I did my last morning run before the Leadman today. Did a quick 4 mile run with Will at a good pace (not too fast, not too slow).
I was reminded of why I consider sidewalks to be death-traps to runners. Those 1" trip hazards come out of nowhere to get you!
This should be the last workout before the event.
I plan to look at the course on Friday, and hope to take my bike for a spin downhill to see what the course will be like.
I'm looking forward to having a good time. I've trained harder for this than for anything else in my life, and I'm as ready as I can be.
Next week I should be able to call myself a half-Leadman!
:-)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Tapering 9/15/12
One week until Leadman!
I've realized that I began tapering last week or so. I really didn't have much of a taper on the schedule - just lower numbers the last week - but I think a combination of things changed that.
First - burnout. Mental, physical, emotional and just in general burnout. I feel tired, I know not much will change in the last couple weeks, I'm frustrated at all the time that training sucks out of my life, and my body is fighting back when I do longer training activities (possible rhabdomyolysis).
Second - did I mention my body is fighting back? I'm experiencing symptoms that match up pretty well with rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition where after strenuous activitiy the body destroys the skeletal muscle and dumps the rubbish into the body's systems and causes stress on them. In extreme cases the condition can lead to kidney failure. I've been seeing the symptoms for a few weeks now (not gonna describe it here) and they occur after such things as long runs, fast medium runs, and long bike rides. Why this is happening? I dunno. I'm going to schedule an appoitment to review the issue with a sports doctor hopefully for the week after Leadman. Until then, it's a good thing I'm tapering and not doing endurance stuff every day or two!
Third - unlike a few weeks ago where I was frustrated about not getting in enough training, I've now flipped and feel like "it's all ok" and that I can coast the last couple weeks because they are the "taper" weeks. Sure, this is a half-Ironman type of event and some people think no taper is necessary, but I don't have that kind of foundation yet. An Olympic event kicked my butt! This is well over Olympic levels, especially the cycle part - 69 miles at race pace is no joke!
I kind of just want this done now. Do I feel ready? Not necessarily, but that's my normal MO. I'll always think I can do something more or better, but for now I feel it's all ok and I just need to focus on finishing the event.
On the bright side - I'm excited to be volunteering at the IMAZ 2012 event! I signed up a few weeks back and will on a run aid station. I should be able to get signed up to compete in the 2013 IMAZ the day following the race. Doing the Arizona Ironman was Melissa's suggestion - she felt it would be the 'easiest' Ironman event to try to do. We shall see! For now I'm happy I'm volunteering and looking forward to going to Arizona in November for this years race.
I've realized that I began tapering last week or so. I really didn't have much of a taper on the schedule - just lower numbers the last week - but I think a combination of things changed that.
First - burnout. Mental, physical, emotional and just in general burnout. I feel tired, I know not much will change in the last couple weeks, I'm frustrated at all the time that training sucks out of my life, and my body is fighting back when I do longer training activities (possible rhabdomyolysis).
Second - did I mention my body is fighting back? I'm experiencing symptoms that match up pretty well with rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition where after strenuous activitiy the body destroys the skeletal muscle and dumps the rubbish into the body's systems and causes stress on them. In extreme cases the condition can lead to kidney failure. I've been seeing the symptoms for a few weeks now (not gonna describe it here) and they occur after such things as long runs, fast medium runs, and long bike rides. Why this is happening? I dunno. I'm going to schedule an appoitment to review the issue with a sports doctor hopefully for the week after Leadman. Until then, it's a good thing I'm tapering and not doing endurance stuff every day or two!
Third - unlike a few weeks ago where I was frustrated about not getting in enough training, I've now flipped and feel like "it's all ok" and that I can coast the last couple weeks because they are the "taper" weeks. Sure, this is a half-Ironman type of event and some people think no taper is necessary, but I don't have that kind of foundation yet. An Olympic event kicked my butt! This is well over Olympic levels, especially the cycle part - 69 miles at race pace is no joke!
I kind of just want this done now. Do I feel ready? Not necessarily, but that's my normal MO. I'll always think I can do something more or better, but for now I feel it's all ok and I just need to focus on finishing the event.
On the bright side - I'm excited to be volunteering at the IMAZ 2012 event! I signed up a few weeks back and will on a run aid station. I should be able to get signed up to compete in the 2013 IMAZ the day following the race. Doing the Arizona Ironman was Melissa's suggestion - she felt it would be the 'easiest' Ironman event to try to do. We shall see! For now I'm happy I'm volunteering and looking forward to going to Arizona in November for this years race.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Training 9-06-12
Still working out. About 2 weeks till Leadman.
Have the hotel reserved, and may be getting aero bars for my bike next week.
I've done two longer rides; one 100 miles and the other a 70 miler.
Keeping energy consistent over such long periods is a challenge. Keeping consistent with daily training has also been tricky - so easy to get busy.
Have the hotel reserved, and may be getting aero bars for my bike next week.
I've done two longer rides; one 100 miles and the other a 70 miler.
Keeping energy consistent over such long periods is a challenge. Keeping consistent with daily training has also been tricky - so easy to get busy.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Training 8-28-12
Training has been going pretty good!
Ran 6 miles with Will today, ran 12 miles Sunday after riding my first 100 mile ride.
My run time was a little slow today (10 :15 per mile) but I was talking the whole time with Will. Normally I don't talk due to being out of breath. Seems that my cardio is in good shape - just need to keep working on endurance.
I signed up to volunteer at this year's Ironman Arizona (IMAZ). This should get me in line to register to compete in it in 2013.
3 weeks till the Leadman Epic 125!
Ran 6 miles with Will today, ran 12 miles Sunday after riding my first 100 mile ride.
My run time was a little slow today (10 :15 per mile) but I was talking the whole time with Will. Normally I don't talk due to being out of breath. Seems that my cardio is in good shape - just need to keep working on endurance.
I signed up to volunteer at this year's Ironman Arizona (IMAZ). This should get me in line to register to compete in it in 2013.
3 weeks till the Leadman Epic 125!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Training 8-16-12
Yesterday I did a 3 mile run. It was supposed to be 5 miles but since I got up late I had to cut it short.
5:30 am today - did a 4.75 mile run with Will; schedule had 4 miles so I'm gaining ground.
Actually felt good on the run! Breathing has recovered enough that it's back to endurance and energy and having a consistent measured pace.
Today my pace was 9.30 per mile. This felt good for the distance I ran. It's better than 10 and halfway to my goal of 9.00 per mile.
Stretching remains critical to a pain-free recovery. Muscle cramps suck!
5:30 am today - did a 4.75 mile run with Will; schedule had 4 miles so I'm gaining ground.
Actually felt good on the run! Breathing has recovered enough that it's back to endurance and energy and having a consistent measured pace.
Today my pace was 9.30 per mile. This felt good for the distance I ran. It's better than 10 and halfway to my goal of 9.00 per mile.
Stretching remains critical to a pain-free recovery. Muscle cramps suck!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Training 8-14-12
Yesterday I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor; he said I could start exercising again and that's a good thing.
After being 'off' for a week from training (sinus infection/bronchitis) and having been sickly for the month or so before that I wasn't feeling good about myself. I have a Leadman triathlon to train for!
So 5:30am this morning I'm back to training! I've got about 5 weeks to get into shape for the Leadman Epic 125. I'm going to do everything I can to prepare myself for this event.
Today's morning run was the first step on that journey.
After being 'off' for a week from training (sinus infection/bronchitis) and having been sickly for the month or so before that I wasn't feeling good about myself. I have a Leadman triathlon to train for!
So 5:30am this morning I'm back to training! I've got about 5 weeks to get into shape for the Leadman Epic 125. I'm going to do everything I can to prepare myself for this event.
Today's morning run was the first step on that journey.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Independence Day
Had a nice break from the normal routine to celebrate Cassidy's birthday and July 4th. 
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