Bubble Wrap

I'm to the point now....with 24 days to go, that I want to take a big ass roll of bubblue wrap and make myself a nice little suit as to not get hurt.  Like this morning....I was getting into my truck and stepped onto the running board to get in and it was slick (as it rained last night).  I could feel my footing start to slide.  It's almost like in the movie series "Final Destination"....I see everything that's hazardous and picture things falling on me, etc.

I also worry about getting sick.....and worry about my bike....and now I'm starting to worry that the list I made for packing and taking things to the race isn't right.  I made it about 3 weeks ago, then remembered 4 other items last night.  What else am I forgetting????? 

So...last night, I did 2 hours on the bike.  My computer says I did over 35 miles.  Some may think that's slow....but that's blazing fast for me.  If I could/can sustain almost 18mph on my IM ride, my day will instantly get better.......

Have a good'un kids.

38 Days....less than 1000 hours

In 37 Days, 23 hours, and 57 Minutes.....I'll have started IMTX.

That's not too far off kids....

One of my followers on Instagram put down "Less than 1000 hours until #imtx".  For some reason, 38 days sounds a lot further away than 1000 hours. 

I'm getting nervous.  I'm getting worried, I'm getting excited, I'm getting anxious, I'm getting happy, I'm getting........very emotional.  Other than simple adjectives, it's really hard for me to put down how I'm feeling without rambling for pages and pages.......

On Monday night, I swam 2800m.  Had a good time (both literally and figuratively) too.

Last night called for a 3 hour trainer ride.  I got in 2 good hours and a little over 36 miles.  Very happy with that too.  However....I should have moved my Wednesday workout to last night.  Because today, it's 40 degrees with storms all day and high wind.  Last night it was in the mid-70's (and that was at night).  What wacky weather we've been having.....

Tonight may be a treadmill night.  I do have a swim after that too.

We'll see.

The suck line

I listened to a great podcast put out by Endrance Nation on Friday (while at work....and on the way home) about 4 keys to finishing an Ironman strong.  The 4 main points were:

1) Race Day is about execution not fitness
     Apply the fitness that you bring to the race
     See your race as a video game.  You control you.

2)  Execcute 100%
      The goal for the first 2/3's of the race is to set up your run
      Nothing before mile 18 of the run matters
      The "suck line" will come....guarenteed.  The decision you make will either move the suck line closer to you or further away (goal is 'further')

3)  Dealing with the suck line with your box
      Urgency vs. Importance  -  your race is important.  Act out of importance not urgency
       This is your box.  You control what's in that box (fitness, nutrition, planning).  Stay in your box

4)   Why are you here (mantra)
       When the line hits, what will you do to keep going.
       Why are you here?  Why are you doing this race?  Why did you sign up
       This will keep you going until the end.  Don't pull this out until necessary



So....on Saturday....went to bed (well....fell asleep on the couch) around 8:30pm.  I moved to the bedroom around midnight.  Alarm set for 4:30a - check.  Alarm goes off at 4:30a - Check.  Snooze and sleep more becuase all I have is a 10 mile run.  Wake up and it's light outside.  Wait, what?  Snooze lasted a little longer that I thought.  Check the time......10:30am.  W.T.F???? 

As it's a little to late to start the run, I decide that I'll run tonight.  Fast forward to 8p (after drinking nothing but soda all day and eating like crap, I start out on my run.  Immediatly my heart rate jacks way up.  At mile .4 (yes.... *point 4*) I throw up in a neighbors yard.  This run is done. 

Go home, shower, go to bed......

4am alarm - check......alarm goes off.....next thing I know it's 5:30am.  Whew....day is not shot.  I get on the bike and start to go, go, go.  I got in 4:40 on the bike (which I figure is about 78 miles).  I then do a 7 minute "transition" and head out for my run.  I got thru 5.25 miles in a pretty qucik 57 minutes.  I was cooked......completly done.....

While I was happy with my distance (a breakout)....i got a little nervous.  How am I going to get thru 2 more hours on the bike....and 21 more miles on the run???? 

Here's to hoping that adrenaline and the crowd get me there!  
 

Holy Crap it's Cold....and windy

Friday night....I decided to skip my swim.  It would have been nice to get it in, but we watched two episodes of Grimm for FMN and by the time they were done, it was 9:30.  Since the gym closes at 10p on Friday, there was no way I could have made it there for a swim.  I didn't beat myself up over it and, since I'm not worried about the swim, it was decidely okay to miss.....but lets not make a habit of this, I told my self. 

That afternoon I had dropped by bike off at the shop for a tune up, a freehub converter, and new cassette and chain to be put on my race wheels...and installed.  About an hour after I dropped it off, they called and said it was ready.  So after school, I picked J up and we went to get it.  Of course, she found some things in the Tri-Shop that she wanted....including an aero helmet for her "princess bike" and a pink carbon water bottle holder.  Helmet priced at $170 and the cage was $49.  LOL....she's already got "triathlete tastes".

C'mon daddy....I really want it.

Saturday morning, was up at 5:30am and ran 6 miles.  We had a lot going on and scheduled for the day....especially in the morning, so I wanted to get my run in.  Now THAT, I can't miss.  Running has been lacking in my plan as I'm focused on the bike...and the 112 mile sufferfest awaiting me.  I've done a marathon before (albeit very slow) so I know what it takes to get thru that.

On saturday night, I got everything prepared for Sunday's 4am alarm and 4:30am start time on the trainer.  Nutrition laid out, cages filled, extra water, clothes laid out for bike and run, shoes, headphones plugged in, Amazon Prime pulled up on the comuter and ready to hit play.  Start off with no stress or "looking for stuff" and it eliminates excuses.

 

The  ride was uneventful really, but the new components were great.  Could feel a hug difference in shifting and ease of peddling.  I got thru 5 episodes of Jericho, which was another recommendation.  Missed it the first time around on TV.  I ended up doing 3:40 on the bike....what I projected around 65 miles).

Then the run.....was planning on doing 10 miles and really felt good during the run.  I ended up with 6 miles and had some good times on the runs (9:45, 10, 10:18)......but the weather was Out Of Control.  A brisk northly wind that was whipping around.....like to the point of no matter how I was running, it was hitting me.  The temp was in the upper 30's and the winds were in the 30mph range....and that was sustained.  It was gusting up to 35-40mph.  I truly could have done more on the run, but was so miserable, that I stopped.

All in all....great weekend!!!!!

Purple Powerade = green poop

Catchy, but true, title.  I promise....that will be the last time in this post, that I refer to my poo.


Rode 3:00 last night on the bike.  Watched Serenity last night to complete the Firefly/Serenity series that I got engrossed in.  It would have been okay as a stand alone movie.....but coupled with the Firefly series, it was pretty damn awesome.  It really made the time fly by.

Thanks for the suggestions as what to watch next.  I have a 4 hour ride on Sunday.  Imma need something to keep me engrossed or I'll get bored and then quit.  No quitting!

This morning I was going to swim.  Up at 4:30, gym by 5:05, swim to 5:45, home by 6.  Great plan, right??!?!  Well....didn't get to bed/sleep until 12:15.  For those quick in math, you know that's 4:15 of sleep.  Not really condusive to recovery and good for the body.  So....I will try to sneek it in tonight after our regular Friday Night Family Movie Night.....which will actually be "Grimm" night as we have 2 of them recorded and the 7 year old LOVES it.  I know......what great parents, letting a small child watch Grimm.....meh.

Tomorrow is a 6 mile run, which....believe it or not....I'm actually looking forward to.  It's supposed to be 'chilly'....(in the 40's)....which isn't half bad for a run.

I'm boring...or blah....or both

I rode 2:35 last night....so about 42 miles.  I got bored on the bike.  I'm done with Firefly and didn't know what to start next so I just quit.  I really want to get out on the road, but I have no time during the week.  The past few weekends have either had family in town (and a small hangover) or the weather has been crappy.

5 mile run tonight and a 2100m swim (or about 37 minutes).  It's hard to keep count on the longer distances so I just swim for time.  I try to keep track, I really do....but my ADD kicks in and I end up singing songs, thinking about whatever.....

Enjoy a picture of my resemblance to Johnny "Football" Manziel.

Tailgating, Beer, Drunks, Running, Biking

Not necessarly in that order....

On Saturday morning, I was up and at'em at 5:30. I did 5.5 mile run (was supposed to do between 6 and 8) but wasn't feeling it. I've gotten that way lately and it's shown on the training volume. Yesterday was 60 mile ride but managed to do 25 because I didn't start until around 9pm and, frankly didn't want to do it at all. Since this is a new week, I'll hit it strong tonight with a 2000m swim.

Before I get into Saturdays festivities.....my totals for the month are:

Bike - 188.5 miles
Run - 16.82 miles
Swim - 9300m

So....Saturday.

We loaded up everything for the festivities and got to our area aroun 9:15am.  As the parade didn't start until 11am, we had plenty of time to hang, chill, eat, start drinking, and have fun.  There were an esitamed 110k people out for the parade and with temps in the mid-70's it was damn near perfect.

We had some friends meet us out there too.....and they brought A LOT of champaign. I figure that I had close to a whole bottle based on how I was feeling by the end of the parade.  All in all we had a blast.

Post Parade.....yup....

Floats

Floats and throwing beads

Seriously....already doing 'duck face'???

Cutiest family ever

So...my SIL and I were in a grocery store on Friday night and we walked passed a disply of Shiner beer.  Attached to this display was an awesome tin sign that would look perfect in my office.  So....we find a manager and he's like "I can't give it to you but maybe the manager can.  He's not here so you'll have to come back tomorrow".  I turn my charm on and was like "c'mon make an executive decision" and "no one will know".  He was stedfast....can't do it.

So....on Saturday, after the parade, I return to this grocery store.  I walk in, walk to the display, take the sign, walk out and put it in my car.  It was straight up Oceans 11 style operations. 

Gave up, then I didn't

Last night was a 2:15 ride on the trainer.  It was supposed to be 3:00.....but again with a late start and some boredom, some saddle soreness, and being tired (partly lazy).  It was a good ride for the time I was on. 

My safety manager at work texted me the other day and had car trouble, so the past few days, I've picked him up and brought him to work.  Not a problem since he lives one neighborhood over.  Yesterday, I mentioned that I was going to go get my swim in around 5:30.  He asked if he could get a ride to work then and he would work out in the company gym.  Not a problem.  So....I pick him up and drop him off.  As I pull up to the gym, turn off the truck, get out, and head in I realize that I don't have my towel and goggles.  The plan was to swim, go home, eat, shower, and come to work.  So I had to drive home, get all my stuff to shower/change at the gym, grab food, make coffee, then head back to the gym.

As I was almost home, I almost gave up and said screw it, I'll skip today.  As I make the turn to the house, I see a shooting star.  I took that as a sign and HTFU.  Got my stuff and headed to the pool.

You traveled very far
You traveled far, like a star

 

- 'Drown' by The Smashing Pumpkins

 

 



Got in 1900m in 33:57.  Not too shabby.  I need to be consistent and hit around 1:45 per 100.  That's the plan for the IM.  If I can hit that mark, it'll be a mental victory and set me up for the day.

Tonight is FMN.  With family in town the niece and nephew wanted to watch 'Wreck It Ralph'.  Even though we watched it last week, J said she'd watch it again.  So....it is.  It was a good flick, so I don't mind watching it again....maybe even doze off and not feel bad. 

Tomorrow is a 6 - 8 mile run then headed down to Greenville Ave. for the HUGE Dallas St. Paddy's day parade.  100k people, beers, breif nudity, ect.  (well...that's how it was in my single days).  Now, we go down and set up in a parking lot (we have VIP parking becuase the parade route goes right thru where Annie works and her company owns half of the land in the area) and we 'tailgate' family style.  I'm bringing an electric griddle to cook bacon, eggs, sausage, and pancakes.  Nom, Nom, Nom!  Mimosa's may be served, but that's as wild as it gets now.

Another sick kid. :(

On Monday, after school, J was complaining about 'not feeling good'....which she always does until she finds out what's for dinner.  If she likes it, she perks up....if not, well then she's 'sick' and only nuggets or soup or tuna or hot dogs will help.  Well....she actually had a fever and passed out on the couch right when she walked in the door.  Gave her Tylenol and put her in bed and she slept the whole night.  Yesterday morning, her fever was low grade (99.4) so I gave her more Tylenol and we got ready for school.  I sent a "FYI" text to my boss to let him know.  Well....guess who I got a call from at 10:45????  Yup....she's got a 102 and she's complaining of a sore throat.  So, I go pick her up and bring her to my on-site clinic at work and she had a 'weak positive' for strep.  Amoxicillian 'script and rest is what the PA said.....so that's what we did.

Since I had to leave early, once Annie got home and we finsihed dinner, I had to finish up work stuff from home and run two errands for Annie since she'd be at home all day tomorrow....putting me back at home at 8:30-ish and on the trainer at 8:45.  I was supposed to do 2:15 on the bike but did 1:45.

Today was supposed to be a swim at lunch (which I had just typed out "Today I'm swimming at lunch", but deleted that as when I typed it, I realized that my workout bag is where I left it at home)......and tonight is a 4 mile run.  Depending on timing, I may get both in.  If I have to choose, I'll do the run as I'm still working out some soreness from Monday's swim.

I've been looking so long at these pictures of you

Pictures being the operative word in the title....

Yesterday was bike fit day (if you haven't been playing along at home) and it was "put the new components on the wheel and bike" day too.  However, the wheel that I have isn't compatable with the cassette that I bought.  So.....again, for those keeping score, I've messed up.  Luckily, there is a part that can be ordered to convert the freebub where the cassette goes so it'll be all good.

The bike fit.....wow.  There were so many adjustments made to my bike, that I feel like I'm on a new bike all together.  In fact, the guy that was doing the fit commented that he didn't know how I had completed a HIM on the bike and/or haven't had any injury associated with riding.  I have pics from the before/after of the bike fit, but they have not been e-mailed yet.  If I get them today, I'll add at the bottom.

I also got a new saddle on the ride too......so that should help with the "taint" pain and tenderness.  The guy told me to keep the saddle in good condition and give it a few weeks....and if it didn't help out, to come back and they'd swap it out too!

I took my before pic for the JFord Abs challenge.  I look a lot fatter in the picture, than what I see when I just look in the mirror.  Something to keep me motivated, I guess.



So....lessons learned from me:

1)  When you get a bike, pay the extra money and get a professional fit.  It will help

2)  When you upgrade your bike, bring your bike to a professional, tell said professional what you want and say "this is what I want to spend, this is my goal....aaaaannnndddddd GO"

Those tips are free of charge.....

Before

After

Notice how far I moved up on the bike (stare at my butt, compated to the cutout in the wall).  Also bumped the seat up a bit and moved the aerobars in closer, moved them down and widened the pads.  Some adjustments were made on my cleats too. 

So....how are things???

You know that awakward time when you run into an ex....unexpectedly....and that's the only thing that can come out of your mouth.....  Well...that's how this blog is.  It's like the ex that I ran into and didn't know what to say.

I'm over my sickness (HELL YEAH!) and so is the entire family.  Now....let's keep it that way.

I've run outside on Saturday (3 miles), Ran on Monday on treadmill (30 minutes) and did a trainer ride for 45 minutes last night.  I lost a shit ton of fitness over my sick-period (is that like Monet's 'blue period'???) so I'm trying to get back into the swing of things without going over board to risk injury.  I've reworked the training plan....again....but am still on pace to finish strong with the plan and (hopefully) kick some ass at the IM.  My goal for the IM is to finish and have fun.  It's going to be hard, but probably not as hard as I'm picturing it.  Like with anything....we tend to overthink what something's going to be like but it's usually not as bad.

Here are my "video blogs" from my treadmill (which I hate) and from the trainer (which I don't hate AS much but it still sucks).  I think that I dislike them partly because of my fitness level and only being able to either go slow or not as long as I want/wish I could.

The treadmill video was sent to, and directed toward JFord, a triathlete and douche.....

Click Here -----> NOTHING BUT CRAP  to view James's Blog.

Trainer Ride......

Dreaded Treadmill

Ever got "horse foot"?

Can't say I did much of anything.  Got lazy, got lazy....and got a little more lazy.

Started off this week pretty well.  Yesterday I did a 3 mile run.  Realized that my watch never started so I'm not sure of the time (it's my same 3 mile route, so I'm sure of the distance).  Not concerned now with time, as mentioned, but more mileage than anything.

Also....yesterday, I took J to riding lessons.  I never wear flippy-floppys there but decided to anyway.  Guess what stepped on my foot?  Not J....Not a dog....yup....a 1200lb horse.  Luckily, it wasn't hard, nothings broken, and there is just a contusion and some cuts on my foot.  Ahhh.....good times.  I can move my foot and toes without any pain and the only pain is from the small swelling.  Spent the rest of the day yesterday with ice on my foot.

This morning I did about 7 miles on the bike (damn snooze button).  Felt good.  Just need to get up earlier so I can put more time on the bike.

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Weekend off....

Rode around 40 minutes this morning and right at 8 miles.  Not really focused on the mileage (or minutes per mile).  Felt good to attack some hills, which I lothe, but I know that it'll make me a stronger rider.

I am "throwing" a party tonight for the family in honor of the opening ceremony of the Olympics.  Team USA shirts, appitizers, some of my old race medals.....should be a good time.  Then, we are heading down to Georgetown, TX to help my BIL and SIL move into their new house.  Won't be doing any running or biking (but lots of lifting!).

Weekly totals

Swim - 0m (decided to focus on the R/B)
Run: 8.5 miles
Bike: 12 miles

(not bad totals considering I'm skipping 2 days)

Last Night and Skipping

Decided on logging 2.5 miles last night....instead of doing all 4 or skipping it all together.  Also watched a a documentry on Fred Ludow (who started the NYC Marathon).  First entry fee was $1.

Skipped the swim this morning....in fact, going to take it off the schedule until after the first of the year.  It's my fall-back workout whenever I don't feel like biking or running.  I need as much road time and saddle time as I can get.

Tomorrow is hill repeats on the bike.  Going to do the loop in the 'hood.  Slightly boring but great workout.

Broke out the Bike

Tires pumped - check
Computer working - check
Brakes, durailer, chain - check, check, check....

Ran 2 miles this morning, jumped on the bike for 4 miles of hill repeats, then ran another half mile.  Shortest. Duathlon. Ever.  :)

Felt good to be on the bike......only 108 more miles to go.