Well here we are. It is finally here - race week. All of the training is done. Now there are just a few easy swims, bikes, and runs. I am going to pick up my bike today as it was in the shop for it's final tune up. I am a little nervous, but have a busy week at work to keep my mind focused.
We will be leaving for Louisville early Friday morning. The plan is to get checked in, then go to the athlete's welcome banquet and rules briefing. Saturday will involve a swim at the Powerbar practice swim and maybe an easy bike ride before I have to check my gear in by 5:00. At that point, most of my family will be in town and we are going to head to load up on some pasta. (I still like it for carbo-loading). After dinner, it's an early night. I plan on being in bed by 9:00 for a 3:45am wake up.
This time next week, I will be waking up after my race and will probably be as sore as I have ever been. Maybe even a little sick and my body will be completely stripped of all nutrients and vitamins. After check out, it will be a long drive home.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
It's been a while
Well, well, well. So it's been a while- almost six months to be exact. How do I know this - I only have 17 days left until I take on Ironman Louisville. During this time, I have been on such an amazing journey.
On April 12, 2010 I began training to take on the world's most difficult one day endurance event - an Ironman triathlon. To date, this will be the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. It is so difficult, less than .1% of the worlds population would ever even consider doing one, nevermind actually paying the fee to start the race. Besides, what do you get? It's not a check for $50,000 or a new car. Actually, I get a medal, a hat, a tee shirt. What a deal!! So the question I have been asked probably hundreds of times now....... why? Why would you do that? You know that have cars that go that far right? Yeah, I've heard them all.
The reason why I am doing this is to see how far I can push myself - both physically and mentally. For me, it is more of the mental challenge. If I don't finish this race, because my legs aren't strong enough, I didn't train hard enough. I can train harder and do it again another time. I can get my legs in shape to do this, but if I quit because it is too hard, I can't train for that. There is no need to train my body if my mind proves to be the stronger of the two and I quit swimming, biking running, walking or crawling, whatever I may be doing at the time. Through the past six months of I training I have already acheived about 80% of my goal. I have discovered that I am not one to quit when challenges present themselves. August 2 comes to mind. I had my biggest training day planned. 1 hr 15 minutes in the pool, 6 hrs 30 minutes on the bike and 6 mile run - almost the entire day minus a shortened run. Swim when great. No issues. The bike started out great. At 20 miles into my ride I got a flat. No big deal. I changed my tube and off I went - for another 10 miles. Flat again. No more spare tubes. Here's the question - go home or go to the bike shop. I drove 30 minutes to the bike shop, changed my tube and continued my ride. I ended up going 90 miles that day in 5 hrs 15 minutes (I cut it short to see Sara). So, after the ride, I get home and see Sara has some work to do, so I do my run. I start out great - 9:00 min / mile pace then just die... Bonk city. No energy. Totally lightheaded. Bad, bad place. Not to mention I am over 1 mile from home. So the question is.. what do I do? I have a six mile run scheduled. So I walk home. Get a gel and make my way back out on the course. I ran my six miles. That's why I am doing this. I am not a quitter. I will not give up.
Again, I began my training on April 12, 2010 and since then I have faced many challenges including several injuries. My first injury occured on March 23 with Illiotibial band swelling which caused me to delay my running for several weeks including my first couple weeks of my training. When I began my half iron training last year, I started with Achilles Tendinitis in my right heel. This year, it has been in both feet and won't stop. I am currently on my second physical therapist this year. I wish I had gone to him earlier. This guy, Kent is great. Unfortunately in this case, great also means pain. Kent does Graston work. Basically getting blood to flow to the tendon by scraping scar tissue that has formed around it away. Yes it hurts. Actually, I almost cried it hurt so much - the things we do. It has been a rough year. Both of these injuries have really slowed my running pace and kept the distance lower than I had planned. Therefore I don't really know where I hope to finish. I guess just finish is a start.
Finally, I've mentioned a few times how hard this race is and why I am doing this, but what I did not mention was even though this is going to be a physical challenge, the biggest challenge is fitting in all the training. I can't even begin to express how lucky I am to have a spouse who never once asked "do you have to" or "can't you skip it" or "why do you have to ride another 6 hours" because she was nagging me about time. Now she has said it as in "you're crazy for riding your bike for six hours" - and I can't say that I disagree. It was said best by the narrator of the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championships who said "Ironman is a family sacrifice" and he is 100% right. It is selfish and you have to have the right person with you to go along. Otherwise, you will regret it. I am fortunate enough to have found that person.
When I toe the line on August 29, 2010, I will be prepared both mentally and physically to take on the biggest challenge of my life. I will take what the day gives and work with it to the best of my ability. I will not fail.
I was checking a tri website and somebody posted this about doing an IM. I think this sums up what I am trying to say:
So here is the promised perspective. When you cross that line, at that exact moment, whether you break the course record or if it takes you 17 hours, there will be a feeling that will come over you that there is NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT YOU CANNOT ACCOMPLISH. So although you do not have anything to prove to yourself anymore, or to anyone else for that matter, you will strip back layers of yourself that you were not aware existed and when you emerge with the hat, shirt, and medal, you will be a better stronger you. To let you know how powerful it is, I volunteered at IMLV last year because in the 3 years that I have done IMFL, I have not felt up to going back to the line and watch the last finishers. I cried everytime someone crossed the line, because you could immediately see the change in their eyes the moment they crossed and it made me live my own experience again. Although I can tell by your words that you feel like this is a journey that is coming to an end, I wish I could be at the line when you cross to see that look in your eyes when you realize that it is only the beginning!
On April 12, 2010 I began training to take on the world's most difficult one day endurance event - an Ironman triathlon. To date, this will be the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. It is so difficult, less than .1% of the worlds population would ever even consider doing one, nevermind actually paying the fee to start the race. Besides, what do you get? It's not a check for $50,000 or a new car. Actually, I get a medal, a hat, a tee shirt. What a deal!! So the question I have been asked probably hundreds of times now....... why? Why would you do that? You know that have cars that go that far right? Yeah, I've heard them all.
The reason why I am doing this is to see how far I can push myself - both physically and mentally. For me, it is more of the mental challenge. If I don't finish this race, because my legs aren't strong enough, I didn't train hard enough. I can train harder and do it again another time. I can get my legs in shape to do this, but if I quit because it is too hard, I can't train for that. There is no need to train my body if my mind proves to be the stronger of the two and I quit swimming, biking running, walking or crawling, whatever I may be doing at the time. Through the past six months of I training I have already acheived about 80% of my goal. I have discovered that I am not one to quit when challenges present themselves. August 2 comes to mind. I had my biggest training day planned. 1 hr 15 minutes in the pool, 6 hrs 30 minutes on the bike and 6 mile run - almost the entire day minus a shortened run. Swim when great. No issues. The bike started out great. At 20 miles into my ride I got a flat. No big deal. I changed my tube and off I went - for another 10 miles. Flat again. No more spare tubes. Here's the question - go home or go to the bike shop. I drove 30 minutes to the bike shop, changed my tube and continued my ride. I ended up going 90 miles that day in 5 hrs 15 minutes (I cut it short to see Sara). So, after the ride, I get home and see Sara has some work to do, so I do my run. I start out great - 9:00 min / mile pace then just die... Bonk city. No energy. Totally lightheaded. Bad, bad place. Not to mention I am over 1 mile from home. So the question is.. what do I do? I have a six mile run scheduled. So I walk home. Get a gel and make my way back out on the course. I ran my six miles. That's why I am doing this. I am not a quitter. I will not give up.
Again, I began my training on April 12, 2010 and since then I have faced many challenges including several injuries. My first injury occured on March 23 with Illiotibial band swelling which caused me to delay my running for several weeks including my first couple weeks of my training. When I began my half iron training last year, I started with Achilles Tendinitis in my right heel. This year, it has been in both feet and won't stop. I am currently on my second physical therapist this year. I wish I had gone to him earlier. This guy, Kent is great. Unfortunately in this case, great also means pain. Kent does Graston work. Basically getting blood to flow to the tendon by scraping scar tissue that has formed around it away. Yes it hurts. Actually, I almost cried it hurt so much - the things we do. It has been a rough year. Both of these injuries have really slowed my running pace and kept the distance lower than I had planned. Therefore I don't really know where I hope to finish. I guess just finish is a start.
Finally, I've mentioned a few times how hard this race is and why I am doing this, but what I did not mention was even though this is going to be a physical challenge, the biggest challenge is fitting in all the training. I can't even begin to express how lucky I am to have a spouse who never once asked "do you have to" or "can't you skip it" or "why do you have to ride another 6 hours" because she was nagging me about time. Now she has said it as in "you're crazy for riding your bike for six hours" - and I can't say that I disagree. It was said best by the narrator of the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championships who said "Ironman is a family sacrifice" and he is 100% right. It is selfish and you have to have the right person with you to go along. Otherwise, you will regret it. I am fortunate enough to have found that person.
When I toe the line on August 29, 2010, I will be prepared both mentally and physically to take on the biggest challenge of my life. I will take what the day gives and work with it to the best of my ability. I will not fail.
I was checking a tri website and somebody posted this about doing an IM. I think this sums up what I am trying to say:
So here is the promised perspective. When you cross that line, at that exact moment, whether you break the course record or if it takes you 17 hours, there will be a feeling that will come over you that there is NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT YOU CANNOT ACCOMPLISH. So although you do not have anything to prove to yourself anymore, or to anyone else for that matter, you will strip back layers of yourself that you were not aware existed and when you emerge with the hat, shirt, and medal, you will be a better stronger you. To let you know how powerful it is, I volunteered at IMLV last year because in the 3 years that I have done IMFL, I have not felt up to going back to the line and watch the last finishers. I cried everytime someone crossed the line, because you could immediately see the change in their eyes the moment they crossed and it made me live my own experience again. Although I can tell by your words that you feel like this is a journey that is coming to an end, I wish I could be at the line when you cross to see that look in your eyes when you realize that it is only the beginning!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Overall a good week
Overall, I had a pretty good week. With the exception of two days, I was right on track. I missed one strength training workout, which is the one to miss if I needed to. The other workout was yesterday. I stayed at work longer than I anticipated. I was giving a golf lesson to a student who was really struggling with his game. We made a pretty major breakthrough. Because of this, I felt the need to take a little more time to make sure he was on the right track. My workout went from an easy 45 minute ride on the bike to an easy 20 minute ride on the bike. Oh well. Better to get in some time than none at all.
Today is going to be a tough day. I've got a 2.5 hour bike planned followed by a 30 minute run and some strength training. My plan was to go early this morning, but this changed because of wine I drank at a wedding last night plus the cooler temps. It was only 45 degrees when I woke up, but it is supposed to get up to 72. I'll just wait for it to warm up a little later.
Today is going to be a tough day. I've got a 2.5 hour bike planned followed by a 30 minute run and some strength training. My plan was to go early this morning, but this changed because of wine I drank at a wedding last night plus the cooler temps. It was only 45 degrees when I woke up, but it is supposed to get up to 72. I'll just wait for it to warm up a little later.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Ironman training has officially begun
On Monday, I began my training for Ironman Louisville. It is going to be a long journey, but I am going to do my best to enjoy my experience. Everyone I have talked to has told me you don't become an Ironman by crossing the finish line of the race, instead when you getting up for those 6 am swims and days when you ride bike for almost the same amount of time many people are at work (6-7 hours). That is when you become an Ironman.
When doing this, there is nobody checking on me, making sure I am getting in my training. When I comes down to it, it's all about me. How much do I want this? Now is the time to step up to the plate. I said I want to do this to test myself both physically and mentally. The test began two days ago.
To catch up the past few days:
Monday - Day 1 of training
Began the day with a 2 hour bike ride. For me, that equates to about 35 miles. Following the ride, I had an MRI scheduled for my left knee. Three weeks ago, I woke up to a sharp, stabbing pain in the side of my left knee. Since I didn't twist or bend it incorrectly, I had no idea what I had done. The MRI showed no major issues other than soft tissue swelling - that was a huge relief. The initial thought of the doc before the MRI was a possible tear in the meniscus. Luckily, NSAID pain relievers and ice should help the pain.
Because of this my running has been very limited. I have only been able to run one time in those three weeks and that was on the Sunday before my training began. Everyone I have talked to said not to worry about it as I have plenty of time to build my run base. When I ran Sunday, I made sure to take it slow. Actually, I walked 1/2 mile, ran 1 mile, then walked 1/2 mile. Things went well. No pain.
Tuesday (Day 2)
Due to my schedule, I had to schedule my swim before work. This wasn't going to be easy because I have to be to work by 7:30am. Well, I made it. Everything was great. Swim went well. I covered 2500 meters in the 55 min I was there. It is crazy when you are out at 5:30 am. It is like an entirely different world. SportsClub was packed!!! There were people everywhere! During the day, I was a little tired, but I think that may have been more because of the allergy medicine and not sleeping because I didn't want to miss my alarm, as opposed to actually getting up early.
Wednesday (Day 3)
I had planned to get in a swim and weight workout right after work, but forgot about a meeting I had scheduled at 3:00. Because of this, I moved my swim until tomorrow and did tomorrow's workout today. I started out with a run. My plan called for 50 minute run, but because of my knee, I went for 30 and covered 2.2 miles (walking and running again). I felt an occasional twinge in my knee, but nothing serious. When I got home, the plan called for an hour on the bike. Since it was 5:00, I jumped on the trainer and went to town. I am proud of myself because I had enough after only 20 minutes. I kept looking at my watch but the time seemed like it stopped. I told myself that I was not getting off until my watch said 1:00:00. I made it the entire way. I know there are going to be days that I just don't feel like working out, but I just have to suffer through it and get it done. Today was one of those days. First test - passed.
When doing this, there is nobody checking on me, making sure I am getting in my training. When I comes down to it, it's all about me. How much do I want this? Now is the time to step up to the plate. I said I want to do this to test myself both physically and mentally. The test began two days ago.
To catch up the past few days:
Monday - Day 1 of training
Began the day with a 2 hour bike ride. For me, that equates to about 35 miles. Following the ride, I had an MRI scheduled for my left knee. Three weeks ago, I woke up to a sharp, stabbing pain in the side of my left knee. Since I didn't twist or bend it incorrectly, I had no idea what I had done. The MRI showed no major issues other than soft tissue swelling - that was a huge relief. The initial thought of the doc before the MRI was a possible tear in the meniscus. Luckily, NSAID pain relievers and ice should help the pain.
Because of this my running has been very limited. I have only been able to run one time in those three weeks and that was on the Sunday before my training began. Everyone I have talked to said not to worry about it as I have plenty of time to build my run base. When I ran Sunday, I made sure to take it slow. Actually, I walked 1/2 mile, ran 1 mile, then walked 1/2 mile. Things went well. No pain.
Tuesday (Day 2)
Due to my schedule, I had to schedule my swim before work. This wasn't going to be easy because I have to be to work by 7:30am. Well, I made it. Everything was great. Swim went well. I covered 2500 meters in the 55 min I was there. It is crazy when you are out at 5:30 am. It is like an entirely different world. SportsClub was packed!!! There were people everywhere! During the day, I was a little tired, but I think that may have been more because of the allergy medicine and not sleeping because I didn't want to miss my alarm, as opposed to actually getting up early.
Wednesday (Day 3)
I had planned to get in a swim and weight workout right after work, but forgot about a meeting I had scheduled at 3:00. Because of this, I moved my swim until tomorrow and did tomorrow's workout today. I started out with a run. My plan called for 50 minute run, but because of my knee, I went for 30 and covered 2.2 miles (walking and running again). I felt an occasional twinge in my knee, but nothing serious. When I got home, the plan called for an hour on the bike. Since it was 5:00, I jumped on the trainer and went to town. I am proud of myself because I had enough after only 20 minutes. I kept looking at my watch but the time seemed like it stopped. I told myself that I was not getting off until my watch said 1:00:00. I made it the entire way. I know there are going to be days that I just don't feel like working out, but I just have to suffer through it and get it done. Today was one of those days. First test - passed.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Back to running
I went back out today in an attempt to do a short run (3 miles at 10 min/ mile). I was close 3.5 miles at 9:30 / mile. Following my run, I did some good stretching for my achilles / soleus and calves. After stretching, came some ice on the achilles. I really need to get better with the ice following my runs. Pretty good overall.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bike fit
Yesterday, I went to Carolina Triathlon to get my bike and body in the best possible aero and power producing position. Everything felt great until I got home and jumped on my bike on the trainer. It felt terrible. I could not get comfortable. My arms, legs, butt, everything. My hour ride lasted 45 minutes and that may be pushing it. I was not happy at all. I couldn't stay in my aerobars more then 10 minutes at a time before getting up because my triceps hurt. Secondly, I felt like I was using my calf muscles way too much. They were extremely fatigued.
Today I went into it with an open mind with hopes for better results. I decided to go with my old bike shorts since I used the my new ones yesterday. They were much better. I made it for one hour on the trainer. My triceps and calves are still way too fatigued. I am making notes of how I feel everyday so in a couple weeks, we can make a few more adjustments. After my hour ride, I decided to put on my new bike shorts and continue for another 15 minutes to get used to them. I did not even notice when I put them on yesterday, but the padding is the same shape as my saddle. No wonder I couldn't get comfortable. Once I found a comfortable spot, I was good to go. Once Sara gets home it's time for a little Biggest Loser.
Today I went into it with an open mind with hopes for better results. I decided to go with my old bike shorts since I used the my new ones yesterday. They were much better. I made it for one hour on the trainer. My triceps and calves are still way too fatigued. I am making notes of how I feel everyday so in a couple weeks, we can make a few more adjustments. After my hour ride, I decided to put on my new bike shorts and continue for another 15 minutes to get used to them. I did not even notice when I put them on yesterday, but the padding is the same shape as my saddle. No wonder I couldn't get comfortable. Once I found a comfortable spot, I was good to go. Once Sara gets home it's time for a little Biggest Loser.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Good stuff / Not so good stuff
I had a great training week last week. We had temps in the 60's and even 70. I was able to get out on my bike and get in two 35 mile rides and even sandwiched in a run between the two. By the end of the week, my legs were spent. Obviously one of the most important aspects of long distance triathlon is conserving energy through being as aero as possible. I decided to check out how aero I look while on my trainer. Although I am no expert, it looks like I could gain a little from a proper fitting on the bike. Therefore, I have a bike fitting set up for Monday at Carolina Triathlon. I am really looking forward to what we find.
Unfortunately with the good comes the bad. My goal for this week was to focus on my run. I had plans to do four or five runs, with the longest being around 8 miles. My first run on Monday was great- 5.1 miles at a 9:10/mile pace. The second run felt real good until the end. I had just finished 5.2 miles and had 1/2 mile to go. At this point, my right achilles begins to act up and just flat out hurt. This time, it was not at the insertion point, but about 1/3 of the way from my heel. That is what happened last spring when I decided to go to therapy. I really don't want to go again and frankly can't afford to go again. For now, I am spending my time in the pool, on the bike and stretching like crazy. I am going to take off for the rest of the week and schedule an appointment with a friend who is a sports doc at Steadman Hawkins. Hopefully, he will give me some good news.
Unfortunately with the good comes the bad. My goal for this week was to focus on my run. I had plans to do four or five runs, with the longest being around 8 miles. My first run on Monday was great- 5.1 miles at a 9:10/mile pace. The second run felt real good until the end. I had just finished 5.2 miles and had 1/2 mile to go. At this point, my right achilles begins to act up and just flat out hurt. This time, it was not at the insertion point, but about 1/3 of the way from my heel. That is what happened last spring when I decided to go to therapy. I really don't want to go again and frankly can't afford to go again. For now, I am spending my time in the pool, on the bike and stretching like crazy. I am going to take off for the rest of the week and schedule an appointment with a friend who is a sports doc at Steadman Hawkins. Hopefully, he will give me some good news.
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