Run - 19.2 miles, 3:36:01
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, including race transition times, 0:44:49
Overall training time: 10:02:41, which includes race time.
If it were up to me, I would have put together a regular training week and gone through the motions of the race at the upper end of my heart rate training zone and been happy to call it practice. However, my coach had other ideas. She assigned me a decreasing schedule for the week leading into the race, and then told me to "go for it!" I did as she told me and was happy with a 12+ minute PR, over 10 minutes of which was improved run time--not to mention setting a 10K run PR on the run portion of the triathlon.
Week 14 began with some recovery time as I got back into training following the race at Kemah.
Swim - 6,100 yards, 2:25:17
Bike - 102.55 miles on trainer and roads, 6:29:47
Run - 12.0 miles, 2:40:50
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, 0:15:00
Overall training time: 11:50:54
Generally speaking, I end this week feeling much better than I started it. My coach dropped one running workout due to my fatigue levels late in the week. I also got a bit more rest when I had to cut my Sunday long run from 10.0 miles to 7.25 miles due to a minor emergency at my father's house (a plumbing repair which I was able to remedy for him). I considered a second run later in the day to finish out my 10 miles, although in the end I decided not to do so as I would hate to push myself and cause an inadvertent injury.
So, now I am heading into Week 15 looking at my longest training week yet. Among this week's assigned workouts are my longest run to date for this program (17 miles) and another 112 mile bike ride--this time a semi-supported team bike ride on the entire IMTX course. I guess you will have to check back here in a week to see if I survive!
41 days until Ironman Texas!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
IMTX Training - Week 12
This past week was Week 12 of Ironman Texas Training. This end of this week was a start to cutting back for recovery/taper before the Kemah International Triathlon the following weekend.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 5,100 yards, 2:02:32
Bike - 73.55 miles on trainer and roads, 4:36:05
Run - 24.82 miles, 5:11:26
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, 0:15:00
Overall training time 12:05:03
I started this week feeling strong but was also tiring as the week went on. This week would have normally been a recovery week. However with a taper scheduled for the following week, Week 12 stayed a regular training week at the front and started a recovery/taper period with the end of the week.
As last week ended I was feeling some discomfort in my left calf and I made a point to enter my first run of the week on Tuesday very carefully. In the end I felt no continuation of that discomfort and had an easy, but very good, training run. By the time Friday rolled around I could really feel the fatigue setting in. I woke up early Friday morning to swim and could not get myself to get up and out to the gym. I went to the gym later on after work to get in my swim. While I was scanning through my email before going in I dozed off in a light sleep and woke up when my cell phone rang. Finally, when I did get going on that swim, I felt so tired after warming up that I canceled the workout due to the tiredness I was feeling--to which my coach replied that I was ready for my taper week. Apparently the simple act of resting instead of swimming, added to a decent night's sleep, allowed me to put together a solid run the next morning where I stayed in my heart rate zone target and kept up a faster pace than I had in a few weeks for a run of over 6 miles. My bike ride on Sunday was similarly successful as my Saturday run. Just two days into the taper period and I am already starting to feel much better!
Next weekend brings with it the Kemah Olympic Distance Triathlon which follows what should be an unusually easy week at work for me. I am coming off of an extended period of long hours and deadlines, most of which reach their end point this coming week and follow a very difficult, though very successful last week.
While I am looking very much forward to doing the Kemah race next weekend, both as a distraction from Ironman Texas on the horizon and to see how much improvement I show. However, I also know that I do not expect this to be at true race level effort as I am still training with a higher priority in mind, and that higher priority race does not go off until May 21st.
65 days until Ironman Texas.....
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 5,100 yards, 2:02:32
Bike - 73.55 miles on trainer and roads, 4:36:05
Run - 24.82 miles, 5:11:26
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, 0:15:00
Overall training time 12:05:03
I started this week feeling strong but was also tiring as the week went on. This week would have normally been a recovery week. However with a taper scheduled for the following week, Week 12 stayed a regular training week at the front and started a recovery/taper period with the end of the week.
As last week ended I was feeling some discomfort in my left calf and I made a point to enter my first run of the week on Tuesday very carefully. In the end I felt no continuation of that discomfort and had an easy, but very good, training run. By the time Friday rolled around I could really feel the fatigue setting in. I woke up early Friday morning to swim and could not get myself to get up and out to the gym. I went to the gym later on after work to get in my swim. While I was scanning through my email before going in I dozed off in a light sleep and woke up when my cell phone rang. Finally, when I did get going on that swim, I felt so tired after warming up that I canceled the workout due to the tiredness I was feeling--to which my coach replied that I was ready for my taper week. Apparently the simple act of resting instead of swimming, added to a decent night's sleep, allowed me to put together a solid run the next morning where I stayed in my heart rate zone target and kept up a faster pace than I had in a few weeks for a run of over 6 miles. My bike ride on Sunday was similarly successful as my Saturday run. Just two days into the taper period and I am already starting to feel much better!
Next weekend brings with it the Kemah Olympic Distance Triathlon which follows what should be an unusually easy week at work for me. I am coming off of an extended period of long hours and deadlines, most of which reach their end point this coming week and follow a very difficult, though very successful last week.
While I am looking very much forward to doing the Kemah race next weekend, both as a distraction from Ironman Texas on the horizon and to see how much improvement I show. However, I also know that I do not expect this to be at true race level effort as I am still training with a higher priority in mind, and that higher priority race does not go off until May 21st.
65 days until Ironman Texas.....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
IMTX Training - Week 11
This past week was Week 10 of Ironman Texas Training. This week was a continuation of my current build phase, as modified to allow for a taper before the Kemah International Triathlon in 2 weeks.
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 8,500 yards, 3:25:43
Bike - 104.3 miles on trainer and roads, 6:43:34
Run - 29.05 miles, 6:15:52
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, 0:30:00
Overall training time 16:55:10
This week pushes into the second half of my training cycle of my training program. The highlights of this week included an increase in my running mileage (including my longest run so far of this training plan--13.6 miles) and completing a 70 mile bike/3.25 mile run brick workout. The low point of the week is that I shortened my planned 90 mile ride/3 mile run brick workout earlier today due to some calf soreness (shortened to the previously mentioned managed 70 mile bike/3.25 mile run brick workout). I had first felt the calf soreness during the 13.6 mile run on Thursday and then again in Saturday's 6 mile run. Fortunately, it did not seem to be a factor during my brick run following the bike ride today. If I had gotten in the full ride distance, I would have had my first 18 hour week of training, however I still think it was the right decision to shorten the ride as a potential injury concern. During the last week I have often felt generally weary and tired, but I was able to take advantage of some extra sleep on Saturday to feel a bit more rested at the end of the training week.
I also had a big moral victory this weekend. I cleaned out my closet of any old clothes that did not fit. As I got farther back I could see hoe the sizes changed. I could see how much difference there was in the biggest clothes (wow!) and found a few that remained from years gone by (um, like since 1992/1993) that fit now. It looks like a local charity is about to get a large clothing donation soon. I took the time to buy a few items that fit properly, and I am thrilled to be at the same waist size I had when I was back in the Marines (although I still need to get rid of this extra stomach area weight I am currently carrying!).
62 days until Ironman Texas.....
Here is how this past week of training breaks down:
Swim - 8,500 yards, 3:25:43
Bike - 104.3 miles on trainer and roads, 6:43:34
Run - 29.05 miles, 6:15:52
Other - stretching specific or other training workout, 0:30:00
Overall training time 16:55:10
This week pushes into the second half of my training cycle of my training program. The highlights of this week included an increase in my running mileage (including my longest run so far of this training plan--13.6 miles) and completing a 70 mile bike/3.25 mile run brick workout. The low point of the week is that I shortened my planned 90 mile ride/3 mile run brick workout earlier today due to some calf soreness (shortened to the previously mentioned managed 70 mile bike/3.25 mile run brick workout). I had first felt the calf soreness during the 13.6 mile run on Thursday and then again in Saturday's 6 mile run. Fortunately, it did not seem to be a factor during my brick run following the bike ride today. If I had gotten in the full ride distance, I would have had my first 18 hour week of training, however I still think it was the right decision to shorten the ride as a potential injury concern. During the last week I have often felt generally weary and tired, but I was able to take advantage of some extra sleep on Saturday to feel a bit more rested at the end of the training week.
I also had a big moral victory this weekend. I cleaned out my closet of any old clothes that did not fit. As I got farther back I could see hoe the sizes changed. I could see how much difference there was in the biggest clothes (wow!) and found a few that remained from years gone by (um, like since 1992/1993) that fit now. It looks like a local charity is about to get a large clothing donation soon. I took the time to buy a few items that fit properly, and I am thrilled to be at the same waist size I had when I was back in the Marines (although I still need to get rid of this extra stomach area weight I am currently carrying!).
62 days until Ironman Texas.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
