Blog #1

Well, here we go.  I am going public with my training for Ironman Triathlons.  That is a 3.8km swim (2.4 miles), 180km (112mi) bike, and then a marathon (26.2mi). 

My intent is to share my experiences with friends, family and other people who are interested in learning more about what it takes to complete an Ironman Triathlon.

By sharing I hope I can help others with their training and racing, or, maybe convince some people to take up the challenge.  For those not interesed in racing then maybe I can provide some entertainment. I guess we will see what happens.

Today was one of those days where I was just not “on”.  The legs were tired from the start.  I did not sleep as much as I should have last night since I had a solid training week and a very busy work schedule.  Nevertheless, it is these days that are key to preparing my mind to race.  I have never raced well or competed in anything well for that matter when the road was easy. 

The session was a variation of Diviney’s Big Brick.  Diviney is one of my first tri friends in Portland, OR.  It went 40min Run (R) – 120min Bike (B) – 40R – 120B – 40R.  Usually the idea is to descend the workout, or in other words, pick up the pace and effort.

The workout was full of peaks and valleys.  Just like a race.  Luckily the weather held up or we might have broken and not completed the sessions.  I was able to descend the runs but ran out of gas on the second bike session.  I had to pull back the pace and cruise for awhile at 120-130 heart beats per minute.  After doing that for 30minutes I was able to pick it up again and finish the ride strong. 

Thank goodness, my buddy Matt came out to play.  My wife and her friend also did the session.  It was great to have them all there to provide that motivation to get through the pain.

The legs are sore (did a half marathon last weekend, 1:27 for the record) this past week.  Need some sleep so I am signing off.  Before I do, here are todays totals:

swim 6:30am

5k(yards)

WU: (easy to modhard):500, 300, 2*200, 3*100 (desc to 1:20pace/100y)

MS: 2000 TT (27min)

CD: 2*200, 500, 3*100, 200 mostly easy

Diviney’s Big Brick (as above)

Taco del Mar Super Burrito

As time permits, I will explain more about my terminology.

 WHAT AM I TRAINING FOR?

 Ironman Arizona of course.  April 9th.  It is crunch time.