catching up after weeks 2-3

The theme for this portion of my training: "absence makes the heart grow fonder."

The last two weeks have been focused on following my TriDot training schedule in an attempt to complete all workouts as written. I am 90% there...one thing no one tells you when you take on this challenge is how much time it takes away from you. It is extremely difficult to find the time to run for 2+ hours on a Wednesday and follow it up with a 6+ hour workout on Saturday morning. Does life get in the way of training, or does training get in the way of life? Both?

I was able to take some time away (4 days) from my bike, running shoes and goggles to make a trip to Lake Tahoe for some skiing with good friends from college. If you ski the way I ski, it is a workout in and of itself. Unfortunately, skiing with friends from college is also an exercise in sleep deprivation and liver function. For example:



"Bert" taking in 4oz of hydration off of a ski.

 

Tahoe was beautiful and a nice break from work and training.

nice red jacket...thanks Thomas

Needless to say, the time away made me miss my wife and my training. I find that I work harder on all aspects of my life after a brief sabbatical--its refreshing.

I am happy to report that I increased all of my tridots by several points during the assessment that I took right before vacation.

• Initial swim tridot: 37
• New swim tridot: 41
• Initial bike tridot: 36
• New bike tridot: 43
• Initial run tridot: 44
• New run tridot: 46

Basically, this marks improvement in each discipline which translates to harder (but still smarter)workouts ahead. Lower pace thresholds for each discipline, etc.

Another bit of news that I am excited about is the recent opportunity to apply for the Ironman Foundation - Newton Ambassador Triathlon Team. http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/02/ironman-foundation-newton-running-ambassador-triathlon-team.aspx#axzz2LvIOAvB9 I completed and submitted my application today to join this team for the 2013 race season...this is a huge opportunity, not just to be a part of Ironman and Newton's work with athletes, but to spread the word about triathlon in my community by telling my story. The mission of this race team is "to take on the challenge of transforming the sport of triathlon from a self-centered endeavor to one that benefits others as a member of a team of like-minded people. Team members can expect to touch the lives of others as they participate in the selfless act of serving others." Isn't that what we should always strive to do in our daily lives? What better way to accomplish this than by doing it through something that I am passionate about and truly enjoy doing. Just another part of my journey...

My race season has not changed thus far: IMTX 70.3- April 7, Kemah-April 28, IMTX 140.6- May 18, and I am contemplating doing several others, but have not committed just yet. Houston Oaks and Oilman Texas look interesting. Will reevaluate after IMTX in May.

Whatever you are training for or whatever goals you have set for 2013, keep working hard:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." -Colossians 3:23

Week 1 of 14 complete.

Just finished the first week of a 14 week journey to Ironman Texas and have to say that all of the endorphins you get from setting the goal, signing up for the race and preparing for the first training session quickly ended after that first splash into the water for the Monday swim. It's at this point that the reality of what you have committed yourself to begins to slowly, painfully, set in. Not that week 1 was terribly difficult or pushed any limits, just knowing how big of a monster this race is and the time and physical commitments it is going to take from you.

Weekly Total Training: 10hrs 45min
Swim time: 2:35
Run time: 4:30
Bike time: 3:40

My bike time was limited by a couple of unfortunate events and should have been 2hrs longer. Had dehydration issues in the Houston Oaks race (100% my fault) and was part of a pretty nasty crash in which a rider (praying for John) was hospitalized after hitting my back tire and crashing. Lessons learned: don't have beer and Mexican food before a road race (emphasis on the beer) and don't ride in large drafting groups ever again.

On a more positive note, I benefited greatly from the bike fitting I did at Tad Hughes Custom Studio (http://www.tadhughescustom.com/). Stop reading and go there now. Not only do I feel much more aerodynamic, but there is an efficiency that I have never felt before. Better use of my quads and hips, and less pressure on my saddle and shoulders...I would highly recommend anyone who feels uncomfortable on the bike to make an appointment with Tad. Whether you have the MS150 coming up, you are training for triathlon season or you just generally hurt after riding through the neighborhood, Tad can fix you up properly! Note the difference below:

Also happy to report that I received nutritional sponsorships from Feed the Machine (http://www.feedthemachine.com/) and IgY Nutrition (http://www.igynutrition.com/) last week. Not a huge deal, but I am getting great nutritional products at very deep discounts. One lesson I have learned in this sport, nutrition is the 4th leg of the race and can extend or end your day on the course. I will make sure to post recommended products that I utilize, but I can tell you that FTM sells certain Hammer products, Nuun hydration and many other race day products that I truly believe in and have used extensively. IgY makes recovery proteins that keep you from diminishing muscle mass from extended periods of high physical activity. Check them out!

So many exciting things going on right now and I have never been happier/healthier in my entire life. We are given certain tools to accomplish goals for God on this earth, but sometimes those tools are not being used properly and must be fine-tuned. Spend time in prayer and scripture to make sure you are being the most efficient you can be in your life. What a difference it makes when you get tuned up!

Work hard this week.

Kelly