**Invalid Password???***

What tha shit??!?!?

I guess that's what happens when you don't log in for well over a year.  We all have our "go to" passwords that we use.  Mine rotate through 3-4 different ones with numbers and/or symbols.  To log in today I had to think back 1.5 years ago.  "BradLovesOneDirection14". What.....They were really popular in 2013....

So.....a lot has happened in the past year-ish.  2014 wasn't that big of a year.  The last half of the year, around the end of July was when it all changed for the better.  I got more serious in training and actually started more of a routine.  I was still spastic on the consistency and it wasn't beneficial, for my 2015 Ironman Goal.  In January, I buckled down a lot.  Eating, working out, focus, signing up for races.....I had to do something.  I've toned up and slimed down a lot in the past 4 months.  I've raced a sprint Tri and a 13.1 so far with a 10k next weekend.  These 2 races crushed my 2014 race total, since I did a total of 1 race last year.

I had planned on doing Redman Full with JFord but received a phone call  2 weeks ago from him.  He, unfortunately had to back out of the race, for a good reason (not because of was skurred).  I have made the decision to do it anyway.  I started IM training on Monday.  Full on, I-actually-have-a-plan-to-follow training.  With the help of my past experience, other people's experiences, a recommended book, luck, and motivation from everyone, I'll do A LOT better than my first IM.

I'll commit to you all to blog more.  Probably once to twice a week, usually on Mondays to do recaps, training totals, comiserate with others, brag, get humbled, laugh, cry, laugh while crying.....whatever.

While I haven't been on here, I have kept up with some of y'all via Blogs, IG, etc and even a chance meeting in person.  Some of you knew I was there.  Other times I was like the guy in aviator shades, a members only jacket, rolling around in a windowless van.   Straight Creepin' on ya.

So.....I hope to see you all around.  I'll be around.  Just training, doing the dad thing, keeping my head above water......the usual

Challenge......ACCEPTED

***Title said in my best Barney Stinson voice....be sure and pause an inordinate amount of time between words***

Challenges have been a part of history as much as anything else....

Christopher Columbus - challenged to be the first to discover new lands

Burr/Hamilton Duel - A fight to the death

JFord and Brads 2015 Redman Challenge...

All have been historical in nature and all will be talked about for years.

I am a little upset that I am the challengee....and not the challenger.  As an only child, I need to be the challenger.  But since I'm not, I'll need to make up for it with smack talk and subsequent excuses.

Lets back up a little bit.  I "met" James - Click here for his blog - and follow him -  on Beginnertriathlete.com a little over a year ago.  We mentored a group of true beginners together and both could commiserate, motivate, and lean on each other as we were both going through Ironman training at the same time.  As y'all know, I did IMTX in May and JFord did Redman in September.  The difference in IMTX and Redman is very slight.  They are both "140.6" distances and a side from that, there isn't much of a difference.  However....to hear me talk about it....Redman is A LOT easier for 2 main factors.  One...it's not an Ironman race and Two...it's not in Texas.  That right there makes it a ton easier.

So....when JFord crossed the finish line (and beat my time)....I sent him texts and FB posts congratulating him but he also received the "but it's not a real race" texts and posts as well.

Well....he's upped the ante and challenged me to Redman 2015.  Mano y Mano....same course, same date, same race, same start time......this will define who the better triathlete is.....and crown the best of all time. 

When I told my wife about this, she said "I thought you weren't doing another Ironman?"  To which I said "but I was challenged".  She just shook her head.  Pffft.....she don't get it....wimm-in....pssh.

Now....where are my shoes?  Are cobwebs normal on a bike?  These Reese's PB Cups look amazing....

EnduroPacks - 30 Day Review

If you recall from my post about 30 days ago, I was selected to be a Brand Ambassador for EnduroPacks, which is a new sports nutrition company for endurance athletes....which focuses on recovery.

I have to say that as a previous 'non-believer' in any supplements other than my daily multi and Gu/Calories on my runs and rides, EnduroPacks made me a believer.

Haven gotten the first shipment in around 20 days out from my half marathon....which was horrible and a race that I would LOVE to forget....I started taking the supplements as directed.  After the first week of taking them, I had a long run of 9 miles and my family and I went to the State Fair of Texas for a day of walking.  I figured I walked around 4 miles that day.  The next morning, I had a slight case of "heavy legs" but I had no noticeable soreness.  None, zip, zilch.  Pre-EnduroPacks I know that I would have had some soreness related to a 13 mile day but had none.

Post "horrible race" (as we'll now refer to it, going forward) I was not sore either....and actually began looking for a redemption race the next day.  The morning after a bad race or a race where it didn't come together, you normally wake up sore, wallow in your pity, and never want to see your shoes again.  While I did throw a pity party, I did so without the lactic acid funny walk.  (haha).  No soreness, no tenderness, nothing.  I was amazed and had actually told my wife that I had planned on skipping a neighbors party...but decided to go because I was refreshed.

I continued taking the supplements and using the electrolyte spray in bottles of water....sometimes on my off days just trying to get "topped off" for the next days activities....and have gotten to the end of the pack and can't wait for the next shipment to arrive.

While I still haven't picked a redemption race yet.....due to external factors....I am glad to know that I have supplements to get me to the level that I need to be.


Goal for 2013 'redemption race'......Sub-2 hour 13.1

Dipping in the mustard and can't Ketchup

So it's been a few weeks, huh?

Lets recap....

Breaking Bad ended - WOW!!!!
My Daughter turned 1 - Double WOW!!!
I went fishing in Idaho for 4 days - Boom!
I was picked to be a brand ambassador for EnduroPacks - Boo-Yah!
I ran the worst 13.1 that I ever have....ever.... - Major SUCK.

Breaking Bad Finale

I'll leave it at WOW....just in case any of my readers aren't caught up or want to watch the series

Reese Turns 1

We had her birthday party on 10/6 when we had everyone in town for our annual State Fair of Texas gathering.  Reese had such a blast.  It was great to have loving family in town and neighbors come over to hang and celebrate her birthday.  She was the most hugged and loved on person ever.

Fishing the Snake and Salmon River

I could dedicate 3 posts to this alone....but the words and the pics wouldn't do it justice.  I was asked by my boss to go on a 4 day fishing trip (paid for by a vendor) to Lewiston, ID where we ate, drank, and fished.  The scenery was spectacular, the accommodations were great, and the fishing was something that I had never experienced on that level.  8 - 18 lb fish fighting and tugging, reeling and fighting taking over 10 minutes from setting the hook to getting it into the boat.  I caught several fish (Steelhead Trout and some salmon). 

 

Worst. Race. Ever.

So....anything you read here is partly an excuse but partly justification (make sense)......

I had been pretty spastic in my training the three weeks leading up to the race.  And the last week was the fishing trip so I missed some volume runs and had a little too much fun eating and drinking as well....and lack of sleep too.

Race morning it was 75 degrees with 90% humidity and it stayed around that for the race.  After about the first 3 miles, I knew it wasn't going to be fun anymore.  I started fading and walking....and walking more....then around mile 11, it was cramps.  I rarely get cramps, but wow....they suck.  I finished in 2:41 (which was 30 minutes SLOWER than my slowest time.  I have a new PR in the "what's your worst race" category).  The course was pretty hilly too, which I don't train much on.  If I go right out of my neighborhood, I get hills....if I go left, it's pretty flat.  I normally go left.  Guess I should go right more.

The race itself was great.  Average Joe Racing puts on a hell of a race.  Great support, great volunteers, lots of schwag, lots of information leading up to the race....and at a very cheap price.  If you're in the Dallas area and looking for a well run race....check them out.

My splits were:

1 - 10:03
2 - 10:33
3 - 10:34
4 - 11:07
5 - 11:49
6 - 12:55
7 - 12:08
8 - 12:54
9 - 13:29
10 - 14:29
11 - 13:50
12 - 13:55
13 - 12:40

Uggh....just typing those out made me vomit a bit in my mouth.  I need a redemption race and one that doesn't conflict with major holidays, birthdays, fishing trips and anything else.  HAHA.

EnduroPacks - First Impressions

As some of you know, I was selected to be a one month trial participant for EnduroPacks, which is a start up nutrition company for endurance athletes, focused on recovery.  That's a challenge for a lot of us, especially me, so when I saw they were asking for Brand Ambassadors, I jumped at the chance.  They are still accepting applications, so if any of my followers....or followers of my followers want to apply, you can go to their website and check them out and apply.

ENDUROPACKS WEBSITE

 



When I arrived home on Friday, there was a nice little treat waiting for me.....my Enduropacks shipment.  I opened it immediately waiting to see the goodness that a little white box held for me.  This was perfect timing as I had my longest run since IMTX on the books for Saturday.  The box was packed perfectly and the only glass bottle in there was the liquidmulti but it was wrapped in bubble wrap securely.  The first thing I did was, obviously, pop all of the bubbles.  That's a hard and fast rule.....if there is bubble wrap, it must be popped.

Inside the box was a nice, soft cotton T-shirt, Liquidmulti, electrolyte spray, amino patch, glutamine caps, and an instruction card.

see...no bubble wrap

As I was excited to get started, I put on the t-shirt and ran around the house for about 30 seconds, under the watchful eye of a 7 year old and a cat.  Both were confused, but I didn't care.

I put all of the items on my vanity and waited, somewhat impatiently, for 4:30am so I could get started.

Fast forward to 4:30am.....it go time.

First thing that I took was the Liquidmulti.  The taste wasn't horrible, but it wasn't the best either.  It does have a chalky taste to it, reminiscent of the Flintstone chewable vitamins that we all took as kids.  The instruction card said to take with food, but the only thing I eat, pre-run, is a Gu.  I was worried that I would "taste it" via burps once the Liquidmulti made it's way down, but I did not experience any negative side effects from it.

I got my water bottle and pumped 5 "shots" of the electrolyte spray and set off.  Around mile 2, I took my first drink and was surprised, for two reasons.  One....I didn't think that there would be a taste to the spray and Two....that it wasn't bad at all.  It has a citrusy flavor to it, similar to Nuun or Gu Brew.  It's not overpowering and it's pleasant.

After the run, I was instructed to put an amino patch on.  This is were I had an issue....the instruction card does not specify where to put it.  As it's a transdermal patch, I figured anywhere was as good as any so I put it on my stomach, close to my belly button.  Then, I went on the website and it recommended that it be placed on the inner-arm or the wrist.  Well, poop.  So I took it off and placed it on my wrist.  This was the first lesson in "what not to do".  Once the patch is on, it doesn't want to go back on anywhere else.  I placed it on my wrist, but within a few minutes it was starting to peel off.  I got another patch and stuck it on my wrist and it stayed there for a good 8 hours.  We went to a festival around 4pm and I took it off because it was starting to fold/crease a bit.  It was still on, but I figured 8 hours was good enough.

 

Patch size

 

 

 

Placement of Patch....

 

That night, I took the Glutamine caps about an hour and a half before bed, while I was finishing up the late football games.  I was worried, again, about the "tasting" of the caps so I took it early and if I was feeling it, then I'd be able to drink some milk and/or have a light snack.  The caps are just a little bigger than an Advil Gelcap and very easy to swallow.  I took both at the same time with a small glass of water.  I didn't feel any side effects from it.

The next morning....I woke up...and felt 100%....like I could have gone for another long run.  I had scheduled off on Sunday (and I'm a rule/plan follower) so I only took the Liquidmulti and I took the Glutamine caps at night. 

My first overall impression is a good one.  I'd give it a solid "B".  I would have given it an "A-" for first impressions had the instruction card been a little more clear on the patch placement.  After a week (next Monday), I'll give another review on how the first week with the product went and share my thoughts on that.

I'm super excited to get further into the trial and see this through an entire month (and hopefully more) while I wind down the 13.1 training and ramp up to 26.2 this winter.

Weekend Stuff

Happy Friday Y'all.....

This weekend is supposed to be a busy one, but due to the weather today, it may not be at all.

Tonight is J's volleyball practice and tomorrow she has a game in the mid-afternoon.  After her game, we're supposed to go to the Plano Balloon Festival.  It's an awesome event with a balloon launch, balloon glows, fire works, things for the kids, over-priced sno-cones and festival food, etc.  However....it's held in a park and it's all grass and one HUGE hill that everyone sits on.  Well....it's been raining since about 7:30pm last night.  It's projected to continue raining for most of the day and into early evening.  Rain + grass/hill + 10,000 people = MUD.  So....we may miss that.

I have a 8 mile run to get in at the crack of dawn.  I'm super pumped because the reason we have this rain is a "cold front" pushed down.  It's supposed to be in the low-60s.  Our lows have been in the upper-70's and humid....so this will almost feel chilly.

On Sunday, I'm going to do a 5 miler (recovery at 80%) to get the legs used to the mileage.

The run tomorrow will gauge if I'll be able to sniff a sub-2 in the Showdown Half (www.showdownhalf.com) or if it's just going to be part of the master plan of a marathon.

My boy....JFord....is going doing Redman Full (140.6) on Saturday.  Follow him on FaceBook (Daily Trainings) for live updates done by his wife.  His blog is http://memphishassumthin2say.blogspot.com

I should be receiving my EnduroPacks supply soon (www.enduropacks.com) and will post my initial thoughts on it as soon as I get it.  I cannot wait. 

I visited the Cooper Clinic on Wednesday for my annual physical.  They do a great job checking every crease and crevice (and I mean EVERY crease and crevice).  According to my doc I need to drop about 10-15lbs (duh) and do some additional strength exercises.  She's a former marathon runner....like Top AG'er and overall winner....so she's not just spouting off crap.  She said it's more for performance than it is actually for "health" (although being healthier is a side effect of that).


OK....calling all readers.  I need more followers.  Give me a shout-out, tell people to follow me, beg...do whatever.  I follow a ton of bloggers and some follow me back, but I want followers.  I am a people person.  I have people skills, dammit.......

I will be looking at/doing a give-away for followers in the near future.  I'm in the works now with some companies for discounts and products related to running and tri's.

Y'all come through for a brotha!

Running Randomness

Out for my solitary 4 miler this morning (which sucked butt, btw...more on that later).  When I'm about a mile and a half in, I see something in the grass.  Normally it's a rabbit and will scurry off.  And sometimes they'll run in the direction I'm running....then dart across the sidewalk....then back....then sprint ahead.  I'm all like "I'm not chasin' you lil' bunny fo-fo....just stop" but they don't seem to listen.

Anywho...in the grass.  I see something that appears to be crouched down.  I could tell it wasn't a rabbit and first thought was a bobcat kitten/cub as it was small.  Shortly there after, I got a little nervous as a kitten will have a momma near.  Now....being from the country, I know that if I'm not a little animal/rodent or a chicken....I'm fine.  But still, coming upon a bobcat isn't the most fun thing on a jog.  I did have a quick thought of "well....this can be my interval training".  As I get within 10 yards, it starts across the sidewalk and I hear *click-click-click....* and I realize that I'm coming upon an armadillo.  They're docile and more scared of you....and they are the worlds worst animal at getting across the street.  So....the armadillo realizes that I'm coming up and quickly heads back the other way.

That interaction and the thought of the senseless murders of armadillos every year on Texas streets by out of control cars and truck.....brought me back to a FB post I saw not too long ago.

The Balloon says "Get Well Soon"

Then....with the armadillo being the State Animal of Texas (actually the Nine-Banded Armadillo), I thought of all the cool facts of the armadillo that we were taught in school.


**Armadillos have four babies at a time, always all the same sex. They are perfect quadruplets, the fertilized cell split into quarters, resulting in four identical armadillos.

**Armadillos get an average of 18.5 hours of sleep per day.

**Armadillos can walk underwater.

**Armadillos are the only animal besides humans that can get leprosy.

**When an armadillo is frightened it jumps straight into the air.

**Armadillos can be housebroken.

**Armadillos have a very low need of oxygen. Even when burrowing they can stop breathing for 6 minutes by storing air in the trachea and wide bronchus.

**The name "Armadillo" comes from the Spanish explorers word meaning "Little Armored Thing"


So that was my morning.  Oh....and the run sucked because I ran slow and it was hot (80 degrees) and humid and no wind to cool the body down.  Ran 4.01 in 44:45.  That's absolutely horrible.

Hey There....remember me?

Well....this is awkward.  You know...we have our little fun, say we'll talk and hang out, never really do and then run into each other at the store.....

I feel like there's a lot that's happened, but I can't really think of much.  I'm into 13.1 training now and should be around the 9 mile mark for my long runs, but just completed 7 this past weekend.  I was shooting for a PR of Sub-2 for the race on 10/12 (the Showdown Half) http://www.showdownhalf.com/  but it's looking more like a good jump start to marathon training. 

I volunteered for a sprint tri over the weekend.  Saw some people I know, saw some familiar faces, and got to give back to the sport that's treated me well.

I also found out that I'm a finalist for a Brand Ambassador gig with EnduroPacks.  http://www.enduropacks.com/  I was interviewed over the phone last week and got an e-mail over the weekend that they want to send me a one month trial and have me review it, etc....and if they like my 'social interaction' on the web, I could possibly be a 3-month Ambassador.  Go check them out.  It's a new company.....focused on the recovery aspect of training....which is my nemesis.

Also....JFord is about to embark on an amazing 140.6 journey.  He's doing Redman in OKC this weekend.  You can follow him on FB and via his blog (http://memphishassumthin2say.blogspot.com/)

We have a lot going on these next few weekends.....lots of family things.  This is where we, as amateur athletes, shine.  We have to get our training in and balance the family time too....which if it comes down to it, I pick the family.  But.....I can get my azz outta bed at 4:30a and get it done before anyone even knows I was gone.

I'll be posting more....I'll be looking for new followers.

Spread the word on my blog....and get me some followers people!!!!!

Week in Review

That's a dumb title....I apologize.

Monday - Rest and recover day....posted on here.

Tuesday - Rest  and recover.  Really didn't need it but lied to myself and justified it that way (Did 6 burpees and 60 push-ups and 60 sit-ups_

Wednesday - Thought about swimming and spinning.  Had cable issues and spent well over an hour on the phone with AT&T.  They will hear back from me today.  Ate taco bell.

Thursday - Woo-Hoo.....got up early and ran. 3 miles in the books.  Also did 8 burpees followed by 80 push-ups and 80 sit-ups.  Tonight is an "alumni" reception and Leadership class kick off party.  I was a part of a very cool program hosted by our City last year.....and now I'm an alumni so I get to go rub elbows with important people and drink free beer or two. (but not too many).

Tomorrow I need to either do a brick of (1:15 and 3 miles) or swim/spin.  Normally I do take Friday off, but I've schlepped off a bunch and we are leaving on Saturday morning to drive to Austin of the nephews birthday and "end of summer bash" at the BIL and SIL's.  That means Saturday will be a wash and I'll probably consume beer....because that's kinda my thing....so Sunday morning at their house will be slow going.  Unless I can not drink beer and then hop outta bed at 6a and then run while I'm down there.  Hmmmmm.

So....there's what's happened thus far and what's to happen.

Forgot to mention that we watched the Cowboys game on Sunday.  Here is the lil'est Cowboys Fan....and the damn cutest too......just my opinion, but it's also fact.

 

How could you not want to be a Cowboy fan after seeing that?!?!!!?

McKinney Kiwanis Triathlon - Race Report

For those keeping score at home, this was the race that I got a comp'd entry for....a week before the race....and something that I had not trained for (or trained at all after my Ironman).  This seemed like a good idea, then it didn't, then it did.  I had a few people that said to just rock it and have fun....so that was the plan going in.  When I picked up my schwag on Friday, I saw the entry list.....there were about 100 doing the race.  This got me concerned again, because there was a bigger chance for me to be close to last.......

 

Race Schwag.....not too shabby

Race morning, I was up at 5, loaded up into the car by 5:15....got my 5-hour energy, clif bar, and the Gu Blocks to eat right about 20 minutes before the swim.  Got to the race site, set up transition and then sat around for an hour.  Why, oh why, did I get here so early.  I did run into some folks I know and the mayor was there too....so we chatted. 

Finally....it was time to get in the water.  They were letting people in every 10 seconds and there were already log jams in the water.  I was actually in an okay spot...the guy before me took off and he was pretty quick.  I get in and just start to go.  Took the first 100 pretty easy then noticed that I had a bunch of open water both in front and behind (I didn't want to get caught either).  Snaked the pool and finally got to the end.  Felt slow in the water but finished clean.

Transition was very quick and then off on the bike. 

I know the bike course pretty well, since it went next to and behind my office campus.  The ride was 13.6 miles in lots of country roads.  Some decent short climbs and some good flats to get the speed up to hold it.  Bike was really uneventful.  I got passed about 10 times and passed one.  I was feeling pretty good during and after the bike.

T-2 was a blur....I remember getting it, then the next thing I know, I'm on the run.  Probably fastest transition time for me.

The run started off great.  I didn't have any time on me or my gps watch so I was just running....and running.....I got to the first aid station pretty quick.  I thought "wow....that first mile was a breeze".  Got my drinks, then headed back out.  The run snaked around some neighborhoods and near our downtown area.  However....we started up a pretty long hill and I decided to walk at that point.  I figured I'd already gone 1.25 - 1.5 miles so it wasn't a big deal.  Half way up the hill I see the sign "MILE 1".  WTF??!?!!!??!  Seriously.....Uggghh....  I was a bent spent after that and decided to walk/run the whole rest of the way in.  At that point, I knew that I had done better than I thought I would and was okay with how the day had gone.  Got back around to a slow downhill then hit the finish line.  Time said 1:27:xx.  Very....very pleased with sub 1:30.  However...that was Gun time....I thought to my self "no f'ing way did I do better than that".  Got back into transition and got my phone to text Annie.  Went to results table and saw that I was 3rd in my AG as of right then.  "No F'ing Way" I thought again.....

Sure enough, I was.  I was 3 out of 6 in my AG!!!!!!!  This is my first podium spot in a race that I thought was going to be my worst race. 

 

3rd Place Baby!!!!  (not a great pic of me)

 

My splits were:

Swim: 4:41 - Ranked 10th out of 85
T1: 1:19
Bike: 42:08 - 59 out of 85
T2: 32 seconds
Run: 35:38 - 66 out of 85

(see where my areas of opportunity are????)

All in all....good race, very pleased with how I did, especially having not done anything for 2 months.  I am sore, very sore.....in places that I haven't been in a while.


Big Shout to JFord and Coy......for their pep talks!

Packet Pick up and other things.

I ended up riding on Wednesday night, but did not swim.

I was going to run last night, but at 9p it was still in the upper 90's....so I caught up on sleep.

Tonight....I may ride.  I also go and pick up my packet today.  I'll IG pic the schwag.......

Tomorrow, when the baby goes down for her morning nap, I plan on bricking.

Then Sunday is the sprint.

I'm just going to go balls out for as long as I can.....especially on the bike.  There is zero strategy to this race, no goal, nothing.....just go.

The swim won't be an issue at all.  The bike will come down to how much wind is out and the run....that may be more of a walk/run.

I know I just said that there is no goal for the race (meaning, I'm not trying to improve, hit marks, etc) but here is what I'm thinking will be my times:


Swim: 5:05 (300m)

Bike: 50 minutes (14 miles - 16.5mph)

Run: 41 minutes (3.6 miles - 11:30/mile)

Plus 4 minutes total transitions......

A little over 1:35 finish time.

Realistically, it'll probably be closer to 1:45

Check back on Monday!!!!!!

Pitch Perfect

Instead of working out last night, I ate Taco Bell and then curled up on the couch with my beautiful bride and watched "Pitch Perfect".

Don't judge me.


Tonight......in the immortal words of Roger Creager.....Tonight, we ride again.

800m swim (200m at 1:40, 300m at 1:55, 200m all out, 100m cool)

Then ride/spin for an hour or so.


Thursday I will run

Friday off

Saturday Brick (1 hour holding at 17.5 and 2 mile run)

Sunday Race.

*subject to change*

Free Entry Submitted

Ok...so I did it.  I got confirmation that there was a free entry to be had and I has it.

Filled out the form (for 300m swim time I put 4:45.  I don't know how accurate that is but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)

So I ran 2.3 miles last night.  It was a struggle.

Bike tonight

Run tomorrow

Bike Thursday

Light brick on Saturday morning (45 minutes, 1.5 miles)

Race on Sunday.

The race report probably won't be as long and/or emotional (for me at least) as the IMTX one.

Free Entry?

So...I'm so far off from any semblance of training that it's close to comical.....

However, I found out that my company give money for a triathlon sponsorship to a local charity.  A few weeks ago, my VP of Sales (who's the company contact for the sponsorship....and an Ironman) said that he was going to use the free entry.  I had hoped to use it as a motivator to train more religiously and have a mini-goal.

Well...he's traveling this week and I sent him a text bagging on him saying that I'm going to be there to watch and he'd better go sub-1:30 or I was going to make fun of him.  Well....he forgot that it was this weekend, he's been plagued by injury off and on and isn't going to do the race.

So....I sent an e-mail to the RD and my contact at the charity to see if I could use the free spot....assuming they are giving us one (they have in years past).

300m Swim
14 mile Bike
5k run

It's on Sunday.....and I'm not even in "sprint" shape.  And I have an Ironman tattoo (which will be funny when the 14 year old on a huffy passes me)

I'm thinking to myself that I should just go for it (assuming there is a spot).  I will have ZERO issues with the swim (it a pool swim) and the bike is moderate hills so that probably won't be an issues since it's not very long.....but the run.....that may be a killer.  It's got some hills in it too....

I've never done this course either, so I can't even give a goal time/proximity of how I'd finish.

Should I?????

Remember me?

I posted last week....

Get on the wagon....fall off.  Then repeat.

Ran this weekend.  Completed 5 miles.  Felt Good.

Didn't do anything the rest of the weekend (expect paint an entire kitchen and Master bedroom - I do the rolling and Annie does the trim work.  I'm banned from trim work)

I swam 850m last night straight....and then I did 2 x 50m sprints.  (37 seconds each time)

Tonight I have a Chamber event of a Grand Opening for a new tech center in town...and I also have a "reappointment" interview for my position on the Armed Services Memorial board.  Basically, it's a 'go through the motions interview' since I'm the current Vice Chair and been a member for 2 years.

After that, I'll run 4 miles.

Then...tomorrow....the Fam and I are headed to Hawaiian Falls Water Park.  We went 2 years ago but J was about 2 inches too short for most of the rides.  She is a little daredevil and is PUMPED!!!!! about being able to do it all.

Bike tomorrow night.
Run 5 on Thursday
Short Brick (one hour/2 miles) on Saturday
6 mile run on Sunday.

(The wife and kiddos will be out of town beginning Thursday afternoon....and I already have the Netflix queue filled up.  I need to get my workouts done before settling in or they will not happen)

Who's got two thumbs and is a lazy ass.....

.....This Guy

 

Ok....so there's only one thumb in the pic....it's hard to do a selfie with no hands.

 

 

So, I started off well.  Swimming and running but get lazy again.  I cannot find the motivation to get in consecutive workouts. 

I swam and ran in the beginning of last week....then trailed off and haven't done anything since. 

I had planned on going last night for a run.....but yesterday was a cluster.  Got up early and started painting our bedroom.  I had to leave around noon and drive an hour north to meet the BIL's parents with the kiddos (mine, the niece, and the nephew).  Well....they wanted to eat so we did.  Drove back south an hour to drop off mine, unload her stuff, go potty and then head out for a 1.5 hour drive south to meet up with the BIL to get his kids.  Everything was thrown off, traffic, lateness, and weather....and I didn't get home until LATE.   arrrggghhhh......

Planned vs. Actual schedule for yesterday:

Planned -
Leave house to pick up:  12:15  (left at 12:15)
Pick up:  1:15
Drive back home: 1:30
Arrive home:  2:30
Drop off mine and leave to meet BIL:  3:00
Meet BIL:  4:30
Swap everything out, chat, then leave: 5:00
Arrive home: no later than 6:45

Actual -
Leave house to pick up:  12:15  (left at 12:15)
Pick up:  1:30 pm
Drive back home: 2:30 (cuz we ate)
Arrive home:  3:30
Drop off mine and leave to meet BIL:  4:00
Meet BIL:  6:15 (we both got stuck in traffic)
Swap everything out, chat, then leave: 6:55
Arrive home:  8:45

again.....AAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH


And....if you're a friend on IG....something happened and I cannot access the app through my phone.  It's saying that I've violated the terms of the app (maybe because I'm so hot.....and athletic....and all Ironman-y....and all that).  I've deleted the app, reinstalled.  Nothing.  I've shut my phone down....nothing.  I've wiped my phone and reinstalled everything.....nope.  I've sent IG several e-mails but no return e-mails.  So....i'm not ignoring y'all.....I just can't get on.  :(

I think I'll start again tonight.  Maybe.

600-650m swim?  Maybe.  Maybe not.

It's dreary outside so sleeping may be in order.

600m.....I feel like a newb.

This week, the oldest daughter is in Tulsa, so daddy has about an hour of free time after work.  Yesterday, while at work, I made up a training plan to get me through a 13.1 in mid October....there are a few sprints, a few 13.1s and an OLY in there too.  I may not get to all of those, but the OLY and the "Showdown 13.1" are my goals.

Goal for the OLY is 2:45
Goal for the 13.1 is sub-2

Anywho....training plan is a similar set up to my IM plan.

M - Swim
T - Run
W - Swim, Bike
Th - Run
F - Off
Sat - Long bike (or brick)
Sun - Long Run (or brick if not on Sat).

Being Monday, I had 500m on the plan.....but when I got home I had the 'brilliant' idea to run.  Well, it was 93 degrees and humid but I went out.  I was doing an out and back and went 1.25 then turned around.  I got about half way home and felt dizzy and breathing was spastic.  Stopped under the little shade there was and got under control.  Ran a little more, then walked it in.  Should have eased into that....not balls out after no training.

Got home, ate the new sonic hotdog (pretzel bun, cheese, and bacon).....don't judge...I'm a flippin' Ironman. 

After the wifey went to bed, headed to swim.  I was pumped up....ready for the water.  Got to the pool and no one was there!!!!  Bonus Time!!!!  So I take off.  First 100m was great.  Second 100m was okay.  The final 400m I felt like I was baby giraffe that was thrown into the water......flailing arms, horrible breathing/form, and inconsistent strokes.  But you know....I did it.

Tonight is a 4 mile run which I will not be starting until after 9p.   :)

Hello Siri....what's my name?

I ended up not doing jack-squat on Friday night.  I was lazy.  But you know....I'm an Ironman, so I'm allowed to be, right.

Saturday morning, I had planned on getting up early and running.  That was thwarted by a 8 month old getting up earlier than I wanted to.  So....when she went down for her morning nap, I went out.  Later than normal but still early enough.  It was already getting toasty and humid.  Nutrition and hydration from the night before sucked butt so I was happy to get in 3 without stopping then run/walking the last 1.75 miles. 

On Sunday I just road the trainer and watched two episodes of Archer on Netflix.  Funny as shit.  My daughter left for Tulsa for a week....so, while I'll miss her, I get a little more freedom after work and after 7:30p to get in some working out.  I may even swim....like a legit swim.  *gasp*

Being bored....I was playing with Siri on my new phone.  Asking her questions, testing it out, etc.  I asked her "What's my Name" and she said Brad.  I said "I want you to call me Ironman".  And now she does.  Lulz....   I'm Ironman to my phone. 

MURIKA!

Happy belated 4th Y'all....

Wednesday was "cook out" day here at work.  We cooked fajitas (yes....they let me cook....kinda.  Basically I was out there and then cutting the meat.....but whatevs)

I ate so incredibly much that I did not even eat dinner and, thus, didn't work out.  No prob, I thought, I'll just workout in the morning.

Well....alarm goes off and I turn it off.  I wake up at 8:00 and we have to leave the house around 9 to go to the hometown parade.  So I surprise the kiddo with donuts and when I pulled back in, there was a 5k that was running in front of the house (really random I know.....apparently they changed the route of the race last year).  So we went outside and ate donuts and rang our cowbells for the runners.  Some people were a little too serious for a 5k.  Lighten up people, you weren't going to podium anyway so flippin' have some fun and say "HI" to my 7 year old daughter who's cheering you on.

Parade was fun and after we went to a friends house who was having a party.  I, again, ate too much and thus did not get a workout in.  Planned to get up this morning and swim and/or run because my moms is staying with the kids today so I didn't have to get up to get them ready, etc.....but....alas....that plan fell through and now I'm here.

2 days without working out.  I'm more pissed at myself for being lazy than I am for missing.  Tonight......45 minute trainer ride followed by a 2 mile run.....or maybe just one of those.

Nothing set for the weekend but will do something.  The 7yo is headed to spend the next week with her "grandparents" (my BIL's parents) so that'll give me more free time in the mornings to get up and workout.

Have a great weekend y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why, oh why, did I stop

Struggled to get in 3.25 miles last night.....but you know what.....4 days in a row for me.  Horray!  Just wish I hadn't stopped all together and just taken 2 weeks off.

Remember kids....after your A race.....don't stop. 

A former coworker of mine has been posting, for a while, about working out....eating better....not drinking.....and he posted pics last night for the first time.  HOLY CRAP.....the dude has dropped 80+ pounds in the last 9 months.  This was a big dude (we're talking 300+) but he's had an amazing journey.  He's totally changed his life and lifestyle.  I actually had to read the name on the post before I realized it was him.  I love stories like this......the ones who say "I have to do something" and just make it happen.  So proud of him!!!!

While this technically isn't "MY FRIDAY", it feels like one.  Boss is out of town, we are about to cook for our employees (fajitas and fixin's).....and yes....I said "we".  My safety manager and I are in charge of cooking when the boss is away.  Don't know why this gringo was put in charge of fajitas though.  Maybe I'll recruit and sub-contract my fajita job today.

Tomorrow is the annual hometown parade with the family.  It's always a great time down there.  This will be R's first parade and Annie has gotten outfits planned for that kid....with matching and coordinating bows for all outfits.  Then we're headed to some friends house for a low key gathering....and only low key cuz I gotta work on Friday.

Have a great Holiday y'all.....


MURIKA!