Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time valued
That's how this all started. The running, then triathlon. Setting goals and working toward accomplishing those goals. I think it is important for my kids to see me doing these things. They may not understand it now but maybe down the road. I have had 1 son do a triathlon and the other a 5K..So maybe it is working.
Things you think about while on the treadmill for an hour.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tattoo
On business in South Florida. I went to the gym here and noticed a women with an Ironman Tattoo on her lower back.
I asked her which she did and it was Ironman Florida. She had great things to say. She did say every time she thought about the experience or the day she light up. And it was true. She wished my luck and told me I would do great. She said to have fun and enjoy the day.
she had great thing to say about the event itseld and all the volunteers. I am so looking forward to it. I am getting tired of all this hard work.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Full Circle
I raced the Disney Triathlon on Sunday. What a great race.
I arrived at the parking area at about 6am. My bike was already in the transition area as it is mandatory to have it checked in the night before. I organized may area. The 2 bikes on either side of me did not show up so I had some extra space. I made my way to the water to get body marked. With that done it was back to transition to apply some sunscreen. I go to my area and realized that i left my nutrition(gels and blocks) in the car. I did remember my water bottles which contained my bike nutrition.
I was able to get 1 gel pack from a neighbor. I should have begged for more. I was fine on the bike and swim, I could of used a gel or 2 on the run...Live and Learn.
The Swim: My age group Men 35-39 was split into 2 waves as there was a total of 142 athletes in my group. It is amazing what difference a year makes. Last year, I raced with Team in Training. Disney was my 2nd triathlon. Last year at the start I was nervous. This year I was nervous, but more excited energy. I entered the water and swam relaxed most of the 1.5K swim. The water was fine. I did bump into some people. But I held my own. I had a 36minute swim. Which is probably good for me. I did breast stroke a couple of times, if I swallowed some water or going around the markers and that was it..Last year I had a 45 minute swim. Out of the water I was 77 out of 142
T1: Un eventful, aside from the atleast 1/4 mile run 3:12
The bike: I have ridden parts of this course quite a bit so I knew what to expect. We had some head wind the last part of the route. My goal was to average 20mph on the bike and I came in just over that. I passed a good number of people and felt good. I did see on accident. Disney attracts a lot of Team in Training and new participant, which is great... But, I think some of these people lack time on the bike and might not be as comfortable on the bike. So I was cautious of this during the ride..the last 2-4 miles they had signs up that you could not pass. I used this to stretch out my legs, so no problems. Bike time 1:49 for 35 miles. place 46 out of 142
T2: cleaned my glasses put on my running shoes and I was off. 1:53
The Run: I am not a big fan of 2 loop courses, which this was..I could have used some gel and it was hot. That is pretty much all of my excuses. I did walk a couple of times. I need to work on my brick runs. This weekend I will do a 100 mile ride and a long run after. I did have a huge stomach issue on the 2nd loop. I could not get myself to burp and I had drank to much water Gatorade and it was sitting there..finally I let out the loudest burp and felt much better.
The run was very similar to the half ironman course.. We ran off road for probably a half mile each loop which rally sucked. I only run on pavement. I never train off road, so I did not like the uneven footing..10K run 62:31. 31 out of 142.
The finish. I was able to push the last 1/4 mile and pass some people at the end. It felt good to finish strong. Total time 3:32. 39 out of 142 in my age group. What a difference a year makes. I hope I get to Ironman Florida and I am as calm and have as much fun.
I arrived at the parking area at about 6am. My bike was already in the transition area as it is mandatory to have it checked in the night before. I organized may area. The 2 bikes on either side of me did not show up so I had some extra space. I made my way to the water to get body marked. With that done it was back to transition to apply some sunscreen. I go to my area and realized that i left my nutrition(gels and blocks) in the car. I did remember my water bottles which contained my bike nutrition.
I was able to get 1 gel pack from a neighbor. I should have begged for more. I was fine on the bike and swim, I could of used a gel or 2 on the run...Live and Learn.
The Swim: My age group Men 35-39 was split into 2 waves as there was a total of 142 athletes in my group. It is amazing what difference a year makes. Last year, I raced with Team in Training. Disney was my 2nd triathlon. Last year at the start I was nervous. This year I was nervous, but more excited energy. I entered the water and swam relaxed most of the 1.5K swim. The water was fine. I did bump into some people. But I held my own. I had a 36minute swim. Which is probably good for me. I did breast stroke a couple of times, if I swallowed some water or going around the markers and that was it..Last year I had a 45 minute swim. Out of the water I was 77 out of 142
T1: Un eventful, aside from the atleast 1/4 mile run 3:12
The bike: I have ridden parts of this course quite a bit so I knew what to expect. We had some head wind the last part of the route. My goal was to average 20mph on the bike and I came in just over that. I passed a good number of people and felt good. I did see on accident. Disney attracts a lot of Team in Training and new participant, which is great... But, I think some of these people lack time on the bike and might not be as comfortable on the bike. So I was cautious of this during the ride..the last 2-4 miles they had signs up that you could not pass. I used this to stretch out my legs, so no problems. Bike time 1:49 for 35 miles. place 46 out of 142
T2: cleaned my glasses put on my running shoes and I was off. 1:53
The Run: I am not a big fan of 2 loop courses, which this was..I could have used some gel and it was hot. That is pretty much all of my excuses. I did walk a couple of times. I need to work on my brick runs. This weekend I will do a 100 mile ride and a long run after. I did have a huge stomach issue on the 2nd loop. I could not get myself to burp and I had drank to much water Gatorade and it was sitting there..finally I let out the loudest burp and felt much better.
The run was very similar to the half ironman course.. We ran off road for probably a half mile each loop which rally sucked. I only run on pavement. I never train off road, so I did not like the uneven footing..10K run 62:31. 31 out of 142.
The finish. I was able to push the last 1/4 mile and pass some people at the end. It felt good to finish strong. Total time 3:32. 39 out of 142 in my age group. What a difference a year makes. I hope I get to Ironman Florida and I am as calm and have as much fun.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Back and forth
Taking it easy this week. I have the Disney Triathlon on Sunday. I got to the pool yesterday and swam for an hour. I could have kept going and maybe should have. I also needed to do a bunch of stuff for work..
I will head over to the expo today. I need to get my bike looked at. My front derauiler does not work right now. I also want to look at what kind of sales there are. It might be nice to find out what time my wave starts. I am not overly concerned about this race. It is just another training day. It will be good to get in the water with other people.
I will head to Luckys Saturday morning for a 1 or 2 K lake swim depending on the time. I am sure I will need to get to Disney by 5:30 or 6am. I will increase my milage the next couple weeks and then look forward tothe taper.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Van Fleet-VAN BORING
Well on Saturday we met bright and early for our planned 120 mile ride. We had to wait a little to get on the bikes as the sun was not up at 6:30. The trail is 29.2miles long so we did 2 round trips. We averaged over 18.5 miles per hour for the hole day. I got in a little trouble as my family was expecting me home a little sooner. The ride took over 6 hours....That takes up a good portion of the day.
I was good on nutrition for the day. It was very hot of course. We did get some wind for the last 29 miles. I mixed a 5 hour bottle of Perpeteum, flavored with lemonade mix. I had the aero bottle filled with water and 2 other bottles with water. I had 1 uncrustable at around 60 miles. I also snack on pretzel nuggets, a cliff bar and a Pay day. I make sure that everything is in bit sizes pieces, they seem to help me get more water down. I also use Enduralytes, 2 per hour.
The plan called for a run after the bike. We were able to run for about 2 miles after. Not a great run of course.
When I got home Saturday it was aquick shower and off the run errands. It was my sons birthaday on Sunday, so we were having 3 kids sleep over.
I was not able to take a nap that day and I paid the price on Sunday.
We were to do a 20 mile run on Sunday. I was exhausted. I could only manage about 10 miles. I cold have probably kept going, but I would have been worthless all day. It was Sam's 10th birthday and I did not think it would be fair to him. I have taken a ton of time away from my family with training and work. I will have to find time for a 20 miler soon. This Sunday is the Disney Triathlon. I will do a 1K swim on Saturday morning and then maybe a bike. Then I will race Sunday morning.
I was good on nutrition for the day. It was very hot of course. We did get some wind for the last 29 miles. I mixed a 5 hour bottle of Perpeteum, flavored with lemonade mix. I had the aero bottle filled with water and 2 other bottles with water. I had 1 uncrustable at around 60 miles. I also snack on pretzel nuggets, a cliff bar and a Pay day. I make sure that everything is in bit sizes pieces, they seem to help me get more water down. I also use Enduralytes, 2 per hour.
The plan called for a run after the bike. We were able to run for about 2 miles after. Not a great run of course.
When I got home Saturday it was aquick shower and off the run errands. It was my sons birthaday on Sunday, so we were having 3 kids sleep over.
I was not able to take a nap that day and I paid the price on Sunday.
We were to do a 20 mile run on Sunday. I was exhausted. I could only manage about 10 miles. I cold have probably kept going, but I would have been worthless all day. It was Sam's 10th birthday and I did not think it would be fair to him. I have taken a ton of time away from my family with training and work. I will have to find time for a 20 miler soon. This Sunday is the Disney Triathlon. I will do a 1K swim on Saturday morning and then maybe a bike. Then I will race Sunday morning.
Friday, September 14, 2007
51 Days
YES that is right 51 days. YIKES. I spent lunch time doing laps in the pool. Back and Forth. Back and Forth. BORING. I was running out of things to think about. Besides what is that thing floating in the bottom of the pool, a clump of hair, furball? Lint? No Clue.. The YMCA still has short lanes in. I did not even think aobut counting today. I swam for an hour and a half. I figure I do about a 100yds in 2 minutes, pretty consistently. So I figure close to 4600 yds. Felt pretty good.
I just got my new shoes today. I will do a short run tonight to break them in a little. I ordered a new wetsuit, and new bike shoes this week. I am hoping it all comes soon. Tomorrow. 120 miles on the bike and a 30 minute run.
I just got my new shoes today. I will do a short run tonight to break them in a little. I ordered a new wetsuit, and new bike shoes this week. I am hoping it all comes soon. Tomorrow. 120 miles on the bike and a 30 minute run.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The Beach
Yesterday....
I awoke at 4am to meet Gary for a 4:30am run. We did an easy 8 miles. I was home before anyone even woke up at home. I took a personal day from work, so I was able to take care of some stuff at home. It was also probably the first time in over a year that I washed my car. Most of the time when I wash my car, I get help from one of my kids and the car never really gets washed.
I spent a hour on the trainer on the back porch. Gary and Clint met at my house for a trip to the beach. We figured it would be a good idea to get some ocean swimming in. In theory, it sounded great. Well, it was well over a 2 hour drive to get there because of traffic. We arrived a couple minutes before 6pm and got in the water. We swam with the St Pete Mad Dogs. We walked down the beach about a mile got in the water and swam back to where we started. So the whole swim we were parallel to the beach.
I now know what a bobber feels like. It was a little rough. I felt good as far as the distance. It was a little tough to get in a grove with the waves breaking. A couple times I must have been swimming on a sand bar, so I had to move out further. The swim probably took 40 minutes or so. We will do another ocean swim before the race. I am not sure we need to go all the way to St Pete. but it was a nice beach and the water was in the high 80's
We did a little run after the swim and grabbed a bite to eat and headed home. We did not get back to my house till close to 11pm. The drive to swim ratio was a little high..
I awoke at 4am to meet Gary for a 4:30am run. We did an easy 8 miles. I was home before anyone even woke up at home. I took a personal day from work, so I was able to take care of some stuff at home. It was also probably the first time in over a year that I washed my car. Most of the time when I wash my car, I get help from one of my kids and the car never really gets washed.
I spent a hour on the trainer on the back porch. Gary and Clint met at my house for a trip to the beach. We figured it would be a good idea to get some ocean swimming in. In theory, it sounded great. Well, it was well over a 2 hour drive to get there because of traffic. We arrived a couple minutes before 6pm and got in the water. We swam with the St Pete Mad Dogs. We walked down the beach about a mile got in the water and swam back to where we started. So the whole swim we were parallel to the beach.
I now know what a bobber feels like. It was a little rough. I felt good as far as the distance. It was a little tough to get in a grove with the waves breaking. A couple times I must have been swimming on a sand bar, so I had to move out further. The swim probably took 40 minutes or so. We will do another ocean swim before the race. I am not sure we need to go all the way to St Pete. but it was a nice beach and the water was in the high 80's
We did a little run after the swim and grabbed a bite to eat and headed home. We did not get back to my house till close to 11pm. The drive to swim ratio was a little high..
Monday, September 10, 2007
Lake Swim
Got to Luckys this weekend for a lake swim. I have not been in several weeks. We have had an issue with Amoeba's in the local lakes. 3 young kids have died because they got infected with this bacteria. Apparently, this occurs in lake water over 80 degrees. In most cases it is in shallow still water.
This is not the reason I have not been to Luckys lately,,, The swim start on Saturdays, is now 7:45. It gets a little late in the day to do a couple crossings and then get on the bike. I met Gary at the Lake and there was probably 15- 20 others. Before, this Amoeba issue there would be a lot more people swimming. We did 3 crossins. Over and back is 1K, so I got a good 3K swim in. It is great being able to swim long, as opposed to the 25 yds at the YMCA. After, my swim I headed home. I did an hour on the bike and then a 30 minute run. I was under time constraints as my wife had a bridal shower to go to.
Sunday morning we met again at 5am to so a 12 mile run. Run felt good. It is still hot here, so I got squishy shoes towards the end. I am in need of new running shoes. I just ordered a pair on line and hope to have them before this weekend. I am in Danbury, Ct now. I plane on doing a light run on the treadmill. I am taking a personal day wednseday this week to get a good workout in. I will also head to St Pete to swim with the triathlon club over there. I would like to do 1-2miles in the ocean..Saturday we are planning a 120 mile bike with a run after and Sunday is another 20 mile run...FUN
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The POOL
I spent some time at the YMCA aquatic center yesterday. I got a 1:21 swim in. I think that is about 4000yds. I have given up trying to count laps. With the short lanes in it is just to hard. I felt good and probably could have kept going. I think this weekend I will get an open water swim in at Luckys. I need more straight long swims. I am also planning on taking half a day wed next week to go to St Pete Beach and swim with the St Pete Mad Dogs triathlon group.
I hate swimming in the pool. I wreak of chlorine. I shampoo twice and scrub but can not get ride of the smell. I did an hour run after my swim outside. It was close to 90 so, I got to sweat all that chlorine out. It sucks when it gets in you eyes. My hair(what little there is) is like straw.
I am starting to freak out with only 8 weeks left. I need to get some ocean swims in and more bricks. Next weekend is a 120 mile bike with a run off. Ocean swim is priority 1...
Monday, September 3, 2007
Weighing in
Okay I biked for 101 miles on Saturday and ran 21 miles on Sunday. I gained 2 pounds? How is that possbile? I did not eat that much.
Getting it done.
This was a good training weekend. On Saturday, I met Clint and Gary at Van Fleet trail. The plan was for 100 miles. The trail is 29.2 miles out and 29.2 back. It is incredibly flat with not much to look at. I guess it is good training. We were able to average at least 19.5mph. Which was great. I still have some issues with my left foot. I am not sure if it is planter fasciitis or just a bruise. I had some pain to deal with for the last 40 miles. I may try moving my cleat back a little bit on my left shoe so I am not pushing on that part of my foot.
We saw plenty of rabbits, tortoises, and a few snakes. Apparently, rabbits like to cross the path when they see bikes, so it made for several near misses. I also almost hit a tortoise the size of a basketball. It did get warm towards the end of the ride and we were off the bikes before any rain or thunderstorms. All in all I felt good, but it was good to get off the bike. I could have rode another 12 miles, I Guess.
My family went to the beach Saturday afternoon to leave me to rest from the bike ride. They knew I would be busy training this weekend so they got away. Clint and I stopped at Tri N Run so I could by more HAmmer Gel and then we had some pizza. I spend the balance of the afternoon relaxing and rehydrating.
Sunday morning was another, 4am wake up. I can not wait to be able to sleep in. I met Gary and the group from the YMCA for a run. The plan was for a 20 miler. I ended breaking off with Awald and I think we did 21. Legs were a little spent the last 6 miles. But, my foot was not an issue. My toes did go numb at times...
I can not wait till the heat and humidity breaks. I think it was 80 at the start of the run and very humid. My shoes were squishy after 8 miles.
Today, is labor day, to I helped with a cub scout project and the plan is just to hang out. Trying to fugure my trainig for next weekend. I need to do an open water swim. not sure if we will go to Luckys (www.luckyslakeswim.com) or go to St Pete beach. I would like to get 50 miles in on the bike after the swim. I also need to work on my run off the bike. So much to do so little time left.
We saw plenty of rabbits, tortoises, and a few snakes. Apparently, rabbits like to cross the path when they see bikes, so it made for several near misses. I also almost hit a tortoise the size of a basketball. It did get warm towards the end of the ride and we were off the bikes before any rain or thunderstorms. All in all I felt good, but it was good to get off the bike. I could have rode another 12 miles, I Guess.
My family went to the beach Saturday afternoon to leave me to rest from the bike ride. They knew I would be busy training this weekend so they got away. Clint and I stopped at Tri N Run so I could by more HAmmer Gel and then we had some pizza. I spend the balance of the afternoon relaxing and rehydrating.
Sunday morning was another, 4am wake up. I can not wait to be able to sleep in. I met Gary and the group from the YMCA for a run. The plan was for a 20 miler. I ended breaking off with Awald and I think we did 21. Legs were a little spent the last 6 miles. But, my foot was not an issue. My toes did go numb at times...
I can not wait till the heat and humidity breaks. I think it was 80 at the start of the run and very humid. My shoes were squishy after 8 miles.
Today, is labor day, to I helped with a cub scout project and the plan is just to hang out. Trying to fugure my trainig for next weekend. I need to do an open water swim. not sure if we will go to Luckys (www.luckyslakeswim.com) or go to St Pete beach. I would like to get 50 miles in on the bike after the swim. I also need to work on my run off the bike. So much to do so little time left.
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