I have debated for quite some time whether I want to post these links. I'm not particulary proud of these images. They do no represent how I see myself. Race pics alway SUCK. Still, some may have a sick sort of fascination with what the heck the rest of me looks like.
So...
The bike pic.
The run pic.
Enjoy?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Next
I finally found some trails!
Last night I rode my bike a mile to the trail head, parked it, and set off on a two mile run through a former farmers field. A wooden bridge over a rocky stream, gold finches playing tag, early crickets singing their encouragement, and marvelously unpaved ground were the highlights of a nice and easy 24 minute run. I rode my bike home feeling refreshed and very pleased to have this little haven so close to my house.
This morning the alarm went off to send me to the pool. I turned it off. I rolled over and went back to sleep. And so goes my training for triathlon number two!
Last night I rode my bike a mile to the trail head, parked it, and set off on a two mile run through a former farmers field. A wooden bridge over a rocky stream, gold finches playing tag, early crickets singing their encouragement, and marvelously unpaved ground were the highlights of a nice and easy 24 minute run. I rode my bike home feeling refreshed and very pleased to have this little haven so close to my house.
This morning the alarm went off to send me to the pool. I turned it off. I rolled over and went back to sleep. And so goes my training for triathlon number two!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Great Lakes Triathlon
What’s the difference between the person who finishes first and the athlete who crosses the finish line last?
The Night Before
I loaded up the family in the car, dropped off my oldest children at a birthday party, and drove with my wife and youngest two children to pick up my packet.
“Have fun at the expo, “ my oldest called after us.
Expo? This was not an expo. All they had were the volunteers setting up the transition area and the volunteers handing out jerseys, t-shirts, and race packets. There was one retailer there with a table set up manned by two employees who looked like they had drawn the short straw and got stuck working at the, um, “expo”.
I got my packet and asked my wife if it would be OK to go look around. She was Ok with that so we wandered down to the water to scope out the swimming area. Actually seeing the lake where I was going to swim had a bit of a calming affect on me. The water was warm and clear. I dipped my toes in and tried to imagine what it would be like in the morning.
After we got home I realized that my wife had forgotten to buy my pre-race bananas and bagels. I helped get the kids all tucked into bed and I skipped off to the market to buy my breakfast. I had some trouble assuring my five-year-old son that I wasn’t going to sink and never come back. Still, he made my wife promise him that if I didn’t make she wouldn’t make him have another dad. (Yes! I love that kid. In reality, my wife is probably so sick of me that she has three or four likely candidates waiting to take over the moment I slip up and ….oh forget it.) Returning home I packed my backpack and sat down to watch a little television before I went to bed.
Then…I went to bed.
Race Morning
The alarm woke me up at 4:45. I rolled out of bed. I ate my bagel and banana, got dressed, and went to the bathroom TWICE before leaving the house. I brought my bag out to the car and decided that it was cold enough (55 degrees) that I should be wearing pants and a jacket so I went back in and grabbed that stuff and began the half hour drive to the YMCA camp where the event was being held.
I arrived early enough that there wear only about 20 other cars there. Friendly volunteers waved me into a really good parking spot. I grabbed my water bottle and jumped out of the car and into the cool morning to get my stuff to the transition area. I pumped up my tires, made some small talk with my neighbors in the lot, and then headed off to the transition area.
The transition was set up so that race number assigned each rack. So because my number was 68 and I was there early I got a great spot to rack my bike. Now, I’m a little bit slow when it comes to doing new things and had NO IDEA how to get my bike on that rack thingy. So, forgetting that I’m shy, I walked over and asked someone who looked like they knew what they were doing. He was more than happy to help and wished me good luck on my first race. I headed off to body marking.
All I had left to do was wait…
That’s when I saw one of the guys from the pool so I walked over to talk to him. I asked him why he wasn’t getting set up and told me that he had cut his big toe pretty badly the week before. Then another guy from the pool walked by and after talking for about 30 seconds we discovered that we al live within a tenth of a mile of each other. So we made tentative plans to start doing some runs and rides together. How cool is that?
We all walked down to the water together. Mark, the injured guy, gave Todd (no…not me. The other guy.) and I some pointers since he had done this event a few times. On the walk back to transition I ran into my wife and kids. The kissed me all good luck and went to find a spot to watch the start while I went to my transition area to strip down to the bare essentials.
The Swim
You know I’m slow right? Good. Remember that.
I watched the first few waves start. I felt confident enough and not nearly as nervous as I expected I would be. I shivered a bit in the cool morning air.
They called our wave to the starting area and I waded into the water. The horn went off and I walked forward while all of the real triathletes dove into the water and began swimming furiously. I got to about waist deep and I eased my way into the water and began swimming.
This was my first open water swim ever. I did not freak out. The water felt great as I slipped forward through the water stroking easily and confidently. I looked up to sight and I had no idea where I was. It only took a second to get myself oriented and head in the right direction. I decided to switch to the breaststroke so I would at know where I was going.
I got bumped into as faster swimmers caught up to me. No big deal. One person tried to swim right up my back as I was rounding the third buoy and heading back to shore. I still didn’t freak out. I just stopped kicking and relaxed and he shifted to the side.
As I got about three-quarters of the way done I realized that I hadn’t seen any other swimmers for a while. I began to realize that I might just be the last swimmer in the water. I was pretty embarrassed. I know someone has to be last. I just didn’t want it to be me.
I finally got to the beach. I looked behind me and saw three other swimmers behind me yet. I looked at the beach volunteers and said, “Did I win?”
They got a chuckle out of that.
The Bike
My kids were waiting for me along the fence as I made my way to transition. They blew me kisses and yelled, “Go Dad!”
The transition went smoothly and I was soon on the bike and heading out for what I expected to be a lonely 18-mile ride. Within a quarter mile of starting the ride the leader came flying down the road past me. This didn’t make me feel to good.
I yelled some encouragement to other cyclists as they passed me on the way in hoping that they would do the same for me. Nobody did. I got passed twice. This made me realize that I was now second to last. I began to wonder if the effort was worth it.
I eventually caught up to a man and pulled along side of hoping for some company and conversation. He told me that it was his first triathlon and it was his 75th birthday. I swear he looked 20 years younger. I told him what an inspiration I thought he was. He said thanks and then pulled away as we were riding up the biggest hill of the ride. Another blow to my ego. Then I saw a guy on a recumbent bike that was coming the other way. Are you kidding me!! Those things are incredibly slow and even he was ahead of me.
On my way in on the bike I yelled encouragement to the runners coming from the other direction. Again…nobody yelled back.
The hills on the ride weren’t anything terrible. The ride felt better than the swim. I felt like I was just getting warmed up.
The Run
Again, my kids were waiting sheer for me near the transition area. They even ran along side of me for awhile as I walked for the first couple of minutes. Then the best part of the race happened.
I stopped to go to the bathroom.
As I trotted out of the woods another runner was coming along. We ended up running the entire 4.5 miles together. We talked and just enjoyed a really nice run along a very pretty run course around the lake. I actually felt myself getting stronger with each mile. I could have easily left him behind and finished a couple of minutes faster but I was enjoying myself too much.
We passed the 75-year old and wished him a happy birthday. We passed a couple of others who were obviously struggling with the run. We asked if they were OK and if they needed anything. They sent us on ahead. Before I knew it we were running down the chute and the announcer was calling my name while a volunteer was handing me a deliciously cold towel.
I finished with a smile on my face.
As far as first triathlons go, I could have done much better. I clearly need to become a better swimmer. But I felt so good on the run that I’m confident that next time I’ll do even better. Yes, I said next time.
The Night Before
I loaded up the family in the car, dropped off my oldest children at a birthday party, and drove with my wife and youngest two children to pick up my packet.
“Have fun at the expo, “ my oldest called after us.
Expo? This was not an expo. All they had were the volunteers setting up the transition area and the volunteers handing out jerseys, t-shirts, and race packets. There was one retailer there with a table set up manned by two employees who looked like they had drawn the short straw and got stuck working at the, um, “expo”.
I got my packet and asked my wife if it would be OK to go look around. She was Ok with that so we wandered down to the water to scope out the swimming area. Actually seeing the lake where I was going to swim had a bit of a calming affect on me. The water was warm and clear. I dipped my toes in and tried to imagine what it would be like in the morning.
After we got home I realized that my wife had forgotten to buy my pre-race bananas and bagels. I helped get the kids all tucked into bed and I skipped off to the market to buy my breakfast. I had some trouble assuring my five-year-old son that I wasn’t going to sink and never come back. Still, he made my wife promise him that if I didn’t make she wouldn’t make him have another dad. (Yes! I love that kid. In reality, my wife is probably so sick of me that she has three or four likely candidates waiting to take over the moment I slip up and ….oh forget it.) Returning home I packed my backpack and sat down to watch a little television before I went to bed.
Then…I went to bed.
Race Morning
The alarm woke me up at 4:45. I rolled out of bed. I ate my bagel and banana, got dressed, and went to the bathroom TWICE before leaving the house. I brought my bag out to the car and decided that it was cold enough (55 degrees) that I should be wearing pants and a jacket so I went back in and grabbed that stuff and began the half hour drive to the YMCA camp where the event was being held.
I arrived early enough that there wear only about 20 other cars there. Friendly volunteers waved me into a really good parking spot. I grabbed my water bottle and jumped out of the car and into the cool morning to get my stuff to the transition area. I pumped up my tires, made some small talk with my neighbors in the lot, and then headed off to the transition area.
The transition was set up so that race number assigned each rack. So because my number was 68 and I was there early I got a great spot to rack my bike. Now, I’m a little bit slow when it comes to doing new things and had NO IDEA how to get my bike on that rack thingy. So, forgetting that I’m shy, I walked over and asked someone who looked like they knew what they were doing. He was more than happy to help and wished me good luck on my first race. I headed off to body marking.
All I had left to do was wait…
That’s when I saw one of the guys from the pool so I walked over to talk to him. I asked him why he wasn’t getting set up and told me that he had cut his big toe pretty badly the week before. Then another guy from the pool walked by and after talking for about 30 seconds we discovered that we al live within a tenth of a mile of each other. So we made tentative plans to start doing some runs and rides together. How cool is that?
We all walked down to the water together. Mark, the injured guy, gave Todd (no…not me. The other guy.) and I some pointers since he had done this event a few times. On the walk back to transition I ran into my wife and kids. The kissed me all good luck and went to find a spot to watch the start while I went to my transition area to strip down to the bare essentials.
The Swim
You know I’m slow right? Good. Remember that.
I watched the first few waves start. I felt confident enough and not nearly as nervous as I expected I would be. I shivered a bit in the cool morning air.
They called our wave to the starting area and I waded into the water. The horn went off and I walked forward while all of the real triathletes dove into the water and began swimming furiously. I got to about waist deep and I eased my way into the water and began swimming.
This was my first open water swim ever. I did not freak out. The water felt great as I slipped forward through the water stroking easily and confidently. I looked up to sight and I had no idea where I was. It only took a second to get myself oriented and head in the right direction. I decided to switch to the breaststroke so I would at know where I was going.
I got bumped into as faster swimmers caught up to me. No big deal. One person tried to swim right up my back as I was rounding the third buoy and heading back to shore. I still didn’t freak out. I just stopped kicking and relaxed and he shifted to the side.
As I got about three-quarters of the way done I realized that I hadn’t seen any other swimmers for a while. I began to realize that I might just be the last swimmer in the water. I was pretty embarrassed. I know someone has to be last. I just didn’t want it to be me.
I finally got to the beach. I looked behind me and saw three other swimmers behind me yet. I looked at the beach volunteers and said, “Did I win?”
They got a chuckle out of that.
The Bike
My kids were waiting for me along the fence as I made my way to transition. They blew me kisses and yelled, “Go Dad!”
The transition went smoothly and I was soon on the bike and heading out for what I expected to be a lonely 18-mile ride. Within a quarter mile of starting the ride the leader came flying down the road past me. This didn’t make me feel to good.
I yelled some encouragement to other cyclists as they passed me on the way in hoping that they would do the same for me. Nobody did. I got passed twice. This made me realize that I was now second to last. I began to wonder if the effort was worth it.
I eventually caught up to a man and pulled along side of hoping for some company and conversation. He told me that it was his first triathlon and it was his 75th birthday. I swear he looked 20 years younger. I told him what an inspiration I thought he was. He said thanks and then pulled away as we were riding up the biggest hill of the ride. Another blow to my ego. Then I saw a guy on a recumbent bike that was coming the other way. Are you kidding me!! Those things are incredibly slow and even he was ahead of me.
On my way in on the bike I yelled encouragement to the runners coming from the other direction. Again…nobody yelled back.
The hills on the ride weren’t anything terrible. The ride felt better than the swim. I felt like I was just getting warmed up.
The Run
Again, my kids were waiting sheer for me near the transition area. They even ran along side of me for awhile as I walked for the first couple of minutes. Then the best part of the race happened.
I stopped to go to the bathroom.
As I trotted out of the woods another runner was coming along. We ended up running the entire 4.5 miles together. We talked and just enjoyed a really nice run along a very pretty run course around the lake. I actually felt myself getting stronger with each mile. I could have easily left him behind and finished a couple of minutes faster but I was enjoying myself too much.
We passed the 75-year old and wished him a happy birthday. We passed a couple of others who were obviously struggling with the run. We asked if they were OK and if they needed anything. They sent us on ahead. Before I knew it we were running down the chute and the announcer was calling my name while a volunteer was handing me a deliciously cold towel.
I finished with a smile on my face.
As far as first triathlons go, I could have done much better. I clearly need to become a better swimmer. But I felt so good on the run that I’m confident that next time I’ll do even better. Yes, I said next time.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Easy
Yeah...um, I don't know what I was thinking. Olympic in September? Forgive my momentary hubris.
Today was just an easy, really easy, 600 yard swim. Boy, I remember when 600 seemed like a tough day. Not today. As far as the swim goes I'm as ready as I'm gonna be. Full speed ahead!
(There I go again...)
I plan on mowing the lawn today and going out for about a half hour ride if the thunderstorms clear today. If not, I hope doing laundry and taking kids to the pediatrician counts as cross training. (No. They're not sick. Just well child check ups.)
Today was just an easy, really easy, 600 yard swim. Boy, I remember when 600 seemed like a tough day. Not today. As far as the swim goes I'm as ready as I'm gonna be. Full speed ahead!
(There I go again...)
I plan on mowing the lawn today and going out for about a half hour ride if the thunderstorms clear today. If not, I hope doing laundry and taking kids to the pediatrician counts as cross training. (No. They're not sick. Just well child check ups.)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Flat Practice.
Today's training involved a trip to the bike shop for some CO2 cartridges for my hand held bike pump. AND...because I have been significantly blessed with never having had to change a tire on my bike I decided to practice. I didn't want to be in the middle of my race and have to fix a flat for the first time.
I decided to practice on the rear wheel because I figured that would be the more difficult one to change during a race. Remember, I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy in the world. Anyway...I took my time. I got the tire off. I let all of the air out. I figured out how to get the tire off the rim without scratching my head, or anything else, too many times. I took the tube out of the tire. I put the tube back in the tire. I put the tire back on. I inflated it.
Its not that hard.
One things for certain though. I've probably jinxed myself with a flat tire now.
_________________________________
I'm doing another tri on September 1st. I have my choice between the sprint and tthe olympic. What do you think? Should I try the oly? It's not that much further than the sprint I'm doing on Saturday. Hmmm.....
I decided to practice on the rear wheel because I figured that would be the more difficult one to change during a race. Remember, I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy in the world. Anyway...I took my time. I got the tire off. I let all of the air out. I figured out how to get the tire off the rim without scratching my head, or anything else, too many times. I took the tube out of the tire. I put the tube back in the tire. I put the tire back on. I inflated it.
Its not that hard.
One things for certain though. I've probably jinxed myself with a flat tire now.
_________________________________
I'm doing another tri on September 1st. I have my choice between the sprint and tthe olympic. What do you think? Should I try the oly? It's not that much further than the sprint I'm doing on Saturday. Hmmm.....
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Uh oh...
Thanks triturtl and johnnytri for visiting. I really appreciate your comments.
_______________________
I was going to take an easy run today. It's not gonna happen. My left leg (stress fracture leg) is uniquely sore in a very familiar and localized spot. I didn't have any trouble during my last run. In fact, I felt great. Yesterday, though, my family dragged me to the mall and there was a moment when it was REALLY bothering me. I tried to sit as often as I could. I'd hate to think I've re injured myself just as running is becoming fun again and right before my impending triathlon. So, as much as I want to test it, I'm going to rest instead. A run today won't make the difference between whether I finish the tri or not.
_______________________
Triathlon invaded my dreams last night. I'm not able to recall anything specific right now. All I can remember was that, SURPRISE!, I arrived to find out I had registered for a half iron man instead of a longish sprint. Maybe that's why my leg is sore today. I ran a half marathon in my sleep...
_______________________
I was going to take an easy run today. It's not gonna happen. My left leg (stress fracture leg) is uniquely sore in a very familiar and localized spot. I didn't have any trouble during my last run. In fact, I felt great. Yesterday, though, my family dragged me to the mall and there was a moment when it was REALLY bothering me. I tried to sit as often as I could. I'd hate to think I've re injured myself just as running is becoming fun again and right before my impending triathlon. So, as much as I want to test it, I'm going to rest instead. A run today won't make the difference between whether I finish the tri or not.
_______________________
Triathlon invaded my dreams last night. I'm not able to recall anything specific right now. All I can remember was that, SURPRISE!, I arrived to find out I had registered for a half iron man instead of a longish sprint. Maybe that's why my leg is sore today. I ran a half marathon in my sleep...
Monday, July 16, 2007
Monday
Today I swam 1000 yards. I did 500 front stroke, 300 breast, and 200 kick. The front and breast stroke I did in sets of 50 with a 15-20 seconds of rest in between. Everything was nice and easy and relaxed.
This weekend I read my blog from the beginning. My first swim was laughably difficult. I can't believe how much I have progressed since April. I mentioned this to one of the lifeguards this morning and he daid the at he and Dana, the other lifeguard, were talking about the same thing after my swim last week. How cool! Somebody noticed.
I've read the race reports of both Jim and Kateri and think they did such and absolutely awesome job on their first triathlons that I'm going to be embarrased to even post my times. They did so well and think that there times are slow?! I think I'll just write a short missive to let you know whether I finished or not.
This weekend I read my blog from the beginning. My first swim was laughably difficult. I can't believe how much I have progressed since April. I mentioned this to one of the lifeguards this morning and he daid the at he and Dana, the other lifeguard, were talking about the same thing after my swim last week. How cool! Somebody noticed.
I've read the race reports of both Jim and Kateri and think they did such and absolutely awesome job on their first triathlons that I'm going to be embarrased to even post my times. They did so well and think that there times are slow?! I think I'll just write a short missive to let you know whether I finished or not.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Senseless rambling
I have one week until my tri. This time next week I'll probably be done. I'll be tired. Hopefully I'll be excited about what I accomplished and looking forward to another race.
I'm still worried.
I'm not the best swimmer. I'll be using a combination of strokes to get through the 1/2 mile. I don't want to get kicked in the face.
On the bike I'm worried that I haven't put in enough time. I'm afraid I'll get a flat and freak out and not be able to change it. I'm nearly positive that everyone else will be able to tell that I'm riding a free 15 year old 12 speed and think that I'm not serious about doing my best.
As far as running goes...I'm probably seriously under trained. I know that I'm coming off this stress fracture and I have done the best I can to get my running legs back. Still, it's a concern for me.
I'm really not crazy about other people seeing me in my tri shorts with my shirt off.
Here's what I know. I was tough enough to run a marathon. I gutted that out. I can gut this out too. I'm not a quitter. I never have been. I never will be. I would rather crawl across the finish than be pulled off the course.
I feel like this tri is becoming bigger than it really is. It's not an IM. It's not even a half. It's a long sprint. But, it's my first. So, I guess I'm afraid of what I don't know.
Well, there's only one way to conquer that fear. I'll just jump in with both feet and figure it out.
Does any of this even make sense?
I'm still worried.
I'm not the best swimmer. I'll be using a combination of strokes to get through the 1/2 mile. I don't want to get kicked in the face.
On the bike I'm worried that I haven't put in enough time. I'm afraid I'll get a flat and freak out and not be able to change it. I'm nearly positive that everyone else will be able to tell that I'm riding a free 15 year old 12 speed and think that I'm not serious about doing my best.
As far as running goes...I'm probably seriously under trained. I know that I'm coming off this stress fracture and I have done the best I can to get my running legs back. Still, it's a concern for me.
I'm really not crazy about other people seeing me in my tri shorts with my shirt off.
Here's what I know. I was tough enough to run a marathon. I gutted that out. I can gut this out too. I'm not a quitter. I never have been. I never will be. I would rather crawl across the finish than be pulled off the course.
I feel like this tri is becoming bigger than it really is. It's not an IM. It's not even a half. It's a long sprint. But, it's my first. So, I guess I'm afraid of what I don't know.
Well, there's only one way to conquer that fear. I'll just jump in with both feet and figure it out.
Does any of this even make sense?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
54 touches and 9 days to go
I swam 1,350 yards this morning. Nonstop. It feels good. I passed the half mile point in my swim and checked in with myself to see if, come race day, I'll still have gas in the tank at that point.
The answer? Yes.
Race day will be different though. Much different.
I can feel myself starting to go through the mental exercise of becoming prepared to do whatever it takes to finish this thing. Today's long swim will go quite a way to help prepare me mentally.
One other thing...
When I was done. I pulled off my goggles and the life guard walked up to me and said, "Wow, you didn't stop at all. How far did you swim?"
I told her.
She asked me how the long the swim is in my tri. I told her it's a half mile.
"You're gonna do great," she said.
I sure hope so.
The answer? Yes.
Race day will be different though. Much different.
I can feel myself starting to go through the mental exercise of becoming prepared to do whatever it takes to finish this thing. Today's long swim will go quite a way to help prepare me mentally.
One other thing...
When I was done. I pulled off my goggles and the life guard walked up to me and said, "Wow, you didn't stop at all. How far did you swim?"
I told her.
She asked me how the long the swim is in my tri. I told her it's a half mile.
"You're gonna do great," she said.
I sure hope so.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monster Hill
I had a fantastically super awesome great bike ride this afternoon. It wasn't because I was fast. It wasn't because I rode a super long distance. Nope.
Today I conquered Monster Hill.
My kids call it Monster Hill because I showed it to them once when were driving up it and I was telling them that I ran up it sometimes and my oldest daughter exclaimed, "You run up this monster hill?"
Yeah, I do.
Sometimes.
But, until today I have never attempted to ride up Monster Hill. I was afraid. Afraid I wouldn't make it. Afraid passing drivers would see me and wonder what the heck I thought I was doing and who was I fooling anyway? Afraid.
You see, there are not many hills where I live. The hills around here are mostly bumps in farmers fields. Rolling hills. Monster hill is steep (26%) and high compared to all the rest.
Today I decided it was time to meet my fear. It was hard. It was lung busting, quad shiveringly difficult. But...I won. I conquered my fear and I climbed the hill.
Now I realize as I write this that it's pretty metaphoric. I have overcome another stress fracture. I have beaten down a great deal of frustration in the pool. Now I've conquered Monster Hill and next week I'll become a triathlete in addition to being a marathoner.
What's left to fear?
I'm sure I'll find something.
Today I conquered Monster Hill.
My kids call it Monster Hill because I showed it to them once when were driving up it and I was telling them that I ran up it sometimes and my oldest daughter exclaimed, "You run up this monster hill?"
Yeah, I do.
Sometimes.
But, until today I have never attempted to ride up Monster Hill. I was afraid. Afraid I wouldn't make it. Afraid passing drivers would see me and wonder what the heck I thought I was doing and who was I fooling anyway? Afraid.
You see, there are not many hills where I live. The hills around here are mostly bumps in farmers fields. Rolling hills. Monster hill is steep (26%) and high compared to all the rest.
Today I decided it was time to meet my fear. It was hard. It was lung busting, quad shiveringly difficult. But...I won. I conquered my fear and I climbed the hill.
Now I realize as I write this that it's pretty metaphoric. I have overcome another stress fracture. I have beaten down a great deal of frustration in the pool. Now I've conquered Monster Hill and next week I'll become a triathlete in addition to being a marathoner.
What's left to fear?
I'm sure I'll find something.
Counting down
10 days to go.
Today I swam 1000 yards worth of 100 yard repeats (breast stroke). Later today I have an hour long ride planned. We'll see how that goes. The weather has changed to wonderfully cool and just a bit breezy. I'm really looking forward to getting out there today. Within the next day or two I'll load the kids in the car and go drive the bike course to give myself an idea of what I'm up against.
Today I swam 1000 yards worth of 100 yard repeats (breast stroke). Later today I have an hour long ride planned. We'll see how that goes. The weather has changed to wonderfully cool and just a bit breezy. I'm really looking forward to getting out there today. Within the next day or two I'll load the kids in the car and go drive the bike course to give myself an idea of what I'm up against.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Nobody has talked me out of it yet. Maybe this first tri will take care of that itch.
11 days until my first tri.
Today was a swim/run day. I love swim/run days. I wish the tri went swim/run/bike. That would be perfect. Anyway, the swim was 800 yards worth of 50 yard repeats and the run was 3 nonstop miles. My running pace isn't where I would like it but I can cover the distances nonstop now. I'm happy about that. It was a good workout.
I visited the tri website and took a peek at the bike jersey I'll get at registration. I think it's cool.
11 days until my first tri.
Today was a swim/run day. I love swim/run days. I wish the tri went swim/run/bike. That would be perfect. Anyway, the swim was 800 yards worth of 50 yard repeats and the run was 3 nonstop miles. My running pace isn't where I would like it but I can cover the distances nonstop now. I'm happy about that. It was a good workout.
I visited the tri website and took a peek at the bike jersey I'll get at registration. I think it's cool.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Talk me out of this...
I did something similar to this shortly before the Chicago Marathon. I started planning future marathons before I had even run my first. Still...I can't help but think that with a year of training under my belt I can accomplish an olympic and a half ironman next summer. Why not? I won't know unless I try.
My kids say go for it. My wife asks when am I going to spend time with the family. She has reasonable concerns. I also want to continue my education. I want to run more marathons. But, I have an itch. It's a tiny itch and it goes away after I ride my bike for 20 miles or so or I do a brick workout. The itch comes back though. The itch keeps coming back.
I did something similar to this shortly before the Chicago Marathon. I started planning future marathons before I had even run my first. Still...I can't help but think that with a year of training under my belt I can accomplish an olympic and a half ironman next summer. Why not? I won't know unless I try.
My kids say go for it. My wife asks when am I going to spend time with the family. She has reasonable concerns. I also want to continue my education. I want to run more marathons. But, I have an itch. It's a tiny itch and it goes away after I ride my bike for 20 miles or so or I do a brick workout. The itch comes back though. The itch keeps coming back.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Very quickly...
I did a 9 mile ride today followed by a two mile run. It was hot. Running immediately after biking is not the easiest thing to do. I only averaged 15.3 miles per hour on the bike and 11:53 per mile on the run. I am now predicting that I will finish last in my triathlon.
Tomorrow is a swim/bike day. I would prefer not to have done them on back to back days , but, that's what fits into the family schedule.
I did a 9 mile ride today followed by a two mile run. It was hot. Running immediately after biking is not the easiest thing to do. I only averaged 15.3 miles per hour on the bike and 11:53 per mile on the run. I am now predicting that I will finish last in my triathlon.
Tomorrow is a swim/bike day. I would prefer not to have done them on back to back days , but, that's what fits into the family schedule.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Trying tri shorts
For the record: I bought a pair of tri shorts today. They were ridiculously expensive to the point that I, who rarely has a problem spending money on my hobbies, felt guilty paying for them. I got a pair of TYR brand shorts with little pockets on the side that I can easily slip a gel or some sports beans into if I need to. This tri thing better be worth it...
$65
ouch!
$65
ouch!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Easy miles
Tonight I ran 2.5 easy miles. I took a couple of walk break during the first half but I got into such a groove and I was running at such an easy pace that I just ran the whole 1.25 miles back home. I felt 1000% better after I ran than I did before. I love running.
_________
I got that auto lap thingy figured out on my Garmin now (thanks Scott). Boy, that's a nice feature isn't it? I'm really liking this Garmin thingy.
_________
You know, there was one thing I really didn't like about running the 5k last weekend. Unlike a longer run, I never really had a chance to "settle in" and become comfortable. I don't really remember much about the course because of this. I could write a book about the LBCM course, however. Anybody else feel this way?
_________
I got that auto lap thingy figured out on my Garmin now (thanks Scott). Boy, that's a nice feature isn't it? I'm really liking this Garmin thingy.
_________
You know, there was one thing I really didn't like about running the 5k last weekend. Unlike a longer run, I never really had a chance to "settle in" and become comfortable. I don't really remember much about the course because of this. I could write a book about the LBCM course, however. Anybody else feel this way?
Thinking ahead.
Yeah, I know I'm coming off an injury...
So, I promised my oldest daughters that we'd run a 5k this year. I've got one on the calendar for August 25. BUT...I just found out about a cool 8k the week before AND I have a sprint tri scheduled the week after.
Please tell me that's not too much.
I'll only be stronger by then and the 5k with my daughters will be nice and slow and easy, right?
________________________
I hijacked the family and snuck them across the border this morning. The Indiana border. We did a little bit of flea market shopping and had an awesome Amish family style lunch. Now we're home and my wife is off to dinner with some of her scrapbooking friends.
Where has my motivation gone?
I suspect it went down the hatch with the pie...
So, I promised my oldest daughters that we'd run a 5k this year. I've got one on the calendar for August 25. BUT...I just found out about a cool 8k the week before AND I have a sprint tri scheduled the week after.
Please tell me that's not too much.
I'll only be stronger by then and the 5k with my daughters will be nice and slow and easy, right?
________________________
I hijacked the family and snuck them across the border this morning. The Indiana border. We did a little bit of flea market shopping and had an awesome Amish family style lunch. Now we're home and my wife is off to dinner with some of her scrapbooking friends.
Where has my motivation gone?
I suspect it went down the hatch with the pie...
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