Yesterday the temperatures hit 90 degrees. As awful as it felt it also excited me as the realness of the racing season hit. I haven't blogged about training at all since last fall so it's time to get back on the wagon! So here's a little update.
I have officially graduated from Jamestown College with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning and Wealth Management!!! I thought I had a personal trainer job lined up at anytime fitness, but long story short, it will be months before I actually begin to get any hours so the job hunt is on! I have an interview to be the afternoon/evening desk clerk at the Holiday Inn Express, so hopefully that works out. I'm living alone in an apartment in Jamestown which means I need to make some money!!! I am delaying the "full time" job search until after the Ironman... which is less than 4 months away!!!
As for training, it's been steady but not exactly great. My mileage is up in the last 6 weeks which is good, but speed work has been lacking :/ Translation: I have plenty of endurance but little racing speed. This is a problem that will be addressed over the coming weeks. But right now I'm sitting 4 days out from the Fargo half marathon, so it's time for a reality check! Today I had my worst run in months and I actually started walking??? Partially because I'm torn down but also probably as a result of a busy graduation weekend that wore me out. I can tell my body is getting tired which is bad news for the race but good news for the long term as I have a recovery week next week. I made up for the terrible morning run with a fantastic swim set this afternoon. Everything felt smooth and powerful for the first time this season. In the past I have done little to prepare for the swim because it doesn't need as much, however it is my weapon. This season I vowed to actually prepare the swim, and while it hasn't been my focus, it definitely has gotten more attention this year. It won't be 100% by the time I race in Buffalo, but it should be decently ready.
On Saturday I will race the Fargo half.
Facing the facts: My race time will not be as fast as last year. Last May I was coming off of a track season with plenty of speed and endurance and I ran an average pace of 6:40/mile to finish in a 1:27. Also I had an injury a few weeks out which probably turned into something of a taper for me. This year I plan to train through the race as it is my least important race of the season. Recovery will be next week. So my goals are not as high and in reality I'm taking on Fargo as more of a tune up race. I would be pleased to run 7:00/mile so I'm setting that as my "official" goal.
After the race I'll recover with a few long bike rides and then get cracking on speed work on both the bike and run as the Buffalo Sprint triathlon is 15 days after Fargo. And... I will be in New York for 5 of those days! Yay for hotel workouts :P Worth it.
That's all for now. Fargo, here I come!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Remember Boston
What happened on Monday bothered me. It bothered everyone. When I turned on the TV at 2:10 Monday afternoon specifically looking for the results of the marathon my stomach sank as I learned the news of what had happened only 10 minutes ago. As a runner everything felt so unreal. And before long I realized what was bothering me the most. It wasn't that I'm now scared to run more marathons or the fact that such a great event now has a huge stain on it. It was the target. The spectators.
Marathons are perhaps the most boring sporting event to watch. But yet there are always thousands of people lining every course cheering on a group of determined individuals fighting with their bodies and minds for 26.2 miles. These people are the ones that make the sport. Without spectators there is hardly a point. A runner spends hours upon hours and miles upon miles out there on the road alone. But when you get to a race people are screaming at you to keep going, and so you do. Suddenly a long boring road is filled with adoring fans who have no clue who you even are. Screaming voices following you at every turn, "Let's go orange jersey! You've trained hard for this! Don't give up now!" and "If running a marathon was easy, they'd call it football!" Runners live and race for these dedicated fans, often times wearing our names so they know what to cheer.
Spectators do all sorts of crazy things to keep runners going. In my short marathon career I've seen people in chicken customs, Elvis impersonators, live bands in the someone's front yard, pep bands, mascots, dancers, and cheerleaders. Each and every one of them offering up a high five knowing full well the number of gross sweaty hands they will touch that day. While others stand there with hoses to cool off a runner in need. Somebody will be holding a dry erase board updating people on a game. Every now and then there's someone who's yelling at you to take a break and come do a shot with them, because to them, you're a hero. And if you're lucky, some cute girl will be trying to get one of the runners to kiss her. It's a dedication that cannot be found in any other sport. The dedication to show up at 7 am and stand their for hours to push a group of people punishing themselves to reach a goal few understand.
On Monday the spectators in Boston showed true humanity. There were more people running towards the blast than away from it. Pulling the rails apart, making room for injured, tearing their clothes to make tourniquets, and opening their homes later that night to complete strangers. These people awed and inspired me beyond words.
These spectators have given so much to the sport, and now some have even given their lives. By writing this I intend to honor the victims of Monday's attack and all spectators to road races. I have decided to race in honor of those victims at all my races this summer. (How I'm going to do that is still in the works). Regardless I want to give back to those that have given so much and always: Remember Boston.
If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon. ~Kathrine Switzer
Marathons are perhaps the most boring sporting event to watch. But yet there are always thousands of people lining every course cheering on a group of determined individuals fighting with their bodies and minds for 26.2 miles. These people are the ones that make the sport. Without spectators there is hardly a point. A runner spends hours upon hours and miles upon miles out there on the road alone. But when you get to a race people are screaming at you to keep going, and so you do. Suddenly a long boring road is filled with adoring fans who have no clue who you even are. Screaming voices following you at every turn, "Let's go orange jersey! You've trained hard for this! Don't give up now!" and "If running a marathon was easy, they'd call it football!" Runners live and race for these dedicated fans, often times wearing our names so they know what to cheer.
Spectators do all sorts of crazy things to keep runners going. In my short marathon career I've seen people in chicken customs, Elvis impersonators, live bands in the someone's front yard, pep bands, mascots, dancers, and cheerleaders. Each and every one of them offering up a high five knowing full well the number of gross sweaty hands they will touch that day. While others stand there with hoses to cool off a runner in need. Somebody will be holding a dry erase board updating people on a game. Every now and then there's someone who's yelling at you to take a break and come do a shot with them, because to them, you're a hero. And if you're lucky, some cute girl will be trying to get one of the runners to kiss her. It's a dedication that cannot be found in any other sport. The dedication to show up at 7 am and stand their for hours to push a group of people punishing themselves to reach a goal few understand.
On Monday the spectators in Boston showed true humanity. There were more people running towards the blast than away from it. Pulling the rails apart, making room for injured, tearing their clothes to make tourniquets, and opening their homes later that night to complete strangers. These people awed and inspired me beyond words.
These spectators have given so much to the sport, and now some have even given their lives. By writing this I intend to honor the victims of Monday's attack and all spectators to road races. I have decided to race in honor of those victims at all my races this summer. (How I'm going to do that is still in the works). Regardless I want to give back to those that have given so much and always: Remember Boston.
If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon. ~Kathrine Switzer
Thursday, October 4, 2012
IM Training - Week 1
It's coming right at me. The beginning of a 48 week journey. One that is bound to change my life, redefine my limits, and ultimately earn me the title of IRONMAN. As promised I will bring you every weeks upcoming workouts, as well as a summary of the previous week.
This week I've put in a few miles on the road as well as a visit to the pool and a couple lifting sessions. Unorganized random workouts just to get into the idea of training. Starting Monday this all changes. So here it is: week 1 of the prep period.
Monday -
R: 45 minutes - easy run
S: Distance work - Just see how things are feeling. Easy effort (2600 yds)
WU - 200 swim, 200 kick, 200 pull, 200 swim
Set - 1500 long and strong, just feel things out
CD - 200
Tuesday -
R: 45 minutes - easy run
B: 60 minutes - low effort
Wednesday -
S: Race work - Low yards and only workout so good effort (1700 yds)
WU - 300
Set - 3x400 (good effort on the first, negative split the next two)
CD - 200
Thursday -
R: 90 minutes - easy long run
Friday -
S: Speed set (1400 yds)
WU - 400
Set - 8x100 (25 easy, 25 build, 25 easy, 25 hard)
CD - 200
B: 45 minutes - Easy bike
Saturday - OFF!!!
Sunday -
B: 90 minutes - easy
Here it is! This should be interesting in the first couple of weeks as I am also rehearsing for the musical. Still I should be able to time manage and make everything work. Later!
This week I've put in a few miles on the road as well as a visit to the pool and a couple lifting sessions. Unorganized random workouts just to get into the idea of training. Starting Monday this all changes. So here it is: week 1 of the prep period.
Monday -
R: 45 minutes - easy run
S: Distance work - Just see how things are feeling. Easy effort (2600 yds)
WU - 200 swim, 200 kick, 200 pull, 200 swim
Set - 1500 long and strong, just feel things out
CD - 200
Tuesday -
R: 45 minutes - easy run
B: 60 minutes - low effort
Wednesday -
S: Race work - Low yards and only workout so good effort (1700 yds)
WU - 300
Set - 3x400 (good effort on the first, negative split the next two)
CD - 200
Thursday -
R: 90 minutes - easy long run
Friday -
S: Speed set (1400 yds)
WU - 400
Set - 8x100 (25 easy, 25 build, 25 easy, 25 hard)
CD - 200
B: 45 minutes - Easy bike
Saturday - OFF!!!
Sunday -
B: 90 minutes - easy
Here it is! This should be interesting in the first couple of weeks as I am also rehearsing for the musical. Still I should be able to time manage and make everything work. Later!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Looking Forward
I'm not gonna lie. Ever since I finished the half iron I have been what I like to call "a lazy pile." I've spent more time thinking about training then actually training. But it's been constructive. I've mapped out my potential 2013 season, put together half of the IM training schedule, and done a lot of thinking about what needs to improve. And to be honest with myself, there is quite a bit.
SO. Here is the most likely schedule for next summer. It could very easily change.
-June 2nd - Buffalo Triathlon (sprint)
-June 16th - Hyvee Rochesterfest Triathlon (international)
-June 30th - Waconia Triathlon (sprint ish, the bike is a little long)
-June 13th - Timberman Triathlon (I haven't decided which course yet)
-August 4rd - Brewhouse Triathlon (international)
-September 8th - IRONMAN Wisconsin!!!
There it is. Hopefully I find myself in an employed position that will be flexible enough to allow all this racing. Fingers crossed!
Also. There are rumors of a "Team BOB" in the works. I approve.
Like I said, I've done a lot of thinking about what needs to change going into next season. And one of the first things I thought about was nutrition. I need to gather more information. Eat healthier. And figure out what works as far as "race-day nutrition," especially with an IM on the horizon. My body is going to do the work. I need to give it the right stuff.
Another thing I want to do this year is race more. Check. It seems almost a waste to go through all this training for 2-3 races a year. So, I'm shooting for 6. It should be fun. There may even be room for a road race (probably a half marathon) somewhere in there.
Post race recovery. I need a system that works! I know people who can race every week and be just fine for the next one. My schedule is biweekly so I hope to recover fast and train in between.
Here's a fun one. Bike handling skills... I am the picture perfect stereotype of a triathlete when it comes to the bike. I'm a hazard on two wheels. Basically I'm this tall skinny guy with terrible coordination and even worse balance. I admit it readily. Recovery weeks are going to involve some bike drills.... But here's the thing. I hurt myself and my bike when I do drills cuz I always go down! Drills will be on Phillip (my blue Windsor) not on James (my black Trek.)
And the big one. The reason I haven't had much as far as break out success. Commitment! I am always struggling to get in shape for a race at the last minute. Not because I'm lazy, I just commit to other stuff and training gets put on hold. NOT THIS TIME! The second the musical is finished in early November my only focus over the following 10 months will be IRONMAN. No more making random commitments, 100% triathlon. I have had some pretty great races on last minute training. Just think how good they will be if I'm ready.
Lastly I need to be in shape for the swim. I can kick butt in the water if I'm ready, but since I tend to put training off, preparing for the swim doesn't really happen. And it's still my best leg. I will be in the best swimming shape of my life come next summer. That is a promise.
There you have it folks. I will be posting every week about the upcoming workouts as well as a summary of the previous weeks. Who knows if anyone reads this blog, but either way it will keep me on track.
Finally, a little shout out to my friends and family. I have received, and will most likely continue to receive tons of support for this task that I've chosen to take on. I make a bunch of sacrifices for this sport, and in turn the people close to me do as well. They come to my races, drive me around, cheer me on, support me even when I have a bad race, and even race and train alongside me. It goes miles. IRONMAN will take a lot out of me in the following months and will require myself, my parents, my siblings, my girlfriend, and my other friends to make a lot of sacrifices. You know who you are. Thank you SOOO much for your support. In means more to me then you will ever know. It gets me out of bed and onto the road or into the pool every day to train.
Let's do this.
SO. Here is the most likely schedule for next summer. It could very easily change.
-June 2nd - Buffalo Triathlon (sprint)
-June 16th - Hyvee Rochesterfest Triathlon (international)
-June 30th - Waconia Triathlon (sprint ish, the bike is a little long)
-June 13th - Timberman Triathlon (I haven't decided which course yet)
-August 4rd - Brewhouse Triathlon (international)
-September 8th - IRONMAN Wisconsin!!!
There it is. Hopefully I find myself in an employed position that will be flexible enough to allow all this racing. Fingers crossed!
Also. There are rumors of a "Team BOB" in the works. I approve.
Like I said, I've done a lot of thinking about what needs to change going into next season. And one of the first things I thought about was nutrition. I need to gather more information. Eat healthier. And figure out what works as far as "race-day nutrition," especially with an IM on the horizon. My body is going to do the work. I need to give it the right stuff.
Another thing I want to do this year is race more. Check. It seems almost a waste to go through all this training for 2-3 races a year. So, I'm shooting for 6. It should be fun. There may even be room for a road race (probably a half marathon) somewhere in there.
Post race recovery. I need a system that works! I know people who can race every week and be just fine for the next one. My schedule is biweekly so I hope to recover fast and train in between.
Here's a fun one. Bike handling skills... I am the picture perfect stereotype of a triathlete when it comes to the bike. I'm a hazard on two wheels. Basically I'm this tall skinny guy with terrible coordination and even worse balance. I admit it readily. Recovery weeks are going to involve some bike drills.... But here's the thing. I hurt myself and my bike when I do drills cuz I always go down! Drills will be on Phillip (my blue Windsor) not on James (my black Trek.)
And the big one. The reason I haven't had much as far as break out success. Commitment! I am always struggling to get in shape for a race at the last minute. Not because I'm lazy, I just commit to other stuff and training gets put on hold. NOT THIS TIME! The second the musical is finished in early November my only focus over the following 10 months will be IRONMAN. No more making random commitments, 100% triathlon. I have had some pretty great races on last minute training. Just think how good they will be if I'm ready.
Lastly I need to be in shape for the swim. I can kick butt in the water if I'm ready, but since I tend to put training off, preparing for the swim doesn't really happen. And it's still my best leg. I will be in the best swimming shape of my life come next summer. That is a promise.
There you have it folks. I will be posting every week about the upcoming workouts as well as a summary of the previous weeks. Who knows if anyone reads this blog, but either way it will keep me on track.
Finally, a little shout out to my friends and family. I have received, and will most likely continue to receive tons of support for this task that I've chosen to take on. I make a bunch of sacrifices for this sport, and in turn the people close to me do as well. They come to my races, drive me around, cheer me on, support me even when I have a bad race, and even race and train alongside me. It goes miles. IRONMAN will take a lot out of me in the following months and will require myself, my parents, my siblings, my girlfriend, and my other friends to make a lot of sacrifices. You know who you are. Thank you SOOO much for your support. In means more to me then you will ever know. It gets me out of bed and onto the road or into the pool every day to train.
Let's do this.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
IRONMAN Wisconsin
So. I've talked about it. I've dreamed about it. I've planned for it. Now I'm signed up for it! That's right, I am racing IRONMAN next summer and I couldn't be more excited or more nervous about a single thing in my life.
I have chosen to race IM Wisconsin primarily because of location and timing. Living and training in this area of the country makes late summer/early fall the perfect time for racing a distance like this. The race will take place on September 8th 2013. Believe me when I say that date is constantly on my mind. But here's the big question: what is my game plan?!?!
I wish I knew more people who could give me a better idea of how to train for such a distance, but I don't. I have, however, read quite a bit about training for an all day race and I feel confident in my ability to throw something together. Here's my general plan:
44 weeks out: 20 week program focused on building volume and distance.
Weeks 1-3: Prep
Weeks 4-6: Base 1
Week 7: Recovery
Weeks 8-10: Base 2
Week 11: Recovery
Weeks 12-14: Base 3
Week 15: Recovery
Weeks 16-17: Build 1
Week 18: Recovery
Weeks 19-20: Build 2
24 weeks out: 4 week recovery period focused on low volume/low intensity with some occasional low volume/high intensity workouts.
20 weeks out: 20 week program incorporating the built up higher volume along with high intensity workouts. Will contain around 4-5 shorter distance races (sprint and olympic distance) from late May through early August. My overall structure is not planned yet as I am waiting until I figure out my race schedule.
I will probably start the whole thing about 48 weeks out to give me a buffer for the various interruptions such as my week deer hunting in Alabama and the spring break choir tour, but there you have it! At the end of October I will start my prep weeks and there won't be any turning back!
That's it for now. I hope to gain a few "fans" for this race as I can use all the support I can get. So if you're interested in heading to Wisconsin next September with me and my family, just let me know! You'll love the triathlon experience!
I have chosen to race IM Wisconsin primarily because of location and timing. Living and training in this area of the country makes late summer/early fall the perfect time for racing a distance like this. The race will take place on September 8th 2013. Believe me when I say that date is constantly on my mind. But here's the big question: what is my game plan?!?!
I wish I knew more people who could give me a better idea of how to train for such a distance, but I don't. I have, however, read quite a bit about training for an all day race and I feel confident in my ability to throw something together. Here's my general plan:
44 weeks out: 20 week program focused on building volume and distance.
Weeks 1-3: Prep
Weeks 4-6: Base 1
Week 7: Recovery
Weeks 8-10: Base 2
Week 11: Recovery
Weeks 12-14: Base 3
Week 15: Recovery
Weeks 16-17: Build 1
Week 18: Recovery
Weeks 19-20: Build 2
24 weeks out: 4 week recovery period focused on low volume/low intensity with some occasional low volume/high intensity workouts.
20 weeks out: 20 week program incorporating the built up higher volume along with high intensity workouts. Will contain around 4-5 shorter distance races (sprint and olympic distance) from late May through early August. My overall structure is not planned yet as I am waiting until I figure out my race schedule.
I will probably start the whole thing about 48 weeks out to give me a buffer for the various interruptions such as my week deer hunting in Alabama and the spring break choir tour, but there you have it! At the end of October I will start my prep weeks and there won't be any turning back!
That's it for now. I hope to gain a few "fans" for this race as I can use all the support I can get. So if you're interested in heading to Wisconsin next September with me and my family, just let me know! You'll love the triathlon experience!
Monday, September 17, 2012
SuperiorMan Race Report
Well hey! So this one time I signed up for a half-ironman distance tri, and tried to get ready in three weeks. Here's what happened...
Taylor and I met up with my parents at the hotel on Saturday afternoon and we all headed to race packet pick-up. I grabbed my stuff, dropped off my bike, and stayed for a brief race meeting. Then it was off to dinner at the Brewhouse and back to the room to get some rest. Safe to say I was on edge at this point... Nerves were kickin in.
Sunday morning I was up at 4:30 and getting ready. Dad drove me to the race and I got everything set up and drank an Ensure to get some carbs and calories. I used the bathroom only twice.... which has to be a record! All that was left was the waiting.
The race!
1.2 mile swim; 56 mile bike; 13.1 mile run
Goal 1: Finish in 5 hours 45 minutes
Goal 2: Have fun!
Race plan: I want to take things out decently hard in the swim using long hard strokes with minimal kicking. Exit the water feeling warmed up and ready for the rest of the race. Take transitions nice and easy, no need to rush. Get on the bike and once I'm done with all the turns settle into the aero position. Use the wind going at my back in the first half but don't push it because it will be coming at me in the second half and I'll need fresh legs to fight it. Get into T2 and stretch out as I'm running in and changing shoes. Exit T2, don't get excited and start running hard!!! Find a smooth controlled pace that I can hold. Don't walk.
Swim: I started in wave 2 @ around 7:00. Wave 1 was at 6:30, the slower swimmers. The way it started was jumping off of the Vista Fleet one at a time in 4 second intervals. I was probably about 4th to last to for getting in the water. Choppy water! I swam hard but had difficulty seeing anything, it was dark and I was wearing shaded lenses, causing me to swim extra yards because I was not going straight. I passed quite a few people and exited the water. Timing chip problem. The clock had me at 50 minutes!!! Funny because I got out of the water at 7:42 and my wave, which I was near the end of started after 7. I'm guessing my time was about 32 minutes.
T1: The run from the ladder exit until the Amsoil arena was about 100 meters. Upon entering the arena we were forced to walk because of the slippery wet concrete. Frustrating! It took at least two minutes to walk to my bike, such a waste of time! Transition went well and I was out in about 5 minutes.
Bike: Have you ever heard me mention that I seem to have bad luck. I do. Over 11 miles into the bike I was making great time without using much energy at all. And then I blew a tire. Are you kidding me! Right then and there I quit the sport of triathlon. I was beyond pissed. Year after year I faced bad luck always having something go wrong and I was just fed up with it. My race was done. I looked down at my watch and I had been stopped for 6 minutes. That's when something clicked. I didn't want to quit, I've invested so much in this sport and I'm not finished. There were repair vehicles available during the race and I knew there was a cop at the 10 mile point whom I could get to radio them. I grabbed my bike and starting running backwards up the race course. After about a mile the repair van saw me running carrying a bike and came over to fix things up. All in all I waited 18 minutes and was in dead last but I was going again. Mentally shaken from my "quitting triathlon" breakdown I was determined to make up the lost time and pushed hard with the wind at my back. I hit the turnaround and gritted my teeth to take on the wind. I had made up 5 minutes that I had lost, even with doing an extra mile. The last 26 miles into the wind were not exactly fast, but I maintained my goal pace and even came back a little. I hit the 55 mile marker and began to surge for the last mile... which ended up being nearly 2 miles. Great! A 57 mile bike course... a little error is fine but a whole mile was just ridiculous. I was a little upset with the race coordinators at that point. I got off the bike and headed into T2. Bike time: 3:30. With an 18 minute break, doing mile 11 over again, and having an extra mile on the course. I was pretty pleased with my bike split. Without any of that it would have been about a 3:05.
T2: I was still fairly close to being in last place. Coming into the transition I knew I had work to do on the run. But my legs felt okay. So I made quick work of the transition. Used the bathroom and headed out to the run. I took a little over 2 minutes.
Run: Still having the "make up lost time" mentality, I began the run at under an 8 minute mile pace. I hit 4 miles at 31 minutes and realized my legs were finished. I tried walking for a minute and then assumed a nice slow running pace. At mile 6 my time was just over 49 minutes. I had pushed the bike much harder then planned and it was coming back to haunt me. My final 7 miles was a walk run mixture. Those miles were some of the hardest and most painful I have ever run. My legs just couldn't maintain anything. And once again the course was long, probably by about a half mile. I crossed the finish line and it was over. I've never felt so physically and mentally defeated in my life. My run time: 2:15. Awful.
I crossed that finish line feeling incredibly defeated. My overall time was a 6:40. Adjusting for the timing chip error on the swim, my time was about 6:22. Still over 30 minutes off of my goal. Although I had just successfully finished a race that many could only ever dream of doing I was disappointed. But that's life, and that's racing. I'm not giving up. I will get back out there and race again and again. And I will get better.
Thanks for reading!
Taylor and I met up with my parents at the hotel on Saturday afternoon and we all headed to race packet pick-up. I grabbed my stuff, dropped off my bike, and stayed for a brief race meeting. Then it was off to dinner at the Brewhouse and back to the room to get some rest. Safe to say I was on edge at this point... Nerves were kickin in.
Sunday morning I was up at 4:30 and getting ready. Dad drove me to the race and I got everything set up and drank an Ensure to get some carbs and calories. I used the bathroom only twice.... which has to be a record! All that was left was the waiting.
The race!
1.2 mile swim; 56 mile bike; 13.1 mile run
Goal 1: Finish in 5 hours 45 minutes
Goal 2: Have fun!
Race plan: I want to take things out decently hard in the swim using long hard strokes with minimal kicking. Exit the water feeling warmed up and ready for the rest of the race. Take transitions nice and easy, no need to rush. Get on the bike and once I'm done with all the turns settle into the aero position. Use the wind going at my back in the first half but don't push it because it will be coming at me in the second half and I'll need fresh legs to fight it. Get into T2 and stretch out as I'm running in and changing shoes. Exit T2, don't get excited and start running hard!!! Find a smooth controlled pace that I can hold. Don't walk.
Swim: I started in wave 2 @ around 7:00. Wave 1 was at 6:30, the slower swimmers. The way it started was jumping off of the Vista Fleet one at a time in 4 second intervals. I was probably about 4th to last to for getting in the water. Choppy water! I swam hard but had difficulty seeing anything, it was dark and I was wearing shaded lenses, causing me to swim extra yards because I was not going straight. I passed quite a few people and exited the water. Timing chip problem. The clock had me at 50 minutes!!! Funny because I got out of the water at 7:42 and my wave, which I was near the end of started after 7. I'm guessing my time was about 32 minutes.
T1: The run from the ladder exit until the Amsoil arena was about 100 meters. Upon entering the arena we were forced to walk because of the slippery wet concrete. Frustrating! It took at least two minutes to walk to my bike, such a waste of time! Transition went well and I was out in about 5 minutes.
Bike: Have you ever heard me mention that I seem to have bad luck. I do. Over 11 miles into the bike I was making great time without using much energy at all. And then I blew a tire. Are you kidding me! Right then and there I quit the sport of triathlon. I was beyond pissed. Year after year I faced bad luck always having something go wrong and I was just fed up with it. My race was done. I looked down at my watch and I had been stopped for 6 minutes. That's when something clicked. I didn't want to quit, I've invested so much in this sport and I'm not finished. There were repair vehicles available during the race and I knew there was a cop at the 10 mile point whom I could get to radio them. I grabbed my bike and starting running backwards up the race course. After about a mile the repair van saw me running carrying a bike and came over to fix things up. All in all I waited 18 minutes and was in dead last but I was going again. Mentally shaken from my "quitting triathlon" breakdown I was determined to make up the lost time and pushed hard with the wind at my back. I hit the turnaround and gritted my teeth to take on the wind. I had made up 5 minutes that I had lost, even with doing an extra mile. The last 26 miles into the wind were not exactly fast, but I maintained my goal pace and even came back a little. I hit the 55 mile marker and began to surge for the last mile... which ended up being nearly 2 miles. Great! A 57 mile bike course... a little error is fine but a whole mile was just ridiculous. I was a little upset with the race coordinators at that point. I got off the bike and headed into T2. Bike time: 3:30. With an 18 minute break, doing mile 11 over again, and having an extra mile on the course. I was pretty pleased with my bike split. Without any of that it would have been about a 3:05.
T2: I was still fairly close to being in last place. Coming into the transition I knew I had work to do on the run. But my legs felt okay. So I made quick work of the transition. Used the bathroom and headed out to the run. I took a little over 2 minutes.
Run: Still having the "make up lost time" mentality, I began the run at under an 8 minute mile pace. I hit 4 miles at 31 minutes and realized my legs were finished. I tried walking for a minute and then assumed a nice slow running pace. At mile 6 my time was just over 49 minutes. I had pushed the bike much harder then planned and it was coming back to haunt me. My final 7 miles was a walk run mixture. Those miles were some of the hardest and most painful I have ever run. My legs just couldn't maintain anything. And once again the course was long, probably by about a half mile. I crossed the finish line and it was over. I've never felt so physically and mentally defeated in my life. My run time: 2:15. Awful.
I crossed that finish line feeling incredibly defeated. My overall time was a 6:40. Adjusting for the timing chip error on the swim, my time was about 6:22. Still over 30 minutes off of my goal. Although I had just successfully finished a race that many could only ever dream of doing I was disappointed. But that's life, and that's racing. I'm not giving up. I will get back out there and race again and again. And I will get better.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Preparing for 70.3
If you've been reading my blog you have probably noticed a pattern. I am a busy guy who tends to get ready for races much later than when I would like. This is a change that I need to make for the 2013 season. Especially with the number of races I plan on doing. Unfortunately training for the SuperiorMan was no exception to my procrastination. I struggled with doing the work while I was working all day everyday at summer camp, and settled for a plan of about 3 six mile runs a week. I finished camp with 3 weeks to go before the race. Not a whole lot of time to build a lot of endurance.
The good thing was that my run was still in pretty fair condition so my main focus was miles on the bike and getting in the pool for some workouts. I hit training hard doing at least 2 workouts a day, which meant being very lazy in between. With working out at least 3 hours a day I knew I could get my body ready to do this race. I put in some great long distance bike/run blocks simulating my goal paces as well as near to race distance bike rides all the while practicing some race nutrition.
Once again my bad luck struck. On a 50 mile bike ride I lost control going over a gravel patch on a turn and went down. I bruised muscles in my hip and butt and had scrapes all over my left side. One week before the race. I hate to say it but this was the closest I had come to quitting this sport, I have gotten so sick of my rotten luck during the summers and the races with injuries, personal life issues, equipment problems, and just lack of time to commit to training. It feels like I am having one pitfall after another...
I didn't quit. But I did, however, suffer from the situation. I was basically unable to train other than swimming for the next week. Which was no good with a 70.3 mile race looming.
But what happens happens and all we have to do is give our best efforts in spite of what cards have been dealt to us. So I packed up my college stuff and moved in to my apartment just as planned a few days before the race and then met up with my girlfriend and headed to Duluth. It was go time.
The good thing was that my run was still in pretty fair condition so my main focus was miles on the bike and getting in the pool for some workouts. I hit training hard doing at least 2 workouts a day, which meant being very lazy in between. With working out at least 3 hours a day I knew I could get my body ready to do this race. I put in some great long distance bike/run blocks simulating my goal paces as well as near to race distance bike rides all the while practicing some race nutrition.
Once again my bad luck struck. On a 50 mile bike ride I lost control going over a gravel patch on a turn and went down. I bruised muscles in my hip and butt and had scrapes all over my left side. One week before the race. I hate to say it but this was the closest I had come to quitting this sport, I have gotten so sick of my rotten luck during the summers and the races with injuries, personal life issues, equipment problems, and just lack of time to commit to training. It feels like I am having one pitfall after another...
I didn't quit. But I did, however, suffer from the situation. I was basically unable to train other than swimming for the next week. Which was no good with a 70.3 mile race looming.
But what happens happens and all we have to do is give our best efforts in spite of what cards have been dealt to us. So I packed up my college stuff and moved in to my apartment just as planned a few days before the race and then met up with my girlfriend and headed to Duluth. It was go time.
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