If someone had told me a year ago that I would be training for a Half Ironman, I wouldn't have even know what they were talking about. I probably could have guessed the 3 disciplines in a triathlon, but that's about it. I wouldn't have believed that I would be running and swimming...and liking it.
Over this 3 day weekend I was able to get a lot of training in. On Saturday I did my usual CK ride, but this time we stopped and ran a 5K a litte more than half way through the ride. This was a nice way to get a little brick workout in. On Sunday I ran 7 miles 4 other NTM members. One of them just completed her first Ironman last weekend (go Kathy), and the other 3 are getting ready for Ironman Cozumel in November. Today I road 30 miles with NTM and enjoyed some pizza with everyone after the ride. I did get behind the group a few times today, but was able to catch up. Saturday's ride was a different story. I do just fine until I hit a hill. Those darn hills!! I do feel that I am starting to get a little, and I mean a little, stronger on them, but everyone else is also getting stronger, which makes keeping up a challenge.
On today's ride I got to talk with Mike. He completed his second Iroman last weekend. He has also done Austin 70.3, so I got to pick his brain. I would have asked more questions, but I was working pretty hard to keep up. He was nice enough to stay back and offer tons of advice. He even offered to help me with my training plan. This is what I love about being part of such an amazing tri group. Everyone is super supportive and more than happy to share what they know.
I'm beginning to wrap my brain about what I am getting ready to do. I've been thinking about how I will feel as I'm getting ready to start my swim (you know...like I'm going to puke) and about crossing the finish line. I'm now begining to think about the 56 mile bike and the fact that I have to run a half marathon afterwards. I ran a half marathon 2 months ago, and it hurt like hell. It will take a lot of work, a lot of time, and a lot of focus to get ready for this race. It won't be easy, and may not always be fun, but I am excited for this challenge. First thing I need to do is schedule a bike fit. Since getting my bike last August, I bought new shoes and added aero bars (so I can be fast) so things are probably bit off. I think this may have something to do with the numbness in my right foot I've been feeling when I ride.
I know I need to be thinking about the swim, but I'm putting that off until next weekend. The pool, and I don't mean a lap pool, and mojitos are calling my name.
Life, to me, is a series of false limits and my challenge as an athlete is to explore those limits."—Lance Armstrong
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
You Learn Something New Everyday
I have a lot to learn about triathlon. Some of what I learn comes from my own experiences, and some of it comes from the people I train and race with.
This morning a couple of fellow NTM members shared breathing techniques which really helped me with a side stitch I was having. Short breaths in, long breath out. Worked like a charm.
I also tried Honey Stinger with "ginsting" gel during this morning's long run instead of the usual Gu I use. The Honey Stinger gave me the boost I needed within a couple of minutes, and it was easier on my stomach. I will definitely "bee" buying more of that! I've also been hearing that Fig Newtons are pretty good to eat on the bike. Maybe I'll try that one soon. I need a solid nutrition plan in place for Austin.
Today I also learned that my Zoot running shorts are probably not good for long runs when it's hot out. I had my first chaffing experience. Knowing I was chaffed, I went ahead and hopped in the shower after my run. I was not prepared for degree of pain I was about to endure. Roxy, my sweet little dog, got a little nervous when she heard the screams coming from the shower. I guess knowing where to apply the Shammie Butter is more of a trial and error thing. Tomorrow I have a bike ride and plan on slathering myself good. For now, a little Boudreaux's Butt Paste seems to be doing the trick. No one said this was a glamorous sport.
"If you think you have things under control, you're not going fast enough."
--Mario Andretti
This morning a couple of fellow NTM members shared breathing techniques which really helped me with a side stitch I was having. Short breaths in, long breath out. Worked like a charm.
I also tried Honey Stinger with "ginsting" gel during this morning's long run instead of the usual Gu I use. The Honey Stinger gave me the boost I needed within a couple of minutes, and it was easier on my stomach. I will definitely "bee" buying more of that! I've also been hearing that Fig Newtons are pretty good to eat on the bike. Maybe I'll try that one soon. I need a solid nutrition plan in place for Austin.
Today I also learned that my Zoot running shorts are probably not good for long runs when it's hot out. I had my first chaffing experience. Knowing I was chaffed, I went ahead and hopped in the shower after my run. I was not prepared for degree of pain I was about to endure. Roxy, my sweet little dog, got a little nervous when she heard the screams coming from the shower. I guess knowing where to apply the Shammie Butter is more of a trial and error thing. Tomorrow I have a bike ride and plan on slathering myself good. For now, a little Boudreaux's Butt Paste seems to be doing the trick. No one said this was a glamorous sport.
"If you think you have things under control, you're not going fast enough."
--Mario Andretti
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Q & A
Here are some questions I've been asked.
Do you plan on using performance enhancing drugs? Specificially EPO?
No, I can't afford them. I will rely on good ol' fashion adrenaline...it's free.
Are you sure you want to do this?
Yes, I've already paid the non-refundable race fees. I'm also a sucker for the crap in race bags. I hope there is a water bottle in there.
Will you get the tattoo?
Nope. I will not be an Ironman if I complete this race. I've witnessed the Ironman. I have too much respect for what they did to earn that title.
Do you have a training plan or coach?
No, but I'm hoping to figure something out pretty soon.
Will you end each entry with a quote?
Yes. Ok, that questions has not been asked, but I thought I would throw that one in.
"The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do." - Orison Swett Marden
Do you plan on using performance enhancing drugs? Specificially EPO?
No, I can't afford them. I will rely on good ol' fashion adrenaline...it's free.
Are you sure you want to do this?
Yes, I've already paid the non-refundable race fees. I'm also a sucker for the crap in race bags. I hope there is a water bottle in there.
Will you get the tattoo?
Nope. I will not be an Ironman if I complete this race. I've witnessed the Ironman. I have too much respect for what they did to earn that title.
Do you have a training plan or coach?
No, but I'm hoping to figure something out pretty soon.
Will you end each entry with a quote?
Yes. Ok, that questions has not been asked, but I thought I would throw that one in.
"The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do." - Orison Swett Marden
Monday, May 23, 2011
Pulling the Trigger
Well, today I did something I've been trying to convince myself NOT to do my first triathlon season. I signed up for a half Ironman. On October 23 I'll be competing in Ironman 70.3 in Austin, TX. This is exactly 5 months or 152 days away. I chose Austin for 2 reasons: date and proximity. October is a good time of year for me, and it gives me 5 months to prepare. Austin is also only a few hours away, so I won't have to spend a lot of time traveling. I don't know much about Austin, but I do know that it's hilly.
This race consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run (half marathon). While I have been cycling for a few years, I'm not very strong on the hills. In fact, they kill me! There will be lots of hill work in my future. I recently completed a half marathon, so I do have experience with this running distance...just not after biking 56 miles of rolling hills. The swim! I've been swimming less than 5 months. My first open water swim in a race was a disaster. I'm not being modest when I say this. Swimming in a pool vs. swimming in open water is very different. The swim will be my biggest challenge!
I haven't figured out a training plan yet. From what I read, 20 weeks seems to be enough time to prepare. This means I have 2 weeks to figure out what my 20 week plan will look like. Luckily I train and race with an amazing triathlon group, North Texas Multisport (NTM), so I have lots of brains to pick. Without the support I get from these people, I wouldn't even consider doing something like this.
"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it." - stolen from Ironman facebook post
This race consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run (half marathon). While I have been cycling for a few years, I'm not very strong on the hills. In fact, they kill me! There will be lots of hill work in my future. I recently completed a half marathon, so I do have experience with this running distance...just not after biking 56 miles of rolling hills. The swim! I've been swimming less than 5 months. My first open water swim in a race was a disaster. I'm not being modest when I say this. Swimming in a pool vs. swimming in open water is very different. The swim will be my biggest challenge!
I haven't figured out a training plan yet. From what I read, 20 weeks seems to be enough time to prepare. This means I have 2 weeks to figure out what my 20 week plan will look like. Luckily I train and race with an amazing triathlon group, North Texas Multisport (NTM), so I have lots of brains to pick. Without the support I get from these people, I wouldn't even consider doing something like this.
"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it." - stolen from Ironman facebook post
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