So bummed that the Sprint Tri in Ifrane this weekend was canceled. I know that Thomas did all he could to make it happen, but guess we're gonna have to wait til another time. I know he is pretty upset as well. It was looking like a fun little venture with about 20 or so folks up in the mountains getting their game on. I was looking forward to pulling up the rear (again.) But I am never in this to place. I just want to post PB's every time I compete.
This morning I had a nice workout in prep for the event. I first biked the 20km (about 12 miles) in around 40 minutes. That's about 18mph. Pretty good for me since I warmed up at the beginning. Then I hopped in the pool and swam my 500meters in a little over 10 minutes. That is fairly slow, but I am getting faster personally.
In light of our sadness at the canceled event, Simo and I sat at a coffee shop and planned out our Tri that we are going to host in the Fall. He mentioned another Sprint, but I want to give people an option for a Sprint or an Olympic. I personally want to compete in another Olympic, and with the route we have planned out, it should be fairly easy to double it for people. The ball will get started rolling tomorrow as we sit with the president of his athletic association and getting his backing.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
I kept up
Bike (45 miles)
I kept up with the group yesterday on our ride up to Al-Hajb. The last time I rode with this group, they were pushing me on the back to help me stay up. And I was about dead once they had finally warmed up. How embarrassing. But not yesterday.
I was able to keep up with the group all the way to the bottom of the hill right before Al-Hajb. Once they started the climb, it was over for me. I didn't make it to the top of the mile-long hill cuz I knew I had to save some of my legs for the 22-mile trek back to our city.
Thankfully, though, that trek was mostly downhill, esp the last 8 miles. By then, my legs were turning to mush and I couldn't do too much.
But we are getting ready for our fun tri in Ifrane this weekend. Gonna do a Sprint with some buddies for fun. I am already feeling like I will be pulling in last place. Partially cuz I am slow and partially cuz it will be up in the mountains (and I'm not ready for that altitude).
I kept up with the group yesterday on our ride up to Al-Hajb. The last time I rode with this group, they were pushing me on the back to help me stay up. And I was about dead once they had finally warmed up. How embarrassing. But not yesterday.
I was able to keep up with the group all the way to the bottom of the hill right before Al-Hajb. Once they started the climb, it was over for me. I didn't make it to the top of the mile-long hill cuz I knew I had to save some of my legs for the 22-mile trek back to our city.
Thankfully, though, that trek was mostly downhill, esp the last 8 miles. By then, my legs were turning to mush and I couldn't do too much.
But we are getting ready for our fun tri in Ifrane this weekend. Gonna do a Sprint with some buddies for fun. I am already feeling like I will be pulling in last place. Partially cuz I am slow and partially cuz it will be up in the mountains (and I'm not ready for that altitude).
Friday, June 18, 2010
Coming out of the Lull
Run - 5.5 miles (48 minutes)
It really does take a while to recover mentally from a race that you prepare for. The Sprint in Larache was a few weeks back, and I am just now successfully pulling my head from out of the ground. I have been trying to exercise and train, but have lacked all motivation. A few days ago at the pool, I struggled to finish 600 meters. Good thing I only paid 10 MAD to get in (about $1.25).
I think I have been gaining momentum from watching the World Cup, 2010. As I see all these players running hard for 90 minutes, it's reigniting within me a desire to press on. They train constantly. I know I can't do that, but what I can do, I want to do with excellence.
Last week at the pool, I met Zeckeriah, a swim coach for his daughter and Simo's old friend. He took a look at a few of my laps and gave me some great pointers:
*First he had me lift myself out of the water by just using my forearms flat against the ground. "Those are the muscles you should be using when you stroke." Ouch!
*Then he told me to count my strokes for 50 meters: 57, whereas Simo was at 48. "Karim (my new Arabic name), get down to Simo's count. Simo, get down to 42." Still PB is 52.
*Finally, he told us to swim a length with our head out of the water. "If water is coming up to your mouth and nose, you aren't using your arms and legs enough." Talk about almost drowning. And then the sore body for the rest of the day. But what a great workout!
Now I need to find him and buy him a cup of coffee for the excellent advice and help. I think practicing those things will definitely help me get my mile below 30 minutes soon.
It really does take a while to recover mentally from a race that you prepare for. The Sprint in Larache was a few weeks back, and I am just now successfully pulling my head from out of the ground. I have been trying to exercise and train, but have lacked all motivation. A few days ago at the pool, I struggled to finish 600 meters. Good thing I only paid 10 MAD to get in (about $1.25).
I think I have been gaining momentum from watching the World Cup, 2010. As I see all these players running hard for 90 minutes, it's reigniting within me a desire to press on. They train constantly. I know I can't do that, but what I can do, I want to do with excellence.
Last week at the pool, I met Zeckeriah, a swim coach for his daughter and Simo's old friend. He took a look at a few of my laps and gave me some great pointers:
*First he had me lift myself out of the water by just using my forearms flat against the ground. "Those are the muscles you should be using when you stroke." Ouch!
*Then he told me to count my strokes for 50 meters: 57, whereas Simo was at 48. "Karim (my new Arabic name), get down to Simo's count. Simo, get down to 42." Still PB is 52.
*Finally, he told us to swim a length with our head out of the water. "If water is coming up to your mouth and nose, you aren't using your arms and legs enough." Talk about almost drowning. And then the sore body for the rest of the day. But what a great workout!
Now I need to find him and buy him a cup of coffee for the excellent advice and help. I think practicing those things will definitely help me get my mile below 30 minutes soon.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Starting all over
After this past tri and watching the pros, as well as my buddy SiMo, I have realized that I need to make some major changes in my training. At the finish line of a Sprint, I would have had a difficult time completing an Olympic. An Iron was incomprehensible! I have completely neglected the fitness aspect of it all. I just now started using a heart rate monitor.
"It's not how many miles, it's what you do with them."
I was logging the miles, but not really pushing myself throughout. My fitness level was pretty low. I could tell during this past race since I couldn't catch my breath after the swim until I finally finished. I just couldn't recoup.
Now I am working my way through "The Triathlete's Training Bible". Chapter by chapter, I am trying to figure out better ways to increase my capacity and fitness level. I can finish races, but not with any sort of speed. If I want to do anything of substantial distance, much needs to change: form, diet, schedule, etc.
But I am fairly excited about it. It is time to train well, not just train.
"It's not how many miles, it's what you do with them."
I was logging the miles, but not really pushing myself throughout. My fitness level was pretty low. I could tell during this past race since I couldn't catch my breath after the swim until I finally finished. I just couldn't recoup.
Now I am working my way through "The Triathlete's Training Bible". Chapter by chapter, I am trying to figure out better ways to increase my capacity and fitness level. I can finish races, but not with any sort of speed. If I want to do anything of substantial distance, much needs to change: form, diet, schedule, etc.
But I am fairly excited about it. It is time to train well, not just train.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sprint in Larache - The African Cup
Open-Water Swim in Harbor near Ocean - 500 meters
Bike - 20 km
Run - 5 km
Overall time - 1:34:00
So it sounds a lot easier just looking at the numbers, but today was definitely a challenge for me. I am so tired right now. Sleep is banging on my eyelids. Gotta record today, though.
I knew it was gonna be a tough day when I started my warm-up swim across the harbor to the starting point. The current was so strong, every one of us were being pushed out into the ocean. It was tough, esp having to swim straight into the current just to get back on track. And that was supposed to be warming us up. Talk about exhaustion before stepping up to the starting line.
I don't know how, but a 13-year-old boy beat every single one of us out of the water. I was way too far back to notice, but I heard that he smoked us all. Thankfully the swim after we started was much easier, since we didn't have to swim into the current, rather it carried us most of the way to the ending point. I think I came out in 13 minutes. I do know that is very slow since 75% of the other folks were already on their bikes.
Once we got to the bike, there was a massive hill waiting to greet us. I would actually say that hill was the nemesis of the entire race. Our bike route consisted of 4 1/2 laps around the city square. That meant we had to climb this hill 5 different times on our bike. It was a booger, esp since the steepest part was right at the top, once we were already wiped. But I pushed through. And I finally caught up with Masterson on the final lap.
Then came the business phone call about 100 meters from the transition area. I had a cooking class starting at that moment, and the driver was calling to tell me he was outside the house. Quite a site to see me unclipping my shoes from the pedals while conducting some business on the phone.
The run took us back to that great big hill another 3 times. The legs were jelly and the heat was blazing, but I kept thinking bigger picture. If I want to do the longer tris, I need to press on when I don't have much left. So I ran the 5k without stopping, and actually running the 3rd lap much faster than the first.
But all in all, I was towards the end of the Age Group, again. My friend Simo came in 4th overall. I am so excited to have him as a training buddy. He will definitely get me moving faster.
In the next few days, I will post my official times and some great pics.
Bike - 20 km
Run - 5 km
Overall time - 1:34:00
So it sounds a lot easier just looking at the numbers, but today was definitely a challenge for me. I am so tired right now. Sleep is banging on my eyelids. Gotta record today, though.
I knew it was gonna be a tough day when I started my warm-up swim across the harbor to the starting point. The current was so strong, every one of us were being pushed out into the ocean. It was tough, esp having to swim straight into the current just to get back on track. And that was supposed to be warming us up. Talk about exhaustion before stepping up to the starting line.
I don't know how, but a 13-year-old boy beat every single one of us out of the water. I was way too far back to notice, but I heard that he smoked us all. Thankfully the swim after we started was much easier, since we didn't have to swim into the current, rather it carried us most of the way to the ending point. I think I came out in 13 minutes. I do know that is very slow since 75% of the other folks were already on their bikes.
Once we got to the bike, there was a massive hill waiting to greet us. I would actually say that hill was the nemesis of the entire race. Our bike route consisted of 4 1/2 laps around the city square. That meant we had to climb this hill 5 different times on our bike. It was a booger, esp since the steepest part was right at the top, once we were already wiped. But I pushed through. And I finally caught up with Masterson on the final lap.
Then came the business phone call about 100 meters from the transition area. I had a cooking class starting at that moment, and the driver was calling to tell me he was outside the house. Quite a site to see me unclipping my shoes from the pedals while conducting some business on the phone.
The run took us back to that great big hill another 3 times. The legs were jelly and the heat was blazing, but I kept thinking bigger picture. If I want to do the longer tris, I need to press on when I don't have much left. So I ran the 5k without stopping, and actually running the 3rd lap much faster than the first.
But all in all, I was towards the end of the Age Group, again. My friend Simo came in 4th overall. I am so excited to have him as a training buddy. He will definitely get me moving faster.
In the next few days, I will post my official times and some great pics.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Nudges
Bike - 30 miles
Swim - 1 km
I am completely exhausted. I hooked up with SiMohammed and his friend Kamal today for a cooling down 30-mile ride as we prep for the Tri in Larache next weekend. There was no cooling down about it.
With a fierce head wind, we headed out trek Fes about 25 kilometers, then turned around and flew back. They had me going 18mph into the wind up hills. Coming back, with the wind behind us, we were cruising easily between 26 - 30 mph. It was a killer. They kept telling me to get on the person's tire right in front of me. I couldn't keep up to do so. Then came the hand on the small of the back pushing me to keep up. What great friends that they help me so!!!
At one point, I looked at my heart rate monitor on my watch. I was around 160-163. I looked over at SiMo...barely at 140. He just laughed as I was gasping for breath. Then I picked up my speed on a straight away. Not 30 seconds later, both of them FLEW by me as if I were on a tricycle.
Back in town, immediately it was into the pool for a 1km swim. I haven't swam that slow since I had swimmies on my arms when I was 5. Maybe it was the large shorts I was wearing...or maybe I am just slow regardless.
Either way, I have been moaning all afternoon.
Swim - 1 km
I am completely exhausted. I hooked up with SiMohammed and his friend Kamal today for a cooling down 30-mile ride as we prep for the Tri in Larache next weekend. There was no cooling down about it.
With a fierce head wind, we headed out trek Fes about 25 kilometers, then turned around and flew back. They had me going 18mph into the wind up hills. Coming back, with the wind behind us, we were cruising easily between 26 - 30 mph. It was a killer. They kept telling me to get on the person's tire right in front of me. I couldn't keep up to do so. Then came the hand on the small of the back pushing me to keep up. What great friends that they help me so!!!
At one point, I looked at my heart rate monitor on my watch. I was around 160-163. I looked over at SiMo...barely at 140. He just laughed as I was gasping for breath. Then I picked up my speed on a straight away. Not 30 seconds later, both of them FLEW by me as if I were on a tricycle.
Back in town, immediately it was into the pool for a 1km swim. I haven't swam that slow since I had swimmies on my arms when I was 5. Maybe it was the large shorts I was wearing...or maybe I am just slow regardless.
Either way, I have been moaning all afternoon.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Catching Up
It has been too long since my last post. Things keep happening, yet I am not recording them. I need to put them down in this blog so that I can remember them later in life. But I just keep forgetting to find time to record anything. So here are some of the highlights from the past month:
* Swam 2700 meters a few weeks ago. Unfortunately had to swim fairly slow since I stupidly ate some lasagna about an hour prior to the swim. Kind of afraid I was gonna make a name for myself by hurling in the pool. But I held it down.
* Have done several longer brick days. I think 2 weeks ago, I rode about 30 miles, then got off and ran 6 (at a 8:45 pace). The last time I had tried to do that was the Tri in Austin on a 90 degree day. Didn't do a lot of running then. But was able to complete the 6-mile run fairly easily.
* Starting to ride with Masterson on Sundays in Rabat. This past weekend, we went and finally got shoes and clips for my bike. I had been using my tennis shoes in old pedals with zip ties as my clips. How embarrassing. But I did notice a major difference with the new kicks.
* Met a few folks up in Ifrane that love to do Tris. Now I've gone from nothing in this country to at least 3, if not more each year. Plus, Duncan has competed in numerous IronMan events, while Thomas is in training. Gonna learn from the pro while being pushed by the trainee. Looking forward to talking shop and competing with these guys.
Now that I am caught up on some of the more important details, I can't let this much time pass in between recordings. I have a horrible memory and don't want to forget the small things.
* Swam 2700 meters a few weeks ago. Unfortunately had to swim fairly slow since I stupidly ate some lasagna about an hour prior to the swim. Kind of afraid I was gonna make a name for myself by hurling in the pool. But I held it down.
* Have done several longer brick days. I think 2 weeks ago, I rode about 30 miles, then got off and ran 6 (at a 8:45 pace). The last time I had tried to do that was the Tri in Austin on a 90 degree day. Didn't do a lot of running then. But was able to complete the 6-mile run fairly easily.
* Starting to ride with Masterson on Sundays in Rabat. This past weekend, we went and finally got shoes and clips for my bike. I had been using my tennis shoes in old pedals with zip ties as my clips. How embarrassing. But I did notice a major difference with the new kicks.
* Met a few folks up in Ifrane that love to do Tris. Now I've gone from nothing in this country to at least 3, if not more each year. Plus, Duncan has competed in numerous IronMan events, while Thomas is in training. Gonna learn from the pro while being pushed by the trainee. Looking forward to talking shop and competing with these guys.
Now that I am caught up on some of the more important details, I can't let this much time pass in between recordings. I have a horrible memory and don't want to forget the small things.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Traffic
Swim 2000 meters (42:33)
400 meter splits (7:54, 8:00, 8:38, 8:51, 9:08)
Obviously I was getting slower throughout. And dealing with the boredom was pretty tough. Not to mention that fact that the military academy brought a good number of their folks to practice. All told, I would venture to say that there were close to 40 people in our 8 lane pool today.
So the main challenge is when you are trying to swim something continuous and the people in your lane are working on their kick-boarding exercises. Or they are first-time swimmers. But we all need to start somewhere. I am proud of them for trying.
And the nap that I mentioned earlier was delightful. I did not want to wake up after an hour (normally it's 20 - 30 minutes for me.) Have to let the body rest.
400 meter splits (7:54, 8:00, 8:38, 8:51, 9:08)
Obviously I was getting slower throughout. And dealing with the boredom was pretty tough. Not to mention that fact that the military academy brought a good number of their folks to practice. All told, I would venture to say that there were close to 40 people in our 8 lane pool today.
So the main challenge is when you are trying to swim something continuous and the people in your lane are working on their kick-boarding exercises. Or they are first-time swimmers. But we all need to start somewhere. I am proud of them for trying.
And the nap that I mentioned earlier was delightful. I did not want to wake up after an hour (normally it's 20 - 30 minutes for me.) Have to let the body rest.
Still Pushing
Run - 6 miles (51:51)
Early morning runs take a little while to get moving. The weary bones take a while to warm up. This morning it seemed to have taken a little extra longer. But once I got going, I was able to push it some. The mental aspect of running long distances around a track is challenging. Picturing the Iron Man and all the laps I will have to do there was motivation. It's not only about strengthen muscles and working lungs, but also about challenging the mind to stay focused and not let the body quit.
All in all, I was very happy with my run. I still had a lot left in me, but was thankful to be finished. Now it's off to the pool in about an hour. I am thinking I might shoot for 2000 meters today. I hope the body can keep up. And I already foresee a great nap or an early bedtime tonight.
Early morning runs take a little while to get moving. The weary bones take a while to warm up. This morning it seemed to have taken a little extra longer. But once I got going, I was able to push it some. The mental aspect of running long distances around a track is challenging. Picturing the Iron Man and all the laps I will have to do there was motivation. It's not only about strengthen muscles and working lungs, but also about challenging the mind to stay focused and not let the body quit.
All in all, I was very happy with my run. I still had a lot left in me, but was thankful to be finished. Now it's off to the pool in about an hour. I am thinking I might shoot for 2000 meters today. I hope the body can keep up. And I already foresee a great nap or an early bedtime tonight.
Reality Check
Bike - 37 miles (2:00:53) plus 3 miles warm-up
The other day, Mohammed asked me if I wanted to join him for a 60km bike ride on Sunday morning. I decided that it might be a good idea, but was a little apprehensive since the furthest I have ever gone was about 28 miles. I knew it was going to be a challenge, esp since biking is my weakest of the 3 disciplines.
I should have taken my first clue that it was going to be embarrassing when I met him near my house in all of his professional riding gear. I was cowering as I pulled up with my paper-clipped helmet, my zip-tied pedals (since I have no riding shoes and clips) and my way too small bike. He then proceeded to tell me we had to go over to a coffee shop to meet some of his friends. Clue #2.
My embarrassment only grew larger as 7 of his riding buddies began parking their bikes at the shop. Comparing my 2,500 dH bike with their 10,000 - 15,000 dH bikes was another kick in the gut. I just said my hellos and kept my sunglasses on to conceal my fear. Can I even keep up with them for the first 2 miles ?
Once we got started, I did all I could to not make a fool of myself. To get out to El-Hajb required going up and up and up low-grade hills. Every once in a while, Mo would put his hand on my back and help push to keep me up with everyone. But for the most part, I was able to keep pace with all of these guys for the first 15 miles or so. Then I realized that this was just their warm-up.
After a while, they began pulling away from me and I didn't mind. But at mile 19, I realized that I still had to make it back into town and my house. Once I turned around, I noticed that we had been going uphill for a majority of the ride. I felt somewhat encouraged, yet all alone out in the countryside of Morocco since they were long gone!
The ride back was much more fun, cuz it was downhill. It did get quite boring toward the end of the 40 miles. Thankfully I rode better and faster than ever before. But it was a major reality check. I am not great on the bike and I should train harder if I want to ride with those guys again. The rest of the day I just laid around and moaned and napped.
The other day, Mohammed asked me if I wanted to join him for a 60km bike ride on Sunday morning. I decided that it might be a good idea, but was a little apprehensive since the furthest I have ever gone was about 28 miles. I knew it was going to be a challenge, esp since biking is my weakest of the 3 disciplines.
I should have taken my first clue that it was going to be embarrassing when I met him near my house in all of his professional riding gear. I was cowering as I pulled up with my paper-clipped helmet, my zip-tied pedals (since I have no riding shoes and clips) and my way too small bike. He then proceeded to tell me we had to go over to a coffee shop to meet some of his friends. Clue #2.
My embarrassment only grew larger as 7 of his riding buddies began parking their bikes at the shop. Comparing my 2,500 dH bike with their 10,000 - 15,000 dH bikes was another kick in the gut. I just said my hellos and kept my sunglasses on to conceal my fear. Can I even keep up with them for the first 2 miles ?
Once we got started, I did all I could to not make a fool of myself. To get out to El-Hajb required going up and up and up low-grade hills. Every once in a while, Mo would put his hand on my back and help push to keep me up with everyone. But for the most part, I was able to keep pace with all of these guys for the first 15 miles or so. Then I realized that this was just their warm-up.
After a while, they began pulling away from me and I didn't mind. But at mile 19, I realized that I still had to make it back into town and my house. Once I turned around, I noticed that we had been going uphill for a majority of the ride. I felt somewhat encouraged, yet all alone out in the countryside of Morocco since they were long gone!
The ride back was much more fun, cuz it was downhill. It did get quite boring toward the end of the 40 miles. Thankfully I rode better and faster than ever before. But it was a major reality check. I am not great on the bike and I should train harder if I want to ride with those guys again. The rest of the day I just laid around and moaned and napped.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Game Time
Just found out yesterday about the Tri in Larache on May 30th. For the first time, it's part of the African Cup, so there will probably be some good folks out there. Not sure if it is an Olympic or Sprint, but I think Masterson is gonna do it with me. That boy needs to get in shape, though. He told me he can't run across the street to catch a taxi without getting winded. I actually stand a chance to post a faster time than him. Maybe I should have told him about it a month from now so his training would be minimal. But my legs should be strong enough that if he falls over on the run, he can hop on my back and I'll carry him to the finish. Maybe!
It's nice to have an actual race on the books and not just something I am doing on my own. The motivation factor wanes after a while. But looking forward to May 30th ought to be a lot of fun. Esp since I have someone to train with.
It's nice to have an actual race on the books and not just something I am doing on my own. The motivation factor wanes after a while. But looking forward to May 30th ought to be a lot of fun. Esp since I have someone to train with.
Like a Fish in the Water
swim - 1500 meters (31:54)
So I'm not exactly one, but I do enjoy swimming. I still think I have a poor swim stroke. It's so hard to focus on the arms and keeping my feet kicking while not letting my backside sink down too much. And breathing is vital. Swimming does take a lot of concentration, yet at the same time, it's easy to zone out and lose track of how many laps you do.
So I'm not exactly one, but I do enjoy swimming. I still think I have a poor swim stroke. It's so hard to focus on the arms and keeping my feet kicking while not letting my backside sink down too much. And breathing is vital. Swimming does take a lot of concentration, yet at the same time, it's easy to zone out and lose track of how many laps you do.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Personal Bests
I am not the fastest bullet out of the gun. And I might not even be the most steady or consistent. But I have fun in what I do. I can only get faster, right. With that to say, I decided to post some of my PB (personal bests) in the hopes that in future months, I will be able to change them.
1-mile run - 7:10
6-mile run - avg. 7:42/mile
50-meter swim - 0:42
1500-meter swim - 33:00
12-mile bike - avg. 18.3 mph
20-mile bike - avg. 17.1 mph
Time to build!!!
1-mile run - 7:10
6-mile run - avg. 7:42/mile
50-meter swim - 0:42
1500-meter swim - 33:00
12-mile bike - avg. 18.3 mph
20-mile bike - avg. 17.1 mph
Time to build!!!
Made a friend
So a guy at the pool has been wearing a full-body wetsuit every time he swims. Got me thinking. The only place he would wear one outside of the pool would be for an open water swim. And since very few in this country actually do that, he must do triathlons.
Then I noticed he had biker legs in the locker room. He must do triathlons.
I built up the nerve to talk with him, knowing that I was going to be bombarded with French. But it wasn't too bad.
Come to find out there is only 1 tri in Morocco during the course of a year. The one in Larache. This year it's happening on May 30th.
So my new friend SiMohammed and I and some of his friends are going for a 60km bike ride this Sunday. I think the farthest I have ever gone is 45km. Already a little nervous.
Then I noticed he had biker legs in the locker room. He must do triathlons.
I built up the nerve to talk with him, knowing that I was going to be bombarded with French. But it wasn't too bad.
Come to find out there is only 1 tri in Morocco during the course of a year. The one in Larache. This year it's happening on May 30th.
So my new friend SiMohammed and I and some of his friends are going for a 60km bike ride this Sunday. I think the farthest I have ever gone is 45km. Already a little nervous.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Getting the rust off
Run - 3 miles
After losing lots of motivation to even walk down the street, much less train for a tri, I am beginning to win the mental battle. I watched an incredible video about training excuses that kicked me in the gut...
http://iamtri.com/video/1984656:Video:48593
So when my alarm went off yesterday morning at 6:15, I tossed and turned for 15 minutes throwing some of these same excuses around. But eventually I pulled myself out and got moving. I was pretty encouraged by my 3.5 mile run. I only had a banana in my belly, and was still able to average 8:30/mile over that distance. It's been a little too long since I pushed myself.
But tonight is the stationary bike and tomorrow is time in the pool. I am trying to get back on my schedule.
After losing lots of motivation to even walk down the street, much less train for a tri, I am beginning to win the mental battle. I watched an incredible video about training excuses that kicked me in the gut...
http://iamtri.com/video/1984656:Video:48593
So when my alarm went off yesterday morning at 6:15, I tossed and turned for 15 minutes throwing some of these same excuses around. But eventually I pulled myself out and got moving. I was pretty encouraged by my 3.5 mile run. I only had a banana in my belly, and was still able to average 8:30/mile over that distance. It's been a little too long since I pushed myself.
But tonight is the stationary bike and tomorrow is time in the pool. I am trying to get back on my schedule.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Gaining Momentum
After all the recent happenings in this country with all the folks getting kicked out, I have had no desire or motivation to do anything. But a few days ago, I started getting back the mental desire to compete. Obviously competing is a relative term. I more like to compete in a relaxed manner.
What have you ... I am returning to my workout regime. I could feel it emotionally when I wasn't doing anything. But it's time to move this body and complete one of my life goals!
What have you ... I am returning to my workout regime. I could feel it emotionally when I wasn't doing anything. But it's time to move this body and complete one of my life goals!
Reducing Drag
Swimming: 1250 meters
It is very hard for me to stop wearing women's clothes to the pool. But I need to do it to be able to swim faster.
Actually, I started working today on my stroke and how to reduce the drag that my body is creating. I did a great job lengthening my swim stroke and reducing reps per lap (around 21-24.) I also did a good job turning my belly to the side of the pool and becoming a "dagger" in the water. But I was having a hard time swimming off my chest and getting my butt to the top of the water. Because of that, my lower body is falling deep into the water and slowing me down.
But I am trying to improve my swimming technique. At the beginning of practice it's a lot easier, toward the end, I am getting lazy and reverting back to poorness.
It is very hard for me to stop wearing women's clothes to the pool. But I need to do it to be able to swim faster.
Actually, I started working today on my stroke and how to reduce the drag that my body is creating. I did a great job lengthening my swim stroke and reducing reps per lap (around 21-24.) I also did a good job turning my belly to the side of the pool and becoming a "dagger" in the water. But I was having a hard time swimming off my chest and getting my butt to the top of the water. Because of that, my lower body is falling deep into the water and slowing me down.
But I am trying to improve my swimming technique. At the beginning of practice it's a lot easier, toward the end, I am getting lazy and reverting back to poorness.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Weary
Swim - 2400 meters (1.5 miles)
Yesterday, I decided to swim further than I had before. The week before, I knocked out 2000 meters and thought I still had some left in my tank. I pushed it further and made it, barely. About 1700 meters in, my feet started cramping and I couldn't stretch them. But eventually I got past that and kept going. By the last 200 meters, I felt dead in the water. I was slugging my way to the end.
Needless to say, my entire body is very tired and weary today. And I have been eating like a horse. For breakfast, I ate a huge egg sandwich with avocado & lots of hash browns. For an early lunch, I had a huge calzone. It's now only 2:30pm and I just have a huge plate of canaloni pasta.
Oh and I was then supposed to run after my swim. Yeah, right!
Yesterday, I decided to swim further than I had before. The week before, I knocked out 2000 meters and thought I still had some left in my tank. I pushed it further and made it, barely. About 1700 meters in, my feet started cramping and I couldn't stretch them. But eventually I got past that and kept going. By the last 200 meters, I felt dead in the water. I was slugging my way to the end.
Needless to say, my entire body is very tired and weary today. And I have been eating like a horse. For breakfast, I ate a huge egg sandwich with avocado & lots of hash browns. For an early lunch, I had a huge calzone. It's now only 2:30pm and I just have a huge plate of canaloni pasta.
Oh and I was then supposed to run after my swim. Yeah, right!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Going Further
Swim - 1500 meters
I got moving and decided to keep going. Don't know what came over me, but I wanted to try and knock out 2000 meters without stopping. The way that I keep from getting too bored is to take the letters of the alphabet and sing songs according to the letter. I made it through, then started over and went to 'M'.
It was a great swim. Don't know how fast (or slow) I swam, but it felt good. I think the only reason I stopped at 2000 was because I was getting way too hungry. Trying to swim on a banana and cliff bar won't last long.
I still can't fathom having to swim 3800 meters, but it looks a little more doable.
I got moving and decided to keep going. Don't know what came over me, but I wanted to try and knock out 2000 meters without stopping. The way that I keep from getting too bored is to take the letters of the alphabet and sing songs according to the letter. I made it through, then started over and went to 'M'.
It was a great swim. Don't know how fast (or slow) I swam, but it felt good. I think the only reason I stopped at 2000 was because I was getting way too hungry. Trying to swim on a banana and cliff bar won't last long.
I still can't fathom having to swim 3800 meters, but it looks a little more doable.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Long Road to Recovery
Run - 60 minutes
Weights
I have run 1.3 miles in the last 3 weeks since completing my marathon. I have had nothing in my mental and emotional tank to get out there again. But I need to start working those muscles out again. So I decided to give it a go today.
On my schedule is a 60-minute run today. I scoff at that. I know I can run. I don't need to train in the running department right now. But I need to get moving again.
Just make it 30 minutes. Don't run laps around the park near my house, or I will definitely quit way too early. Get out of my neighborhood and run to the end of that long street. Turn around and lug yourself back. Forget about speed. Just hobble a short ways in front of lots of high school students and police officers. Make sure to turn your iPod up so that you won't hear all the snide comments and laughter. Oh yeah, Don't forget to pick up some bread from the hanut on your way home. That's good carbs.
Oh my knees, calves, thighs, lungs, feet. Why do this to myself? Am I a lunatic?
Just a glimpse into my head yesterday during a "routine" and "simple" 30-minute jog.
You're welcome!
Weights
I have run 1.3 miles in the last 3 weeks since completing my marathon. I have had nothing in my mental and emotional tank to get out there again. But I need to start working those muscles out again. So I decided to give it a go today.
On my schedule is a 60-minute run today. I scoff at that. I know I can run. I don't need to train in the running department right now. But I need to get moving again.
Just make it 30 minutes. Don't run laps around the park near my house, or I will definitely quit way too early. Get out of my neighborhood and run to the end of that long street. Turn around and lug yourself back. Forget about speed. Just hobble a short ways in front of lots of high school students and police officers. Make sure to turn your iPod up so that you won't hear all the snide comments and laughter. Oh yeah, Don't forget to pick up some bread from the hanut on your way home. That's good carbs.
Oh my knees, calves, thighs, lungs, feet. Why do this to myself? Am I a lunatic?
Just a glimpse into my head yesterday during a "routine" and "simple" 30-minute jog.
You're welcome!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sickness
Ain't nothing like the flu, or some variation of something, to sideline you for way too long. I haven't been able to build any momentum in training since completing my marathon. I know I need to rest and recover, but I am itching to get going. I have a lot of internal motivation, but my physical body just won't let me.
Am I getting too old?
Am I getting too old?
Sunday Rides
Bike - 30 miles
I really enjoyed today's ride. Last week, I could barely manage any speed whatsoever while constantly hearing a clicking sound. Yesterday, I heard that same sound and realized that I wasn't able to shift into the faster speeds. That's why I was like molasses! I thought it was dead legs after the marathon.
It's kind of scary riding the bike on the streets here. We play chicken all the time and I can't win at that game. Riding behind 2 cars, an oncoming car decided to turn after those that past him. But you-know-who was right there. He didn't even stop, just kept going and gave me a little wave. I, in turn, gave him a great big shout!
I am thinking about getting a horn for my bike. Since everyone else uses them here, why can't I make my presence known when I need to. Maybe I can get the big, rubber-ball type of contraption.
BTW, my legs felt like jello last night before going to bed. What a wimp!
I really enjoyed today's ride. Last week, I could barely manage any speed whatsoever while constantly hearing a clicking sound. Yesterday, I heard that same sound and realized that I wasn't able to shift into the faster speeds. That's why I was like molasses! I thought it was dead legs after the marathon.
It's kind of scary riding the bike on the streets here. We play chicken all the time and I can't win at that game. Riding behind 2 cars, an oncoming car decided to turn after those that past him. But you-know-who was right there. He didn't even stop, just kept going and gave me a little wave. I, in turn, gave him a great big shout!
I am thinking about getting a horn for my bike. Since everyone else uses them here, why can't I make my presence known when I need to. Maybe I can get the big, rubber-ball type of contraption.
BTW, my legs felt like jello last night before going to bed. What a wimp!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Weights Hurt ...
... esp when you lower a 10-lb. dumbbell on the top of your head.
You've been forewarned!!!
You've been forewarned!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Double Duty
Run - 30 minutes
Swim - 1500 meters
The run was actually brutal. I was able to run a little over a mile at an easy pace, but I barely made it. How embarrassing! I had nothing mentally to push myself for 30 minutes. Not even 10. Guess this whole recovery thing does take a little while.
About the swimming, they have almost finished the tiles in the ceiling. They got the scaffolding working in the pool just fine. Wish I could have watched the entire process. Did it fall again? Who knows. Don't want to ask and shame someone here. The only problem is that with it in the pool, it shuts down several lanes. Can't even imagine how crowded the open lanes are at night.
I am realizing that my overall swim time won't make much of a difference. I can swim a "fast" mile in about 30 minutes and a relatively relaxed one in about 37 minutes. For a half-ironman, that is only a 10 minute difference over the course of 6+ hours. Plus I would be conserving lots of energy for later in the race.
I did swim some hard 200 meters with 20-second intervals in about 4 minutes. That would total a 32-minute mile. And I was exhausted. Not a fish, yet, but trying to get there.
Swim - 1500 meters
The run was actually brutal. I was able to run a little over a mile at an easy pace, but I barely made it. How embarrassing! I had nothing mentally to push myself for 30 minutes. Not even 10. Guess this whole recovery thing does take a little while.
About the swimming, they have almost finished the tiles in the ceiling. They got the scaffolding working in the pool just fine. Wish I could have watched the entire process. Did it fall again? Who knows. Don't want to ask and shame someone here. The only problem is that with it in the pool, it shuts down several lanes. Can't even imagine how crowded the open lanes are at night.
I am realizing that my overall swim time won't make much of a difference. I can swim a "fast" mile in about 30 minutes and a relatively relaxed one in about 37 minutes. For a half-ironman, that is only a 10 minute difference over the course of 6+ hours. Plus I would be conserving lots of energy for later in the race.
I did swim some hard 200 meters with 20-second intervals in about 4 minutes. That would total a 32-minute mile. And I was exhausted. Not a fish, yet, but trying to get there.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Almost Recovered
It's been a little over a week since I "officially" completed my first marathon. I kept trying to tell myself that I had run one before in my city, but it just wasn't official. Now I can truly say I have run a marathon. And that was only a stepping stone for what I want to do.Recapping that fun event! The few days leading up to it, my mind kept wavering back and forth on whether I should run the half or full, could I make it again, how are my knees and hips holding up, sure hope I finish in the allotted 5 hours, I can't do this! Winning the mental battle is always the hardest thing for me. But come race day, I was ready.
We arrived at the starting line to 5000 people in sheer jubilation. They were fired up about beating their bodies. Psycho! I knew it was going to be hard, and the race didn't disappoint. About 3000 of the folks ran the 1/2 and the other 2, give or take, ran the full. It was a lot different being surrounded by all those runners and fans to keep you pushing along.
All in all, I ran the first half in 2 hours, then slowed significantly. My running buddy, Jason, slowed back for the first 11 miles or so to keep me company. So thankful cuz my only "wall" came at the 8-mile mark. I don't know if my legs finally caught up to me or if stopping 5 times to empty the bladder and once to purchase water from a hanut since the stations had run dry had anything to do with my time. But I finished in 4:38, about 8 minutes slower than my goal. Those last 4 miles were the killer. I averaged those at 12:20/mile due to prolonged breaks of walking. I even had to walk a ton in the last 1/2-mile. Adrenaline couldn't keep me going. But I did cross that finish line to the roaring ovation from my kiddos, the Rho-Shos and the Mastersons.
Then the following 2.5 days were brutal. I boxed myself in a tiny car for a 3-hour road trip to Safi to visit some friends. Then we had to stay on the 3rd floor of an apartment with no elevator. Those stairs as well as the hills around the complex gave me fits for a couple of days. I don't know how many times we went up and down those stairs, but it was a killer, esp going down.
By the time our trip home came, I was back to 90% in my quads and calves. And I kept thinking at night, "If I am in this much pain after just a marathon, how am I going to feel after a Half-Ironman or Full?" Then I would lay in bed terrified for hours.
That darned mental battle!!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Scaffolding in the Pool
Swim - 1250 meters
Yes, that was my in-flight entertainment today while swimming. The indoor pool that I go to is fairly new. So they are still figuring things out. One of those would be all the mold and mildew that has grown on the ceiling tiles over the past 6 months. Now they are in the process of changing them out (with what looks like to me the EXACT SAME KIND.) But what do I know?
They have removed and replaces all the ones around the pool, now it's time to do the ones over the actual pool. As I am swimming my laps, I am watching them put together the scaffolding base right next to the outer lane. Once that is finish, I actually have to stop swimming and watch in amazement as 8 guys work on leaning this scaffolding over and try to slide it into the pool. It's quite humorous.
As they are lowering the base into the pool, the bottom end starts to come unattached from the top part they are holding, and SPLASH, it sinks to the bottom. Since they can't hold the top part too well, it too goes SPLASH into the deep. I begin my laps again, but notice for the next 5 minutes, all 8 guys standing over the edge of the pool with their hands on their knees contemplating what to do next. One guys heads over and changes into a swim suit while the others wait around. He then dives in and starts roping all the pieces so they can pull them back up to the top to start over.
By then I had finished my laps joyfully knowing that wasn't my job. I wish I could have stuck around to see them try again VS. piecing it together in the actual pool. But what do I know?
Yes, that was my in-flight entertainment today while swimming. The indoor pool that I go to is fairly new. So they are still figuring things out. One of those would be all the mold and mildew that has grown on the ceiling tiles over the past 6 months. Now they are in the process of changing them out (with what looks like to me the EXACT SAME KIND.) But what do I know?
They have removed and replaces all the ones around the pool, now it's time to do the ones over the actual pool. As I am swimming my laps, I am watching them put together the scaffolding base right next to the outer lane. Once that is finish, I actually have to stop swimming and watch in amazement as 8 guys work on leaning this scaffolding over and try to slide it into the pool. It's quite humorous.
As they are lowering the base into the pool, the bottom end starts to come unattached from the top part they are holding, and SPLASH, it sinks to the bottom. Since they can't hold the top part too well, it too goes SPLASH into the deep. I begin my laps again, but notice for the next 5 minutes, all 8 guys standing over the edge of the pool with their hands on their knees contemplating what to do next. One guys heads over and changes into a swim suit while the others wait around. He then dives in and starts roping all the pieces so they can pull them back up to the top to start over.
By then I had finished my laps joyfully knowing that wasn't my job. I wish I could have stuck around to see them try again VS. piecing it together in the actual pool. But what do I know?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tapering Runs
Run - 20 minutes
I am waiting in eager anticipation for this coming weekend. I am anxiously excited. I know how that infamous "wall" slaps you in the face, how those last 6.2 miles feel and the sheer euphoria of actually finishing 26.2 miles. But I am still nervous of the unknown! How are my legs and my body gonna hold up this time? What will it be like on a flat surface with lots of people around? Sure don't want to make a fool of myself in front of all of them. Many people love the atmosphere of a race with all those cheering you on. Since I am a relatively quiet person (at times), I don't want to suffer in front of the masses and have them watch. Maybe that's why I did my own 26.2 on my own a month ago. Sure was glad at the time no one was around. Oh the mental war raging on!
About today's run, I love these relatively easy jogs! Less than 3 miles. Stretch out the legs. Yet I was so nervous that I would have a horrible run and lose lots of confidence. But the Pure Funk music always seems to push me on (as well as the "Rocky" soundtrack that my wife encouraged me to hear).
Lots of pasta and fruit and veggies this week. I sure do miss hamburgers, fries and chicken tenders!
I am waiting in eager anticipation for this coming weekend. I am anxiously excited. I know how that infamous "wall" slaps you in the face, how those last 6.2 miles feel and the sheer euphoria of actually finishing 26.2 miles. But I am still nervous of the unknown! How are my legs and my body gonna hold up this time? What will it be like on a flat surface with lots of people around? Sure don't want to make a fool of myself in front of all of them. Many people love the atmosphere of a race with all those cheering you on. Since I am a relatively quiet person (at times), I don't want to suffer in front of the masses and have them watch. Maybe that's why I did my own 26.2 on my own a month ago. Sure was glad at the time no one was around. Oh the mental war raging on!
About today's run, I love these relatively easy jogs! Less than 3 miles. Stretch out the legs. Yet I was so nervous that I would have a horrible run and lose lots of confidence. But the Pure Funk music always seems to push me on (as well as the "Rocky" soundtrack that my wife encouraged me to hear).
Lots of pasta and fruit and veggies this week. I sure do miss hamburgers, fries and chicken tenders!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Bikes & 'Ball
Sunday - Bike-25 miles
Since I have the marathon in 1 week, I am taking it a little easy in training. I don't want to fry my legs ahead of time and be regretting the workouts come mile 18. So giving it about75%. At the same time, with all the rain we are dealing with, I sure didn't want to venture out among all those crazy taxis.
Stationary Bike and Championship Football! Wish it were the NFC on the early game since that kickoff will be at 11:30pm my time. But riding the bike and watching Jets v Colts will do. Rooting for the Colts, but the Jets are playing pretty darned well.
Back to the training, stationary bikes are so boring and uncomfortable. I can think of numerous other things I would much rather be doing than sitting on a non-moving bike. Guess I need to strengthen the mental fortitude. Once I get to the IronMan, it will be 6-7 hours of pedaling and no music or football.
Since I have the marathon in 1 week, I am taking it a little easy in training. I don't want to fry my legs ahead of time and be regretting the workouts come mile 18. So giving it about75%. At the same time, with all the rain we are dealing with, I sure didn't want to venture out among all those crazy taxis.
Stationary Bike and Championship Football! Wish it were the NFC on the early game since that kickoff will be at 11:30pm my time. But riding the bike and watching Jets v Colts will do. Rooting for the Colts, but the Jets are playing pretty darned well.
Back to the training, stationary bikes are so boring and uncomfortable. I can think of numerous other things I would much rather be doing than sitting on a non-moving bike. Guess I need to strengthen the mental fortitude. Once I get to the IronMan, it will be 6-7 hours of pedaling and no music or football.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Days of Rest
Friday - Rest day
Nuf said!!! I sure did enjoy kicking my feet up yesterday and letting my aging knees get some time off. It was always refreshing to give my brain a break from pushing myself. Unfortunately, I get 1 day a week to do nothing.
But I loved my day off so much that I made a bunch of greasy chicken tenders! Gotta get past that vice.
Nuf said!!! I sure did enjoy kicking my feet up yesterday and letting my aging knees get some time off. It was always refreshing to give my brain a break from pushing myself. Unfortunately, I get 1 day a week to do nothing.
But I loved my day off so much that I made a bunch of greasy chicken tenders! Gotta get past that vice.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Shaking off the rust
Swim - 1000 meters
Run - 30 minutes
I know today doesn't sound like very much, but my body has gotten used to just running. Yesterday, I worked hard on weights and then the stationary bike. I went to bed exhausted (and humbled).
At one point during my weights, my 3 yr old was standing on my feet and practicing counting to 25 while I did sit-ups. It's hard to laugh and do those at the same time. Then another time, she was counting to 15 while I lifted some weights. At the gym, I would probably have someone beside me encouraging me to keep going. She was there to laugh at me. A different for of motivation, I guess.
So today, I hopped in the pool and could barely do my warm-up 300 meters. The kick board for only 50 meters obliterated me. The I was able to get into a groove and finish without too much thrashing. Plus I had my own lane. I like the daytime swims.
Come time for the 30-minute run, I had nothing left in me. I only ate a little bit of meatloaf and mashed potatoes before I left. After my first lap, I was starving for more and my legs were yelling at me still from the 50-meter kick board ordeal.
I have a long way to go! And I want to go to sleep (it's only 4pm)
Run - 30 minutes
I know today doesn't sound like very much, but my body has gotten used to just running. Yesterday, I worked hard on weights and then the stationary bike. I went to bed exhausted (and humbled).
At one point during my weights, my 3 yr old was standing on my feet and practicing counting to 25 while I did sit-ups. It's hard to laugh and do those at the same time. Then another time, she was counting to 15 while I lifted some weights. At the gym, I would probably have someone beside me encouraging me to keep going. She was there to laugh at me. A different for of motivation, I guess.
So today, I hopped in the pool and could barely do my warm-up 300 meters. The kick board for only 50 meters obliterated me. The I was able to get into a groove and finish without too much thrashing. Plus I had my own lane. I like the daytime swims.
Come time for the 30-minute run, I had nothing left in me. I only ate a little bit of meatloaf and mashed potatoes before I left. After my first lap, I was starving for more and my legs were yelling at me still from the 50-meter kick board ordeal.
I have a long way to go! And I want to go to sleep (it's only 4pm)
Preparing for the marathon
I have my first official marathon in 10 days down in Marrakech. But I ended up running 26.2 miles about 2 weeks ago in preparation. I can't begin to tell you how painful the last 6 miles were. But at the very end, my family came out and cheered me on. Here are some pics of the kiddos helping me finish.
Day 1 at the Pool
It's unbelievable! There are a few cultural things here that absolutely drive me nuts. My road rage flares up here more than in the States. The thing that gets me the most is when people driving stop anywhere in the road if they see a friend so they can say hello. If you are right behind them, you need to swerve around them so as not to smash into their backside. Another difference is the lack of staying in their lanes.
Crazy me believed that a pool would actually be any different. The first day I can go is on Tuesday night from 9-10:30. The manager told me it would be crowded, but I held out hope. I arrive to a parking lot full of cars and men mingling all over the place. Oh boy! Let's get this over with.
After I change in the women's locker room, cuz the men's was way too full and women weren't allowed at this time of night, I venture into the actual pool room to see at least 35 men getting ready to swim in only 8 lanes. That's an average of 4.5 people per lane. Way too crowded, like the locker room.
I then to start my laps, which are pretty slow-going due to the lack of space. You probably guessed what happened next. Men aren't swimming down one side and back on the other. We are zig-zagging all over the place to get to the other side. And then, as I am following someone at a safe distance, I run into his feet. Not because I am too fast! Oh no, it's because he has stopped in mid-lap to say hello to one of his buddies standing on the side. Ludicrous!
Suffice it to say, my evening ended much earlier than expected due to my frustration. As best as possible, I am going to avoid the pool in the evenings and just hit it on Tues & Thurs afternoons from 12-1:30. Since it's 11:30 now, I need to sign off to get ready.
Crazy me believed that a pool would actually be any different. The first day I can go is on Tuesday night from 9-10:30. The manager told me it would be crowded, but I held out hope. I arrive to a parking lot full of cars and men mingling all over the place. Oh boy! Let's get this over with.
After I change in the women's locker room, cuz the men's was way too full and women weren't allowed at this time of night, I venture into the actual pool room to see at least 35 men getting ready to swim in only 8 lanes. That's an average of 4.5 people per lane. Way too crowded, like the locker room.
I then to start my laps, which are pretty slow-going due to the lack of space. You probably guessed what happened next. Men aren't swimming down one side and back on the other. We are zig-zagging all over the place to get to the other side. And then, as I am following someone at a safe distance, I run into his feet. Not because I am too fast! Oh no, it's because he has stopped in mid-lap to say hello to one of his buddies standing on the side. Ludicrous!
Suffice it to say, my evening ended much earlier than expected due to my frustration. As best as possible, I am going to avoid the pool in the evenings and just hit it on Tues & Thurs afternoons from 12-1:30. Since it's 11:30 now, I need to sign off to get ready.
An Intro
So, I am not that faithful when it comes to blogging or talking about everyday events. But I want to get better. After watching that movie "Julie & Julia", which was pretty funny, I have decided that I want to keep track of my triathlon training. I live in a country where crazy things happen all the time. The culture is different, life is more of an adventure, etc...
I made a life goal about 5 years ago. That was that I wanted to compete in AND FINISH an Iron-Man Triathlon. I figured I am in decent enough shape, God has blessed me with health (at this point in my life) and I occasionally struggle with ADD. Why not try and tackle more triathlons? Training won't be boring, cuz I can skip to different sports.
This past summer, I had a chance to compete in
2 different Tri's in Austin. One was a Sprint and the other an Olympic. Didn't do very well compared to the other athletes, but I did finish. That's my goal. I am not in this for time. I don't have the time to train harder and faster and speed up. I just want to finish and have fun.
Living in a country where there is 1 known marathon, 1 known triathlon and 2 known bike races, I need to create my own events and calendar. SO I have tentatively set up my own personal IronMan 70.3 (or Half IronMan) for May 20th. Once I figured out that date, I made my own 18-week training schedule.
Now, we are off and training...
I made a life goal about 5 years ago. That was that I wanted to compete in AND FINISH an Iron-Man Triathlon. I figured I am in decent enough shape, God has blessed me with health (at this point in my life) and I occasionally struggle with ADD. Why not try and tackle more triathlons? Training won't be boring, cuz I can skip to different sports.
This past summer, I had a chance to compete in
2 different Tri's in Austin. One was a Sprint and the other an Olympic. Didn't do very well compared to the other athletes, but I did finish. That's my goal. I am not in this for time. I don't have the time to train harder and faster and speed up. I just want to finish and have fun.Living in a country where there is 1 known marathon, 1 known triathlon and 2 known bike races, I need to create my own events and calendar. SO I have tentatively set up my own personal IronMan 70.3 (or Half IronMan) for May 20th. Once I figured out that date, I made my own 18-week training schedule.
Now, we are off and training...
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