Disclaimer: This blog is a documentation of my now second Ironman Journey for AZ Ironman 2013. I’m doing this race for a former patient, Sunny, who recently passed away this summer from a brain tumor. I hope that I can honor her well as I take her on my journey. Format will be random, i.e. quick journal format, random thoughts, motivational quotes, pictures of random moments and memories along my journey. For the most part, it’s documentation for me and may not be to exciting for anyone else to read, but for those of you brave enough to ever wonder…could I do an Ironman or even just a triathlon? I then offer you a firsthand account of what goes on in the mind of an Ironman age group triathlete including all the highs, lows, emotions, fears, rants, etc, etc. Please forgive any spelling mistakes as I’m sure I am just happy to get everything written down, just chalk it up to fatigue from lots of training!
Current Stats Overall
(This Week):
SWIM: ~183, 262 Yds
(7150 yds)
BIKE: ~ 1424.35
Miles (118.79 Miles)
RUN: ~ 411.54
Miles (23.93 Miles
Strength: ~ 24:55 hr/min
Other
~ 11:50 hr/min (PT, Stretch, etc. )
Total Training Hours: 305:42 hours/minutes
(16:41 hr/min)
So I’m happy to report that my
training week went MUCH better. My
radiating pain seemed to have resolved for now…knock on wood. I felt stronger
then I have. Maybe I was just so darn happy that I had some relief from all the
back and leg pain that everything felt better.
Monday I headed to the pool and was very careful at the swim. I did feel
somewhat crappy during work. Not happy that I’m downing Ibprofen like it’s
candy. But it helps for now. I was able
to get in my 1800 yds with no back pain or radiating pain (Yeah!!) I then headed home and got in my 1:30 hr/min ride, finishing up around 9 PM and felt
good!!! ( happy dance!). Had dinner at 9:30 pm. Mondays are by far my longest
day of the week. But I think it helps mentally when I know the rest of the
nights I don’t have to do as much. Bike
was strong on trainer. Still a bit nervous that I don’t know my actually pace
out on the road, but I will have that true test next week for Soma.
Tuesday I was out of work and home on
time. I did my PT stretches before and After my run. I had a good talk with my brother, and with
my niece on Facetime back in MI which was nice to chat with her. I still HATE this new 7.0 for the Iphone, And my computer is acting up, so a new one
may be in my future. I then headed out
with my “reflecting gear” and did my run. It was more of an interval time. I
had to warmup run for 2 miles, then run for 3 x 15 min at a faster pace. I
ended up doing 7.65 miles. And I felt good. Again I ended in the dark, but it
was so nice, the air was cool, and I had a beautiful moon to look at. Which
makes me wonder if we will have a full moon on Race weekend, that will be nice if it happens. J
Wednesday was another swim, I got in
3300 yds. But spent most of it again using the pull buoy as to not have any opportunity
to aggravate anything in my back/right hip. I actually swam it in one of my
fastest times. So this could be a good predictor of my race time. But I’m not
going to jinx it, so I’m not spilling my time. J I either have a good
training buddy who knew I needed protein, or I have a unique cheerleader from a
new swim buddy, as I found Beef Jerky on my windshield with a new “nickname”
for me. I also had a surprise when I got home: My Team FC Tri Race Kit had arrived. I’ll see
how it works when I test it out this weekend.
Thursday ….was an unplanned rest day,
as I woke with one of my killer Migraines, nausea and all which prevented me
from making it into work. I slept most of it off by noon. But still felt just a bit
“off” for the rest of the day, so I didn't dare attempt my long run. So I used
this day that was left to clean my house, relax, watch a movie, take a second
“nap”, and some additional reading for my mental training, and nutrition. And because it was so cold, I ended up
starting up my fireplace. Finally, first time I really got to use it since
moving into this new place. Was kind of nice, the dogs were happy that I was
around more. But they seem to be nervous when I’m sleeping during the day, and
have to check up on me to make sure I’m still alive. Ever since my “15 hour
nap”, they have been doing that. Apparently Kahlua was having a bad morning also. As I was sleeping, he apparently rolled and fell of the bed! I heard all this noise, and a thump, then I looked over and saw this. He sat there for so long, I had time to snap a photo. LOL
Friday arrived and was a bit warmer.
I ended up getting out of work a bit later than planned. I changed into my
running clothes and headed over to Iron King Trail with my headlamp and cold
gear ready to go. I had to run 2:20 at a specified pace. I managed 11 miles. I
was sore by the time I was done, but not horrible. It’s also my longest run to
date. So next week for Soma will be longest again with13 miles for my race. I then jetted quickly off to meet up with
some friends for a birthday celebration. I saw my Ironman Friend Dave and his
wife waiting to get seated and said hi real quick. Once I found the gang, I
enjoyed my “recovery drink” as soon as I walked in the door. And of course devoured
my burger and sweet potato fries immediately when they arrived at the
table. Once home, I was pretty much
asleep within an hour. I was tired, and
needed rest for tomorrows long day.
Saturday was the KONA IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS . Yes it’s in CAPS. But that is how much I love watching this race. It’s the reason I got into Ironman. I figured if they are crazy enough to do this, Then I can too. I long ago learned that when someone tells me I can’t do it, I’m just more determined to prove them wrong. Not so much out of the fact that I want to gloat about it. But more so a personal feat. I want to prove to myself that I can do something that seems impossible. And if along the way I inspire others, then more power to them. I also want to make sure that I never regret anything I do in my life. Something’s may hurt me, some things my crush me heart and soul, or hurt me physically and make it a challenge. But somewhere, I like to think I can find that spirit to persevere. I’m learning to embrace that I most likely will always be doing anything I do in my life alone. But at least I’m not giving up and waiting for my life to happen. At least I know that I will have lived a life to the fullest I possibly can.
So today when I woke, I ended up on
my trainer for the first three hours, because I wanted to watch the start of
Kona, and it was Effing cold!!! My distance is always less on the trainer, and since I’ve been doing most
of my intensity training there, I don’t have necessarily a good idea of my
speed outside. I do know that it seems to be faster.
So Soma, next weekend will
be a good indicator of two things. 1. Is the intensity vs volume training
working for me. 2. Is the elevation change going to be in my favor? I’ll know in Seven days. Once most of the pros were on the bike, I
headed out for the last 2:15 on my bike. I must say that the wind was a bit discouraging;
it was really kicking my butt. But my nutrition for Osmo, seemed to be keeping
me strong. The winds were in the 10 plus
MPH, and the side and head winds totally sucked. But I focused on my cadence
and stayed as best I could in the 90 rpm. Which paid off, As when I compared my
distance from trainer to outside, I was faster outside, even with the wind. So
that made me happy. I was then off on to my 5 mile run around the neighborhood,
and at mile two ran in my Ironman Friend Dave, who showed me a new challenging
trail, through sand and all gradual up hill. It was nice to run with him and
catch up. He’ll be there volunteering at IM AZ so I know where to look for him. I ended up feeling really good for doing a 6
hour workout today. I even had to slow myself down on the run to keep with the
pace my coaches wanted me at. So, my confidence is getting better.
I then relaxed the rest of the night
watching the finish of Ironman. My favorite girl WON!! Rinny won for the women,
and she had a run course record, and a course record. She deserved it!!! There
were a lot of amazing women racing today, but she was the one I wanted to win.
I was so happy for her!!! Funny, I was
so emotional for her and the men’s race. I don’t think anyone can truly
understand the energy and the sweat/tears from training for a race, and that
feeling of crossing the finish line. It’s one of the most amazing feelings in
the world. I’m not sure anything else
comes close.
Sunday I had an easy day , if you
can call a hour swim and two hour bike easy.
It was compared to yesterday’s workout I
suppose. And quite frankly, It didn’t
really feel easy at all. My body was tired. I was up early and on the trainer
by 7:30AM. I declined an outside ride in the 35 ish degree morning temp. My legs were very sluggish, and keeping in
Tempo range was harder then I thought. And I hydrate okay, but not good
nutrition. So by athe time I got to the Y, I was tired. I was supposed to swim an hour,
but ended up stopping at 45 min. I wanted to do more, but I just had no energy,
and I wasn’t focusing on my form like I needed to. So I stopped early. I also was FREEZING. My temp regulation was
off today. I woke cold, Then because I accidently fell asleep with my compression
socks on, I was “ichy” and then I think because I was out in the sun and did my
longest workout to date, I broke out in hives again. Which according to the
doc, I just have to deal with it. So I took my medicine and got to work on the
trainer so I wouldn’t itch. It was gone by the time I was done on my bike, and
got to my swim, but I think that’s also why I was feeling sluggish on the swim.
I haven’t taken that medication in about 6 months, and can make me sleepy. SO I finished my day with a few errands
around town, got some food, and called home. My parents are still on the fence
about coming out. It makes me sad that they may not make it. I really want them
to come see me. But with my dad back in PT, I’m afraid he can’t handle sitting/standing
or driving that distance. And since my mom won’t fly….. I did however offer up
an option to come by train, so they could relax and not have to worry about
either. Fingers crossed. I guess if
they don’t make it. Then I’m going to make sure they come to Boulder next Aug.
And we can celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary. Amazing role models in my parents, I’m honored God picked me to be their
daughter.
So this week…I’m so happy that this
week I have been able to get back on track. I won’t lie, I was really concerned
after last week. Mentally I was going
downhill. I feel more confident with this weeks workout. My longest week of
training to day. This time on my last
Ironman, I bonked and burned out hard. I ended up taking a week off of
training. I went to work, I came home, I slept, I hibernated, I forgot all
things Ironman, except my Mental Training book. Which I’m reading again for
good measure. I also as previously
mentioned, nervous about this intensity training vs. volume. I’m feeling the
benefits. But I’m still nervous. I also have to realize that I had a major
setback in June and was not running, period.
If I was still at the pace I was before I got hurt, I’d be doing my
fastest ever with running. But I can’t dwell on that. My number one goal…arrive
to the race healthy. The rest is there
and it will come.
I want to thank the few of you who
have been reading my posts (you know who you are) and offering encouragement. It has really helped me these
last few weeks. It feels like a very lonely endeavor at times as I have no one close
to really share it with, but it helps knowing that someone is paying attention
and caring for how I’m doing. So thank you, I appreciate your support.
Next up for Week 15? Soma Half Ironman on Sunday. Getting to meet a few of my FC Racing Teammates. Testing out all my training to see if this intensity is working and working on any final prep things that I need for IMAZ!!!
When you feel like
you CAN'T go any
further, just know
that the strength
which carried you
this far will take you
the rest of the way
No comments:
Post a Comment